RADIOGRAPHS (X-RAYS) AT CREATURE COMFORTS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

The Creature Comforts Animal Hospital team had their first annual kid’s vet camp yesterday.

Sixteen participants met Chewy and his motorcycle  riding owner, Butch.

and listened to Dr. Sigmon read her new book Cha Cha Chocobelle and the Canine Conga.

After listening to normal and abnormal heart sounds, the participants with their parents stepped into the role of being Jr. Veterinarians. IN FOUR EXAMINATION rooms with CCAH client/pet parents, the doctors-in-training auscultated each dog’s heart and gave their “expert opinion."

There was one dog of the 4 with an abnormal heart sound (murmur).

In addition, during the 1.5-hour session, they witnessed the steps and procedures in acupuncture, surgery, dentistry, dental radiographs, and ear scoping (otoscopy) for pets with painful ears.

Often clients present their pets for vague signs of limping, coughing, pain, not pooping, and not eating. One of the tools we utilize is radiology (x-rays). So for a different blog approach, I present a mini-vet camp for my followers at home to see if the abnormality can be detected.

HOW ARE RADIOGRAPHS TAKEN AND REVIEWED?

In the old days, a film was exposed (similar to a camera) and then taken out of a cassette, sent through a film processor in a dark room, then dried for review.  Now, the films are digital, meaning the results are available within 2 to 4 seconds and can be sent to boarded radiologists (specialists in the field) or anywhere in the world via the internet.



AS A CLIENT, HOW MAY I VIEW THE RADIOGRAPHS TAKEN OF MY PET AT HOME?

For clients wishing a limited time view of their pet's digital films from home:
1.    go to Internet Explorer or your other compatible Internet browser
2.    go to www.DVMInsight.com
3.    the user name is CCAHCAREY_guest
4.    the password is guest (note must use lower case as directed)
5.    fill in the Exam # that you were issued    Ex #1184868, (If not sent to you, please let us know)
6.    click on viewer

NOW FOR SOME PRACTICE, SEE IF YOU CAN PICK THE ABNORMALITY VS THE NORMAL IN THE BELOW VIEWS OF THE CHEST OF A DOG?

NORMAL

METASTATIC LUNG CANCER ( see the snow storm look in the lung fields)

2 TUMORS IN THE CHEST OF THE BELOW PATIENT

MOVING ONWARD, COMPARE THE NORMAL WITH THE ABNORMAL RADIOGRAPHS OF THE BELLY.

NORMAL BELLY X-RAY

SEVERE CONSTIPATION WITH COLON FULL OF POOP

ATHLETIC SOCK IN THE STOMACH

ATHLETIC SOCK IN THE SMALL INTESTINES OF THE BELLY

CANCER IN THE SPLEEN OF A DOG

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE UNCERTAIN IF THERE IS A BLOCKAGE?
In the old days we would have dogs swallow a chalk-like liquid called barium. Now we have a newly added  tool called infrasound to aide in diagnostics.

FINALLY, BONE & JOINT PROBLEMS ARE VERY COMMON, OF WHICH MANY DOGS ARE SILENT. IN THE FOCUS OF THE BELOW VIEWS, SEE IF YOU CAN DIAGNOSE THE BELOW.

RELATIVELY NORMAL HIPS ON MY OWN DOG, TACO BELLE

DISLOCATED HIP ON A SMALL DOG

Severe arthritis (HIP DYSPLASIA) on a dog

Many thanks to volunteers, staff,  and clients of Creature Comforts Animal Hospital for their help in giving kids in the Cary community the chance to share our passion for the care and wellbeing of our pets.

In addition, a special mention to Amy and Kris from Ray Price Harley-Davidson for their participation, gifts, and connecting CCAH to Butch and his dog Chewy. For more information on the story of Chewy, visit www.bikerdoggie.com





Betsy T. Sigmon, DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC 27511