Radiography, computer-aided tomography, scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic ultrasound as well as thermography are characterized shortly with regard to their principles, indications, complications and technical management.
Ultrasonography is a rapid, safe and noninvasive method to evaluate the heart and most abdominal organs. This paper describes the indications, technique and significance of echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound.
The basic theory of diagnostic ultrasonography is presented. After explanation of the underlying physical principles and the A- and B-scan mode, ultrasound devices, as used in abdominal sonography (electronic parallel scanner, mechanical and electronic sector scanner), are presented. Numerous possible artefacts are illustrated. Potential side effects of diagnostic ultrasonography are considered and the examination procedure is explained.
Ultrasonography is of increasing importance as a diagnostical instrument for gynaecological examination in nearly all domestic animals. It also has applications in obstetrics and neonatology, particularly in certain cases. Ultrasonography has facilitated more clinical information and increased the precision of some diagnoses. Nevertheless, ultrasonography does not replace the classical, non-apparatus methods of investigation. These methods remain the basic means of examination in gynaecology, obstetrics, neonatology and andrology.
Ultrasonography has established itself as an invaluable diagnostic aid in surgical diseases. In addition to the diagnosis of thoracic and abdominal disease, ultrasonography is increasing in importance in the examination of muscles, tendons and joints in small animals. In the horse, the application of the technique is being extended from tendon conditions to organ diseases. The optimal diagnostic information can only be achieved through the use of different scanner types.
