Radiography: abdomen technique in rabbits | Vetlexicon Lapis from Vetlexicon

Introduction

A large amount of information can be obtained from a plain abdominal radiograph if it is produced to a high standard and interpretation skills are high.
Plain abdominal radiography may need to be supplemented by contrast studies where further information is required about the urinary or gastrointestinal tracts.
Ultrasonography is often a valuable supplementary procedure.
As the inherent subject contrast is low, particularly in thinner patients (with little abdominal fat), image contrast must be maximized by:
- Using relatively low kV values.
- Selecting films with higher inherent contrast.
Breathing blur may occasionally be a problem, particularly when using lower output x-ray machines, but as the film is ideally exposed on expiration, blur is less likely than in thoracic radiography.

Exposure on expiration facilitates better demonstration of abdominal contents, in addition to minimizing risk of breathing movement blur.

Close collimation of the primary beam should be practiced at all times.
The objective is to produce a radiograph which includes the whole area of interest, is correctly exposed and developed, and is free from movement blur and artifacts.
The film should be clearly marked with an anatomical marker, the patient's identification, the date and the name of the hospital or practice.

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Uses

Assessing size, shape and position of abdominal organs .
Detection of:
- Abdominal mass(es), eg abscess or neoplasia .
- Gastrointestinal stasis, obstruction (gas patterns ) or impaction .
- Peritonitis or free abdominal fluid.
- Genital tract abnormalities or pregnancy .
- Urinary tract abnormalities, including urolithiasis (with radio-opaque urinary calculi ) or bladder rupture.
- Arteriosclerosis Arteriosclerosis .
Investigation of incontinence.

Advantages

Non-invasive.
Relatively simple procedure.

Disadvantages

Larger amounts of gas and ingesta in the abdomen of rabbits compared to cats and dogs makes interpretation difficult.
Supplementary procedures such as ultrasonography or contrast studies are frequently required.

Rabbits normally have ingesta within their stomachs at all times - this hinders evaluation of contrast studies of the gastrointestinal tract. Contrast is often not helpful in diagnosis of phyto- and trichobezoars.