Fluoroscopy is a valuable tool that allows real-time visualization of organs and systems during veterinary procedures. It is a non-invasive imaging method that enhances diagnostic accuracy and provides precision guidance for dynamic studies, such as observing the flow of contrast agents through an animal’s body or positioning bones during fracture repairs. However, despite its advantages, people may be hesitant to use fluoroscopy due to unfamiliarity with the technology.
A study published in the “Journal of Veterinary Science” found that fluoroscopy-guided procedures increased diagnostic accuracy by 25-30% compared to traditional radiography, and over 75% of orthopedic procedures in advanced veterinary practices now involve some form of real-time imaging such as fluoroscopy.
Let’s dive deeper into some applications of fluoroscopy in veterinary practice.
Swallowing Studies and Gastrointestinal Motility
In a barium swallow study, for example, veterinarians administer a barium contrast agent to the animal, allowing the fluoroscope to capture dynamic images of the swallowing process. This technique helps diagnose conditions such as megaesophagus or esophageal strictures, where food may not move properly through the esophagus. The live imaging allows veterinarians to detect abnormalities and assess the risk of complications like aspiration, where food or liquid might enter the lungs.
In gastrointestinal motility studies, fluoroscopy is used to monitor the movement of a contrast agent through the animal’s digestive system. This is especially useful for diagnosing issues such as gastric stasis, intestinal blockages, or delayed gastric emptying, which can be seen when food or liquid takes too long to pass through the stomach and intestines. Fluoroscopy captures the flow of the contrast agent in real-time, allowing veterinarians to visualize abnormal motility patterns.
Guided Placement of Feeding Tubes and Catheters
In procedures such as nasogastric feeding tube placement, fluoroscopy allows the veterinarian to see the tube’s movement as it travels through the esophagus into the stomach, reducing the risk of misplacement into the trachea or lungs. The ability to monitor the tube in real time, sometimes with the help of contrast agents, ensures that it reaches the correct location, preventing complications like aspiration pneumonia or other potentially harmful outcomes.
Similarly, in fluoroscopy-guided catheter placement, such as inserting a central venous catheter, real-time imaging ensures the catheter is properly positioned within the correct vein, often near the heart, without the need for exploratory techniques. The use of fluoroscopy reduces the risk of complications like accidental puncture of unintended structures or misplacement into peripheral veins. This approach also speeds up the process, enhances accuracy, and minimizes discomfort and recovery time for the animal.
Orthopedic and Fracture Repair Guidance
In fracture repairs, fluoroscopy helps visualize the exact position of the broken bone fragments and monitor their movement as they are manipulated. This is particularly useful when placing internal fixation devices like plates, screws, or pins to ensure that they are positioned correctly without the need for repeated exploratory adjustments. The continuous imaging provides immediate feedback, reducing the chances of improper alignment, which could lead to poor healing or further complications.
In joint surgeries or corrective procedures, fluoroscopy also aids in assessing the positioning of implants and ensuring joint movement is restored without disrupting nearby structures. For instance, in hip or elbow dysplasia corrections, real-time imaging helps guide the placement of prosthetics or adjustments to bone positioning. Fluoroscopy minimizes the risk of invasive exploratory surgery and allows for more precise interventions, reducing the time under anesthesia and the overall stress on the animal. This technology not only improves the success rate of orthopedic surgeries but also leads to faster recovery times for patients.
Tracheal Collapse Diagnosis and Monitoring
Tracheal collapse, a condition in which the tracheal rings weaken and flatten, is common in small breed dogs such as Yorkies and Pomeranians. With fluoroscopy, veterinarians can observe the trachea collapsing during inspiration and expiration, helping to confirm the diagnosis. This real-time imaging is particularly useful because it captures the dynamic nature of the collapse, which might not be visible on standard static X-rays. Fluoroscopy allows veterinarians to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the collapse, which is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
In monitoring tracheal collapse over time, fluoroscopy is also invaluable for assessing the progression of the condition and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. It helps monitor changes in the trachea after vet management, such as the use of bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory medications, or after surgical interventions like stent placement. Fluoroscopic imaging can confirm whether the trachea remains stable or continues to collapse during different phases of breathing, helping to guide long-term care decisions.
Urinary Tract Studies
In procedures like cystography (bladder imaging) or urethrography (urethra imaging), fluoroscopy provides real-time imaging of the urinary system after a contrast agent is introduced. This dynamic imaging allows to assess the flow of urine through the bladder, ureters, and urethra, making it easier to diagnose conditions such as bladder stones, urethral obstructions, or tumors. Fluoroscopy is particularly beneficial when trying to visualize blockages or strictures in the urethra, as it shows how urine or contrast material passes through the system in real time, enabling precise identification of abnormalities that may be missed by static X-rays.
In addition to diagnosing urinary tract issues, fluoroscopy is also used to monitor the success of treatments such as urethral stent placements or stone removals. After surgical or non-surgical intervention, fluoroscopy can be used to track the passage of contrast material through the urinary tract, confirming that obstructions have been successfully resolved or that stents are functioning properly.
In a summary
Fluoroscopy offers a wide range of applications in veterinary medicine, extending beyond surgery into areas like gastrointestinal studies, orthopedic procedures, and catheter placements. By providing real-time imaging, it enables veterinarians to diagnose, treat, and monitor conditions with greater accuracy and safety in complex cases, reducing the need for exploratory surgeries.
Incorporating fluoroscopy into veterinary diagnostics improves patient care, reduces recovery times, and enhances outcomes for animals.
