AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SCIENTISTS
FELLOWSHIP GUIDELINES
VETERINARY RADIOLOGY
ELIGIBILITY
1.
The candidate shall meet the eligibility prerequisites for Fellowship outlined in
the Blue Book.
2.
Membership of the College must be achieved prior to the Fellowship
examination.
3.
Membership must be in Veterinary Radiology.
OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate that the candidate has:
1.
attained sufficient knowledge, training, experience, and accomplishment to
meet the criteria for registration as a specialist in Diagnostic Imaging.
2.
achieved extensive practical experience and accomplishment relevant to
Australia or New Zealand and an understanding of Diagnostic Imaging on a global
basis.
3.
become recognized as an authority by veterinary colleagues and by other
professional people working in the field.
4.
critically evaluated the current literature and concepts in the field of Diagnostic
Imaging.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The field of Diagnostic Imaging includes the study of all domestic animals. There is
no provision for sub-specialisation within the discipline.
The candidate will have:
1.
A detailed knowledge of all aspects of radiation physics as it applies to
veterinary diagnostic imaging.
 a detailed knowledge of the following: forms of electromagnetic radiation,
production of x-rays, interaction of x-rays with matter, components and
function of the x-ray tube.
 a detailed knowledge of x-ray artifacts.
 a sound knowledge of fluoroscopy and the image intensifier.
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
2.
a sound knowledge of radiographic contrast media (including mechanism, side
effects, and dose).
Digital radiography
a sound knowledge of digital radiography including image formation, different
capture devices, resolution and storage, the processing of PSP plates, the
advantages and disadvantages of different types of digital radiography.
 a basic knowledge of the artifacts associated with digital radiography

3.

4.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Ultrasound
A detailed knowledge of the physical principles and application of diagnostic
ultrasound, including the following:
a) a detailed understanding of the physical characteristics of the ultrasound
beam and the interaction of ultrasound with matter (including acoustic
impedance, reflection, refraction, scatter, attenuation)
b) a detailed understanding of the action of a piezoelectric crystal
c) a sound understanding of various transducer types, including factors
that affect transducer resolution and image formation a detailed
understanding of Doppler, harmonic and compound ultrasound
d) a sound understanding of ultrasound artifacts.
e) a sound understanding of ultrasound contrast media and their effects
f) a basic understanding of the biological effects of ultrasound
Radiation physics: An understanding of radiation physics as it applies to
radionuclides, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. The candidate should
have
a basic understanding of types of decay, the decay equation and generator
systems, radiation detector systems (including those relevant to veterinary
medicine, like photomultiplier tubes, scintillators and other counters.
a basic knowledge of scintigraphic collimators and the construction and
function of a gamma camera.
a basic knowledge of factors that limit spatial and temporal resolution of
scintigraphic images.
A basic understanding of the indications and techniques in radiation oncology.
5.
CT and MRI: physics and practical application
For CT, the candidate should have
a) a detailed knowledge of image formation, including CT construction and
scanner types, image manipulation, and factors that affect spatial and contrast
resolution of the image (factors that affect image quality).
b) a sound knowledge of the factors that affect image display (including
Hounsfield units).
c) a sound knowledge of image artifacts and CT contrast media.
For MRI, the candidate requires
a) a basic knowledge of physics of magnetism as it relates to MRI.
b) a detailed knowledge of the formation and display of MR images is required;
including understanding of T1, T2, PD weighted images, and other common
sequences (e.g. fat saturation and fluid-attenuation sequences).
c) a sound knowledge of MRI contrast media, including mechanisms, dose and
side effects.
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d) A basic knowledge of magnet design, factors that affect MR safety and
radiofrequency coil function.
6.
Radiation protection in veterinary medicine. The candidate should have
a) a basic knowledge of atomic and nuclear physics (including atomic
composition, structure and binding forces, forms of decay, half-life equation).
b) a sound knowledge of the forms of particulate radiation and their interactions
with matter (including x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, electrons, protons
and neutrons)
c) a basic knowledge of the differences between direct and indirect ionization, and
the biological effects associated with each form
d) a basic knowledge of the mechanisms of acute and late radiation injury,
including the difference between deterministic and stochastic effects of
radiation induced injury
e) a basic knowledge of the term exposure (including equivalent dose, absorbed
dose)
f) a detailed knowledge of radiation monitoring and safety equipment and
regulations, and should be able to convey this information in a coherent matter
to other veterinarians.
7.
A detailed knowledge of the relevant Australian or New Zealand laws and
Codes of Practice as they apply to the use of ionising radiation.
8.
Anatomy and physiology: a detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology
of domestic animals as related to veterinary diagnostic imaging. The candidate
requires
a) a detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the following species:
canine, feline and equine
b) a sound knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds,
c) a basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of bovine, ovine, camelids
and pocket pet species.
d) A sound knowledge of the embryology of the cardiovascular, urinary and
neurological systems as it relates to development of congenital conditions of
these systems.
9.
Clinical and pathophysiological features of the disease of domestic animals as
related to veterinary diagnostic imaging.
a) a detailed knowledge of canine, feline disease.
b) a detailed knowledge of equine musculoskeletal disease, a sound knowledge of
neurological and respiratory disease, and a basic understanding of
pathophysiology of equine alimentary disease.
c) a basic knowledge of avian disease
d) a basic understanding of the relevant differences in clinical and
pathophysiological features of disease amongst all species.
10.
Image acquisition, interpretation and reporting: The candidate should have
a) a demonstrable advanced skill in acquisition, interpretation and reporting of
radiographic images.
For advanced imaging the candidate should have
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b) experience in both the acquisition and interpretation of CT and MRI for small
animals, and some experience in interpretation of these modalities in horses.
c) some experience in acquisition of scintigraphic studies and a sound knowledge
of interpretation of studies in both small and large animals.
The candidate should have detailed knowledge of the indications and contraindications
for all studies of all modalities.
11.
Demonstrable sonography and sonology skills including both practical skills
required to examine patients and interpretative and communication skills that
demonstrate an ability to advise referring veterinarians of findings. In particular the
candidate requires
a) a detailed knowledge of abdominal and thoracic sonography
b) a sound knowledge of musculoskeletal, vascular and small parts sonography
c) a basic knowledge of reproductive sonography (in dogs, cats and horses).
d) a sound knowledge of echocardiography.
e) The candidate is required to be experienced in ultrasound guided biopsy
techniques, including fine needle aspiration and percutaneous biopsy, with a
sound knowledge of the incidence of complications of these techniques.
12.
Special radiographic and ultrasonographic procedures: The candidate should
have
a) a detailed knowledge of the pharmacology of contrast media and their
physiological effects.
b) a detailed knowledge of myelography, oesophagography, urinary contrast and
fluroscopic studies.
c) a sound knowledge of other less frequently performed procedures, including
sinography, low-dose gastrograms and other gastrointestinal studies, selective
and non-selective angiography.
13.
A demonstrable skill in performing special radiologic and ultrasonographic
procedures.
14.
A sound knowledge of the principles of veterinary cardiology.
EXAMINATIONS
Refer to the Blue Book Section 7.
Written Paper I:
This paper is designed to test the Candidate’s knowledge of the principles of Veterinary
Diagnostic Imaging as described in the Learning Outcomes. Answers may cite specific
examples where general principles apply, but should primarily address the theoretical basis
underlying each example. Questions may be of any type including short answer, multiple
choice and essay based questions.
Written Paper II:
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This paper is designed to (a) test the Candidate’s ability to apply the principles of the
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging to particular cases/problems or tasks, and to (b) test the
Candidate’s familiarity with the current practices and current issues that arise from activities
within the discipline of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in Australia and New Zealand.
Questions may be of any type including short answer, multiple choice and essay based
questions.
Practical examination:
The practical examination will be conducted in two sessions, each approximately 3
hours (for a total of ~6 hours). The examination will cover interpretation of
radiographs, ultrasound, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, special procedures, and their
artifacts. The emphasis will be on the core species (canine, feline, equine); however,
cases from any species may be included.
Oral examination:
Refer to Blue Book
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Refer to the Blue Book Section 4.3
In addition to the stipulations of the Blue book:
1.
The Radiology Chapter requires a three year training program (144 weeks)
2.
Clinical training should include primarily exposure to dogs, cats and horses
with some exposure to ruminants, camelids, exotic animals and birds.
3.
Clinical training should include the following: radiography, radiology, contrast
procedures, fluoroscopy, digital radiography, sonography, sonology,
scintigraphy, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
4.
The candidate should interpret a minimum 3000 radiological examinations of
small animals (primarily dogs and cats), 500 radiological examinations of large
animals (primarily horses), 1000 sonographic examinations, and a minimum of
100 examinations that demonstrate adequate knowledge and interpretive skills
in CT, MRI and nuclear medicine.
The cases to be included in the case log will be those cases in which the candidate has
produced a written report. If, for example, a case has an osteosarcoma of its radius and
thoracic radiographs for a metastasis check then this may be counted as two cases if a
report is produced for both regions.
The training program should be targeted, with achievable goals set by the Supervisor
and candidate for each 6 months. It is anticipated that the first year should be spent
initially learning some radiography, then concentrating on radiology and ultrasound
with some exposure to the other modalities. The second year is spent consolidating the
first with more CT, nuclear medicine with shifting emphasis in the third year to more
CT and MRI and nuclear medicine with further consolidation of radiology and
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ultrasound. It should be expected that the candidate’s case log output is lower in the
first year but that they become more independent and productive in their second and
third years.
Sonography and Sonology Assessment:
The candidate’s supervisor will continually assess the Candidate’s development of
sonography and sonology skills. If the Candidate’s skills were found to be less than
satisfactory at the end of the third year of their approved training program, the
Candidate will be required to undertake further training before being further assessed.
The Candidate will not proceed to formal examinations until they have been
determined to have adequate sonography and sonology skills. A pro-forma letter will
be completed by the Candidate’s supervisor and submitted with the Fellowship
training credentials documentation, to state whether the Candidate is considered
technically proficient in ultrasound, and to justify the reasons for the assessment.
TRAINING IN RELATED DISCIPLINES
Refer to the Blue Book Section 3.4.2.
Candidates for Fellowship in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging must spend time as
stipulated by the Blue Book in any four of the following related disciplines: Clinical
Pathology, Small Animal Medicine, Cardiology, Small Animal Surgery, Equine
Medicine, Equine Surgery, Neurology, Oncology.
EXTERNSHIPS
Refer to the Blue Book Section 3.4.1.
ACTIVITY LOG AND ACTIVITY LOG SUMMARY
Activity log categories
The Activity Log should be recorded using Blue Book Appendix 8.5. The Activity
Log Headings should be as follows:
Date
Category (Species)
Patient Details
Details of Imaging Study Performed
Diagnosis
Confirming Pathologic or Other Findings
Activity log summary
An Activity Log Summary should be provided for each imaging modality (Radiology,
Ultrasound, Special Radiographic Procedures, CT, MRI and Nuclear Medicine)
according to the attached template. Each summary should contain case numbers for a 6
month period. For each imaging modality, cases are recorded by species and the region
imaged (as listed below). This allows the candidate and their supervisor to monitor
their case load for each modality (e.g. numbers of canine abdominal ultrasounds,
numbers of equine musculoskeletal radiographs, etc), and assess whether the targets
mentioned above (section 4 in the Training Programs heading) are being achieved.
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Radiology:
Thorax
Abdomen
Musculoskeletal/Neurological
Other
Ultrasound:
Thorax - non cardiac
Thorax - cardiac
Abdomen
Musculoskeletal
Small Parts (eg thyroid, eye, etc)
Biopsies/FNA
Special Radiologic Procedures:
Myelography
Urinary contrast studies
Oesophagrams
Other contrast studies
Fluoroscopy (non-contrast)
CT:
Thorax
Abdomen
Musculoskeletal
Neurological
MRI:
Neurological
Other
Nuclear Medicine:
Musculoskeletal
Thyroid
Hepatic
Other
Species list for each modality:
Canine
Feline
Equine
Bovine
Ovine
Avian
Other
Note that an imaging study of a region is considered a case. If multiple regions are
imaged of a single patient (e.g. radiographs of a long bone and thorax for metastasis
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check) these would be considered two cases; one musculoskeletal and one thorax –
non cardiac, provided both are reported.
PUBLICATIONS
Refer to the blue book Section 3.11.
RECOMMENDED READING LIST
The candidate is expected to research the depth and breadth of the knowledge of the
discipline. This list is intended to guide the candidate to some core references and
source material. The list is not comprehensive and is not intended as an indicator of
the content of the examination. Candidates at Fellowship level are expected to have
library search skills and maintain a watching brief over relevant literature.
Physics
Bushberg JT, Seibert JA, Leidholdt Jr EM, .Boone LM (1994) The Essential Physics
of Medical Imaging 2nd ed. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
Curry T.S. et al (1984) Christensen’s Introduction to the Physics of Diagnostic
Radiology, 4th ed. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.
Kremkau F.W. (2005) Diagnostic Ultrasound: Principles and instruments. 5th ed W.B
Saunders CO. Philadelphia.
Radiation Protection and Safety
Relevant (to candidate) Australian State or New Zealand legislation and codes of
practice governing the safe use of ionising radiation.
Anatomy
Assheuer J, Sager M. (1997) MRI and CT atlas of the dog. Blackwell Science. Berlin.
Coulson A and Lewis N (2002) An Atlas of Interpretive Radiographic Anatomy of the
Cat and Dog Blackwell Publishing
Denoix JM (2005) The Equine Distal Limb – An Atlas of Clinical Anatomy and
Comparative Imaging. Manson Publishing, London.
Evans HE and Christensen CC (1993) Miller's Anatomy of the Dog. 3rd Ed. W.B.
Saunders Co. Philadelphia.
Getty R (1975) Sisson and Grossman’s Anatomy of Domestic Animals. 5th ed. W.B.
Saunders Co. Philadelphia.
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Schebitz H and Wilkens H (1986) Atlas of Radiographic Anatomy of the Horse.
Verlag Paul Parey, Berlin.
Schebitz H and Wilkens H (1986) Atlas of Radiographic Anatomy of the Dog and Cat.
Verlag Paul Parey, Berlin.
Silverman S and Tell L (2005) Radiology of Rodents, Rabbits, and Ferrets. Pub
Elsevier Saunders, Missouri,.
Smith SA and Smith BJ. (1992) Atlas of Avian Radiographic Anatomy. Saunders.
Philadelphia
Imaging
Barr FJ and Kirberger RM. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal
Imaging. Pub BSAVA 2006
Berry C.R. and Daniel G.B. (2006) Textbook of Veterinary Nuclear Medicine, North
Carolina State University, Raleigh.
Boon JA (1998) Manual of Veterinary Echocardiography, Williams and Wilkins
Burk RI and Ackerman N. (1996) Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasonography 2nd
edit W.B. Saunders Co Philadelphia
Butler J.A. et al (2000) Clinical Radiology of the Horse. Blackwell Scientific
Publications, Oxford. 2nd ed.
Cartee RE, Nautrup CP, Tobias R. (2000) An atlas and textbook of diagnostic
ultrasonography of the dog and cat. Manson Publishing.
Dennis R, Kirberger R, Wrigley R. (2001) Handbook of Small Animal Radiological
Differential Diagnoses W. B. Saunders
Ettinger SJ, Feldman (2004) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 6th ed. W.B.
Saunders Co. Philadelphia.
Farrow CS (1994) Radiology of the Cat. Mosby, St. Louis.
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
Kittleson and Keinle (1998) Small Animal Cardiovascular Medicine. Mosby, St Louis
Lavin. (1999) Radiography in Veterinary Technology.
Philadelphia.
2nd edition. Saunders.
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Mannion P (2006) Diagnostic Ultrasound in Small Animal Practice. Blackwell
Publishing
Morgan JP Radiology of Veterinary Orthopaedics. Ventyre Press. 2nd Ed 1999.
Morgan JP, Leighton RL (1995) Radiology of Small Animal Fracture Management.
WB Saunders Co. Philadelphia
Morgan JP, Wind A and Davidson AP (2000) Heriditary Bone and Joint Diseases in
the Dog. Schlutershe & Co , Germany
Nyland T.G. and Mattoon J.S. (2001) Veterinary Diagnostic Ultrasound. 2nd ed
Saunders Philadelphia.
O’Brien T.R. (1978) Radiographic Diagnosis of Abdominal Disorders in the Dog and
Cat. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia.
Rantanen NW and McKinnon AO
Williams and Wilkins
(1998) Equine Diagnostic Ultrasonogrphy
Reef VB. (1998) Equine Diagnostic Ultrasound. W. B. Saunders. Philadelphia
Ross M.W., Dyson S.J. (2003) Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse
(2003)
Sharp NJH and Wheeler SJ. (2005) Small Animal Spinal Disorders 2nd edit Elsevier
Stashak T.S. (2001) Adam’s lameness in horses. 4th ed. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.
Suter P.R. (1984) Thoracic Radiography. A text atlas of thoracic diseases of the dog
and cat. Peter F. Suter, Wettswil, Switzerland
Thrall D.E. (2007) Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology. 5th edition. Saunders
Co. Philadelphia.
Withrow SJ. MacEwan EG. (2001) Small animal clinical oncology. Saunders.
Philadelphia
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