In Practice 27:348-352 (2005)
© 2005 British Veterinary Association
COMPANION ANIMAL PRACTICE
Practical contrast radiography 1. Contrast agents
Christine Latham
DESPITE the advent of newer imaging techniques, radiography remains one of
the most useful diagnostic tools in veterinary practice. In most cases, plain
radiographs are all that are required, especially if complemented by
ultrasonography, but there are still some situations when it is useful to
supplement the information gained from a routine radiographic examination by
using one or more contrast agents. Contrast media can improve or allow the
visualisation of organs surrounded by tissues of the same radiographic
opacity, thus providing information about the size, shape and position of
these structures and neighbouring areas. They can show the internal structure
of an organ, including its mucosal pattern, and may also occasionally help in
assessing organ function. While mainly used for the diagnosis of
gastrointestinal and urogenital tract disorders, contrast agents can also be
useful in other areas of veterinary work such as myelography, angiography and
the investigation of joints and sinus tracts. This article, the first in a
series of five, reviews the types of media available and their respective
properties to help practitioners select the most appropriate agent for an
individual case. Future articles, to be published in the forthcoming issues of
In Practice, will focus on specific applications and techniques of
contrast radiography.
Christine Latham qualified from Cambridge in 1981 and worked for
many years in general practice. She is currently affiliate lecturer in
professional studies at Cambridge. She has recently completed two years as
chairman of the British and Irish Division of the European Association of
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. She holds the RCVS certificate in veterinary
radiology.
Copyright © 2005 British Veterinary Association
