Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

78 Small Animal Radiolo g y and Ultrasono graphy
Fig. 2-51 A and B, A 10-year-old male cat with a 12-day history of hematuria
and stranguria. Abdominal radiographs were obtained and, because
of the appearance of the thorax on the abdominal radiographs, thoracic
radiographs were obtained. There is a loss of the normal diaphragmatic
shadow on the left side. There is a soft-tissue and fat density located within
the caudal ventral left hemithorax. The cardiac silhouette is displaced to
the right and dorsally (arrows). Diagnosis: Diaphragmatic hernia.
A
B
Positional radiographs also may be used to evaluate the diaphragm when pleural fluid
is present. Right, left, sternal, and dorsal recumbent radiographs using both horizontally
and vertically directed x-ray beams will shift the pleural fluid and outline different portions
of the diaphragm. They also may allow identification of abdominal viscera within the thorax
on occasion. These positional maneuvers also permit complete evaluation of the stomach
when it contains both gas and fluid. Positioning of the pylorus or body close to the
diaphragm will indicate that the liver is small or herniated.