Vet Times

Tag: ultrasound

  • A difference of opinion

    A difference of opinion

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    I’m only a few short weeks into my final-year rotations at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary Referral Hospital, but I already feel like I’ve learned a lot: DOPs aren’t as scary as I’d built them up to be in my head. It does get easier to navigate your way around the hospital with time (and…

  • Focus on GDV, part 2: releasing the pressure

    Focus on GDV, part 2: releasing the pressure

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    Last week we covered IV fluid resuscitation and pain relief. This week we will go into more detail about gastric decompression. Gastric decompression can be achieved in two ways: trocarisation stomach tube (orogastric tube) placement The decision on which method to use depends on many factors – personal preferences, past experiences and clinical protocols, to…

  • Abdominal radiography, part 2

    Abdominal radiography, part 2

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    Last week’s tips (Abdominal radiography, part 1) were about taking appropriate images. Now, here are some tips on interpreting those images. Interpretation I often find there is too much to look at and it gets confusing with overlapping organs. I like to step back and look from a distance; sometimes, this gives me an overview…

  • Learning to speak out about pregnancy loss

    Learning to speak out about pregnancy loss

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    This week (9-15 October) sees Baby Loss Awareness Week in action. It’s a time to reflect, remember, and discuss our experiences to help others to feel less alone. After experiencing two early miscarriages this year in February and June, I found talking about my experiences to help others was the best way to work through…

  • 4 quick tips to improve ultrasound guided aspirates

    4 quick tips to improve ultrasound guided aspirates

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    The ultrasound is an incredibly useful diagnostic tool that is increasingly being used in general practice. Other than for diagnostic imaging, the ultrasound is also very useful for diagnostic procedures such as cystocentesis, thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis and fine-needle aspirates of structures such as lymph nodes and masses. Here, I provide you with a few tips on…

  • Linear foreign bodies, part 3: should YOU take it to surgery?

    Linear foreign bodies, part 3: should YOU take it to surgery?

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    In the previous post we covered what to look out for on ultrasound when assessing for a linear foreign body. Now we discuss the things you should consider before deciding to take the patient to surgery. Read the following statements and answer the questions – either yes or no… Linear foreign body surgeries can be…

  • Linear foreign bodies, part 2: tips for diagnosing with ultrasound

    Linear foreign bodies, part 2: tips for diagnosing with ultrasound

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    Following on from the previous post where we discussed tips on how to diagnose a linear foreign body on a radiograph, this post sees us cover how to diagnose it on ultrasound. If used by an experienced ultrasonographer who knows what to look for, ultrasound can be a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test. What…

  • Linear foreign bodies, part 1: tips for diagnosing with radiography

    Linear foreign bodies, part 1: tips for diagnosing with radiography

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    Linear foreign bodies can be tricky to diagnose, compared to normal foreign bodies, for many reasons. Mostly because you often don’t see the classic obstructive pattern appearance on radiographs or ultrasound. In this short blog series, we are going to cover some hints and tips that can make diagnosing a patient with a linear foreign…

  • Commonly held beliefs that don’t do us any good, pt 2

    Commonly held beliefs that don’t do us any good, pt 2

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    Belief #2: if you can’t afford to care for an animal then you shouldn’t have one You, young doctor or nurse – living in your privileged society of excess, with your years of study, working in an industry that exists largely to minimise animal suffering – have certain expectations of what “taking care of an…

  • AFAST, part 1

    AFAST, part 1

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    AFAST = Abdominal Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma In the emergency setting, focused ultrasound examinations are increasingly being used as extensions of the physical examination. The goal is the identification of life-threatening conditions – such as internal bleeding or organ rupture – but can also assist in tracking conditions over a period of time.…