Small Animals Fracture Repair

Radiographic Interpretation of the thorax

Figures 81, 82: Pulmonary emphysema. The radiographic signs are flattened diaphragm, anterolateral direction of the ribs, hyperaeration of the lungs, and absence of infiltration. Serial radiographs or fluroscopy is needed for a definite diagnosis. This puppy was cyanotic.

< Figures 83, 84: Bilateral generalized enlargement due to valvular insufficiency. Generalized pulmonary edema is also present. The trachea is elevated to a position parallel with the spine. Barium was given to show the displacement of the esophagus by the enlarged heart.

Figures 85, 86: Right ventricular enlargement manifested mainly by a reverse_D appearance of the cardiac silhouette on the venterodorsal projection. The pulmonary outflow tract is enlarged and visible. an equivocal increase in contact of the cardiac silhouette is noted on the lateral projection.

Figures 87, 88: Right ventricular enlargement manifest mainly as an increase in contact of the cardiac silhouette with the sternum as seen on the lateral view. The reverse-D apprearance of the cardiac silhouette is not seen on the ventrodorsal view.

Figures 89, 90: Left ventricular enlargement. The cardiac silhouette is shifted into the left hemithorax. Correct location of the apex must be made in order that the appropriate size of the individual chambers can be estimated. The straightened borders can be seen on the lateral view, which also shows elevation of the carina, suggesting left atrial enlargement. An enlarged aortic outflow tract is not visible. Aortic stenosis.

Figures 91, 92: Ventrodorsal (A) and lateral (B) projections of a thorax, demonstrating generalized cardiomegaly and a shift of the cardiac silhouette into the right hemithorax. The lateral projection demonstrates an extremely enlarged left atrium, manifested as a mass located dorsocaudally on the cardiac silhouette. The carina and the left main stem bronchus are elevated. The enlarged left atrium is also seen on the ventrodorsal projection, situated just caudal to the enlarged pulmonary outflow tract. There is marked overcirculation of the pulmonary arteries. Diagnosis: patent ductus arteriosus.

Figures 93, 94: Lateral (A) and Ventrodorsal (B) projections of a dog with congenital tricuspid insufficiency. There is a tremendous enlargement of the right atrium that causes a cardiac silhouette to appear as an "inverted pear" on the ventrodorsal projection. Some increase in contact of the cardiac silhouette with the sternum is seen on the lateral projection.

Figure 95: Ventrodorsal view of a thorax showing a reverse-D appearance of the cardiac silhouette, indicating right ventricular enlargement. The bulge presented on the cranial left lateral aspect of the cardiac silhouette represents an enlargement of the pulmonary artery segment. The pulmonary vasculature is within normal limits. Diagnosis: pulmonary stenosis.

Figures 96, 97: Lateral (A) and venterodorsal (B) projections of a thorax domonstrating an enlarged aortic arch. On the ventrodorsal projection the enlarged aortic arch appears as a mediastinal mass contiguous with the cranial aspect of the cardiac silhouette. On the lateral view, again the aortic arch can be seen in the cranial mediastinum as a mass that is continuous with the cardiac silhouette. Diagnosis: aortic stenosis.

Figure 98: Ventrodorsal projection of a thorax demonstrating marked enlargement of the pulmonary arteries in the middle zone of the lung. Most of these arteries are seen superimposed over the cardiac silhouette; some, however, are most visible in the left hemithorax. Diagnosis: dirofilariasis.

Figures 99, 100: Congestive heart failure manifest as an enlargement of pulmonary vessels without significant pulmonary edema. The majority of the vessels seen in this particular patient are pulmonary veins as determined from their confluence with the left atrium on the lateral projection.

Figure 101: Pericardial effusion. The greatly enlarged cardiac silhouette is due to extensive fluid in the pericardial sac secondary to congestive heart failure. Note the rounded nature of the cardiac silhouette.

Figures 102, 103: Gastroesophageal intussusception. A, Dilation of the esophagus possibly due to paralysis of the esophagus as a predisposing condition. B. Barium outlines the stomach mass in the posterior aspect of the esophagus as well as the rugal folds on the everted stomach. a, Everted stomach; b; gas in the esophagus; c, fluid level. These are standing lateral radiographs taken with a horizontal beam.

Figures 104, 105: Hiatal hernia. The herniated portion of the stomach is seen on both views (arrows).

Figure 106: Diaphragmatic hernia. The tubular abdominal organ present within the pleural space make diagnosis easy. Pregnancy associated with a diaphragmatic hernia, as is the case in this animal, complicates surgical corrections.

Figures 107, 108: Diaphragmatic hernia. A, Barium study showing that the duodenum is located within the thoracic cavity. This confirms the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia. B, survey radiograph showing accumulation of fluid within the pleural space. The diaphragmatic contour is not tubular abdominal organs are seen in the pleural space.