One tip for vomiting veterinary patients
The advantages of a left lateral projection.
When we asked Fetch dvm360 conference speaker Maria Evola, DVM, MPH, DACVR, for a tip on the acute abdomen and the vomiting patient, she was quick with an answer: a left lateral projection.
"It places gas in the pylorus, the pyloric antrum and sometimes the proximal duodenum," she says.
More radiology insights
Avoid radiographic errors in your veterinary cases: Obtain multiple views.
5 imaging gems for veterinarians: How digital radiography can make your practice sparkle.
Be the life of the party! Make radiology friends and influence ER visits.
This is advantageous, Dr. Evola says, because the gas acts as a naturally occurring contrast medium and highlights any possible foreign materials. This is one way to ensure that the stomach looks normal prior to taking additional action.
So, the next time you're faced with a vomiting patient and you have your right lateral projection and orthogonal projections, go ahead and get that left lateral view, she says. This may save your doing other advanced imaging.
Watch the video for more.
You. Can. Do. This!
At Fetch dvm360 conference, we're the support system you need. With every conference this year, we intend to nurture your mind (meaning quality CE for days) while also encouraging you to take stock of your physical and emotional health. Register now.
