Large Animal Radiology
Large Animal Diagnostic Imaging at Texas
A&M University is a service oriented department. The Large
Animal Diagnostic Imaging Service is fully staffed and includes
five senior faculty radiologists. The radiologists work closely
with all large animal services to provide the appropriate imaging
exam for the patient. In addition, all imaging studies are
evaluated by a senior faculty radiologist.
Imaging procedures are performed daily to aid with the diagnosis
of various ailments. Studies that are performed include:
Radiography (x-ray images), contrast procedures, Large Animal
Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine (bone scans).
With the opening of the Diagnostic Imaging and Cancer Treatment
center (DICTC) in fall of 2011, the hospital will have the
capability of performing large animal Computed Tomography (CT) and
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies. The DICTC will house a
40-slice CT and a wide bore 3.0 T MRI to provide faster and clearer
studies. With DICTC, the hospital will be able to provide advanced
imaging capabilities for improved detection and diagnosis of
various diseases. Additional applications for MRI and CT imaging
studies include utilizing the information for surgical and
treatment planning. All imaging studies utilize the latest in
digital technology and are archived within the hospital
computerized network (PACS).
Radiography (X-ray Images)
The large animal hospital is fully equipped with two Eklin
digital radiography systems (DR) and an AGFA computed radiography
system (CR).
An example of studies that may be performed on your animal
include radiography of the skull to evaluate for sinusitis, dental
disease or fractures; radiography of bones, joints or soft tissue
structures to evaluate for a clinical musculoskeletal lameness;
radiography of the thorax and abdomen to evaluate for internal
medical problems such as diseases of the respiratory and
gastrointestinal tracts.
Contrast procedures
Your clinician may decide to perform a contrast procedure. A
contrast agent is used to highlight various regions for improved
detection of abnormalities. Indications for contrast studies
include evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and
draining tracts.