In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But in practice, there is.
Yogi Berra
Clinics
The product of the Imaging Section is information about a patient's health status, which is obtained through the use of imaging modalities (e.g., radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, scintigraphy, CT and MRI). This information is used to make patient-care decisions and is disseminated to students, veterinarians, and the public through written and oral reports, lectures and publications. We routinely perform imaging examinations on all types of animals from large-to-small. Additionally, we perform image-guided biopsies, interventional procedures and radioiodine therapy for cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
Radiography
Radiography is the process of using X-rays to make an image of the internal structures of a patient. Since December 2005, all radiographs obtained at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals are digital. Radiograrphy is the most commonly performed imaging examination comprising 62% of all studies obtained in the Companion Animal Hospital and 77% of all studies in the Equine and Farm Animal Hospital. It is used most commonly to examine the thorax and skeletal structures.
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography creates images of internal organs by directing sound waves ("ultrasound") into the animal and then listening for the returning echoes (similar to sonar). The location and intensity of the echo produces the image. Ultrasonography is the second most popular imaging examination at the CUHA. Ultasonography is considered painless and biologically safe for all animals. It is used most commonly to examine the abdomen and tendon in horses.
Computed Tomography
Computed tomography (CT) uses x-rays like radiography but with a different method of detection that results in a thin, cross-sectional image of the patient's anatomy. The benefit is better depiction of organs without the overlapping structures seen on a radiograph. Approximately 5% of our caseload involves CT scanning. It is used most commonly to examine the head, spine and thorax.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance provides superior resolution of soft-tissue body parts. A strong magnetic field and very high frequency radiowaves are used to produce images. MRI systems are classified as open or closed - this is an example of an open system with a low strength magnetic field. Approximately 5% of our caseload involves CT scanning. It is used most commonly to examine the brain and spinal cord.
Nuclear Scintigraphy
Nuclear scintigraphy uses radioisotopes that are placed within the patient--most commonly by intravenous injection. The radiosotope circulates through the patient and accumulates in areas of interest.A special camera is used to detect these accumulations. Because of these features, scintigraphy is said to provide more functional information about the body versus structural. Approximately 2% of our caseload involves CT scanning. It is used most commonly to examine horses for lameness, cats for hyperthyroidism and dogs for portosystemic shunts.
Radioiodine Therapy
The hospital has performed radioiodine treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism for over 25 years. In New York State, radioiodine treatment is available only at hospitals with approved radioactive material permits issued by the Department of Health. Radioiodine treatment is safe and successful in 95-98% of cats. In NYS, cats are hospitalized for 5 days and until the radiation exposure is less than 0.5 mRem at 1 meter from the thyroid gland. Once home, some restrictions apply on handling the cat and disposing of litterbox waste. Full instructions are provided and fully explained to clients.
Information Technology
Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are used in medical imaging to acquire, transmit, store, retrieve, and display digital images and related patient information from a variety of imaging sources and communicate the information to many users over a computer network. All of our imaging equipment is connected to the PACS for improved access to information throughout the hospital.
