2001
MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES
VETERINARY RADIOLOGY
ELIGIBILTY
As stated in Section 2 of “The Red Book”
DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT
The candidate should be able to demonstrate:
a)
b)
c)
a detailed knowledge of and competence in basic radiography and radiological
interpretation of dogs, cats and horses
an understanding of the principles and application of ultrasound
an understanding of the application of CT, MRI and nuclear medicine
LEARNING OBJECTIVES / OUTCOMES
Written Paper 1: The physics and principles of radiology and ultrasonography, radiography and
radiation protection
1.
A basic knowledge of elementary general physics will be assumed and not separately
examined.
2.
The candidate will be expected to know the following:
3.
The electro-magnetic spectrum:
definition, wave and particle theories
4.
How x-ray photons are generated:
the components of the x-ray tube; types of anodes: rotating and stationary,
cathode
thermionic emission, line focus principle, heel effect, heat dissipation
basic generator circuits, rectification, transformers, capacitor discharge
equipment
5.
The processes leading to production of the x-ray photon:
structure of the atom, binding forces
interactions at the anode: general radiation/Bremsstrahlung and characteristic
radiation
the effect of kV, mA and time on x-ray photon production
6.
The interaction of x-rays with matter:
coherent scatter, the photoelectric effect, Compton and the relative frequencies of
these interactions
factors affecting attenuation/ the inverse square law
scatter radiation – factors affecting the production of and methods to reduce the
effects of scatter - grids (types, cut-off), air gap techniques, beam collimation.
7.
How a radiographic image is formed:
formation of an image due to differential absorption
film construction, types and speeds
photographic density and contrast
intensifying screens, phosphors, construction, rare earth Vs Ca tungstate, speeds
cassettes
8.
The principles and practice of film processing:
development, wash, fixation, wash, dry
preparation of chemicals
darkroom design and requirements
film identification
identification of darkroom artifacts
9.
Factors affecting film quality:
density, contrast, sharpness
the origin and control of scatter – grids/collimators
film and screen speed
unsharpness – geometric (magnification, distortion, penumbra effect) and
motion
recognition of faults due to inadequate radiographic procedure
10.
The candidate will be expected to be competent at practical radiography:
exposure assessment
factors influencing the choice of kV, mA, time, films and grids
formation of a technique chart
patient positioning and problems in veterinary practice/limitations
understanding the need for restraint and be able to demonstrate suitable
methods/advantages and disadvantages of anaesthesia
11.
The candidate will be expected to know and be able to apply the principles of radiation
protection:
risks involved in the use of radiographic procedures/methods to minimise this
risk
discuss basic radiation protection rules for a small and large animal practice
relevant legal requirements: Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Ionising
Radiation in Veterinary Practice
hazards arising from poor design of x-ray rooms
control of hazards from scatter radiation
correct use of protective aprons and gloves
familiarity with current radiation monitoring services
instruction of lay staff in radiation protection
somatic and genetic effects
stochastic and non-stochastic effects
units: rads, rems
12.
The candidate is expected to know the basics of diagnostic ultrasound:
principles of image formation including frequency, acoustic impedance,
resolution, artifacts and transducers
an appreciation and indications of diagnostic ultrasound in practice
Written Paper 2: Radiological interpretation of dogs, cats and horses
1.
The candidate is expected to know the
radiographic appearance of the normal structure and function of the various
organ systems commonly investigated in small animal and equine practice
principles and the use of radiographic contrast media - the nature of the more
frequently used contrast media and indications for their use
indications for and procedures of basic contrast techniques particularly when
investigating the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and myelography
2.
The candidate should be able to recognise, describe and list differential diagnoses for the
changes in structure and function of the various body systems as related to disease which
occurs in dogs, cats and horses
EXAMINATIONS
Examination Structure
Please refer to the Red Book
Section 1
Written Paper 1 (2 hours) The physics and principles of radiology and ultrasonography,
radiography and radiation protection
Written Paper 2 (2 hours) Radiological interpretation of dogs, cats and horses
Section 2
Practical Examination (3 hours written film reading) 10 cases including but not necessarily
limited to dogs, cats and horses
Each answer might include the following:
Patient signalment, views included, any techniques used (i.e. contrast studies)
Comment on radiographic technique/quality (positioning/exposure/collimation)
Radiographic description
Conclusions, differential diagnosis list, recommendation of further imaging techniques if
appropriate
The practical examination may not necessarily be limited to these types of questions.
Oral Examination (approx. 1 hr)
Please refer to the Red Book. The oral examination might include further film reading.
RECOMMENDED READING LIST
Textbooks
Thrall, DE (1998) “Textbook of Veterinary Radiology”, 3rd Ed. WB Saunders Company,
Philadelphia.
Curry III, TS, Dowdey, JE, Murry Jr RC, (1990), “Christensen’s Physics of Diagnostic
Radiology”, 4th Ed. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.
Butler, JA, Colles, CM, Dyson, SJ, Kold, SE, Poullos, PW, (2000), “Clinical Radiology of the
Horse”, 2nd Ed. Blackwell Science, Malden, Mass.
National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, (1983), “Code of Practice for the
Safe Use of Ionising Radiation in Veterinary Radiology”, Australian Government Publishing
Service, Canberra.
References
Allan, GS, (1992) “Radiological Symposium”, Proceedings 203, Postgraduate Committee in
Veterinary Science, University of Sydney.
Barr, F, (1990), “Diagnostic ultrasound in the dog and cat”, Blackwell Scientific Publications,
London.
Burk, RL and Auckerman, N, (1996), “Small Animal Radiology A diagnostic atlas and text”, 2 nd
Ed. Churchill Livingstone, New York.
Dik, KJ and Gunsser, I, (1988). “Atlas of Diagnostic Radiology of the Horse. Part 1: Diseases of
the front limb”, Wolfe Publishing Ltd. London.
Dik, KJ and Gunsser, I, (1989) “Atlas of Diagnostic Radiology of the Horse. Part 2: Diseases of
the hind limb”, Wolfe Publishing Ltd. London.
Dik, KJ and Gunsser, I, (1990) “Atlas of Diagnostic Radiology of the Horse. Part 3: Head, neck
and thorax”, Wolfe Publishing Ltd. London.
Douglas, SW, Herrtage ME, Williamson, AD, (1987), “Principles of Veterinary Radiography”, 4th
Ed. Balliere Tindall, London.
Han, CM and Hurd, CD, (2000), “Practical Diagnostic Imaging for the Veterinary Technician”,
2nd Ed. Mosby, St Louis.
Kealy, JK, and McAllister, H, (2000), “Diagnostic radiology and ultrasonography of the dog and
cat”, 2nd Ed. WB Saunders, Philadelphia,
Lavin, LM, (1999), “Radiography in Veterinary Technology”, 2nd Ed. WB Saunders,
Philadelphia.
Mendehall, A and Cantwell, HD (1988) “Equine Radiographic Procedures”, Lea and Febiger,
Philadelphia.
Nyland, TG and Mattoon, JS, (1995), “Veterinary Diagnostic Ultrasound”, WB Saunders,
Philadelphia.
O’Brien, TR, (1978), “Radiographic Diagnosis for Abdominal Disorders in the Dog and Cat”,
WB Saunders, Philadelphia.
Owens, JM, (1981), “Radiographic interpretation for the small animal clinician”, Ralston Purina
Company, Saint Louis.
Ryan, GD, (1981), “Radiographic positioning of small animals”, Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.
Schebitz, H and Wilkens, H, (1988), “Atlas of Radiographic Anatomy of the horse”, Verlag Paul
Parey, Berlin.
Schebitz, H and Wilkens, H, (1988), “Atlas of Radiographic Anatomy of the Dog and Cat”,
Verlag Paul Parey, Berlin.
Spaulding, K, (1998), Proceedings from Australasian Association of Veterinary Diagnostic
Imaging: Abdominal ultrasonography diagnostic imaging meeting
Stashak, TS, (1998), “Adam’s lameness in horses”, 5th Ed, Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.
Suter, PF, (1984), “Thoracic Radiography. A text atlas of thoracic diseases of the dog and cat”,
Wettsweil, Switzerland.
Ticer, JW, (1984), “Radiographic Techniques in Small Animal Practice”, 2nd Ed. WB Saunders,
Philadelphia.
Webbon, PM and Rossdale, FD, (1986), “Equine Radiography – a guide to interpretation”.
Equine Veterinary Journal, Supplement 4.
In addition, it is recommended that the candidate have access to “Veterinary Radiology and
Ultrasound” the journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology.