The below content replicates the content of the physical exhibit at CSU Spur. It can be used for reference, language translation, and additional accessibility.
Diagnostic Imaging: Through the Eyes of a Vet
Use these X-rays and ultrasounds to look inside a cat, dog, or horse. Diagnostic images help veterinary teams diagnose problems and treat animals in their care.
Image Caption: Veterinary team members conducting contrast radiography (venogram).
Dog Case Study #1 with x-rays and photos — external fixator
One Brave Pup
he CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital saw this patient when he fractured the tibia and fibula bones of his left hind leg. The veterinary team repaired his injury using a device called an external fixator.
Image Caption: This dog has an external fixator to help heal its fracture. Photo courtesy of CSU.
Bone Fractures
Veterinarians used two X-ray (radiograph) views (cranial, lateral) to assess placement of the device and the fracture immediately after repair. Can you see the fracture in each radiograph?
Image Caption: Post-surgery radiographs of external fixature repair of the tibia and fibula fracture. Photo courtesy of CSU.
External Fixature
Veterinarians use an external fixature to stabilize the fractured bones and allow them to heal while also giving the animal the ability to walk during the healing process.
Image Caption: External frame of the fixature post-operation. Photo courtesy of CSU.
Compare the Radiographs
In addition to taking radiographs to help diagnose bone fractures, veterinary teams use radiographs during the healing process to make sure the bone is healing properly.
Dog Case Study #2 with X-rays and Photos – Dog Pregnancy
Pregnancy Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographs can be used at later stages of pregnancy to see how far along a pregnancy is, as well as determine the number and location of the puppies. What do you see in this close-up image?
Image Caption: Close-up of pregnancy radiograph.
Count the Puppies
How many puppies can you find? What other bones and features do you notice?
Image Caption: Labeled pups in pregnancy radiograph.
Dog Pelvis
During birth, puppies have to pass through the birth canal, which is formed by the pelvis and sacrum, or the large, triangle-shaped bone at the end of the spine.
Image Caption: Rotating 3D anatomy of a dog pelvis.
Dog Case Study #3 with X-rays and Photos – Dog Skull
Canine Skull
The shape of the skull may determine how easy it is for a puppy to pass through the birth canal. Some dog breeds regularly need a veterinarian’s assistance for safe delivery of the litter.
Image Caption: Rotating 3D anatomy of a canine (dog) skull.
Horse Case Study #1 with X-rays and Photos – Horse Skull
Equine (Horse) Skull
A horse’s skull has large bony ridges and indentions for the attachment of muscles. Large air-filled sinuses in the skull also help to create these large attachment areas without making the head too heavy.
Image Caption: Rotating 3D anatomy of an equine (horse) skull.
Cat Case Study #1 with X-rays and Photos – Cat Skull
Feline (Cat) Skull
The shape of a kitten’s skull rarely blocks its passage through the birth canal. What is different about a cat skull that makes its birth less complicated than a dog’s or a horse’s birth?
Image Caption: Rotating 3D anatomy of a feline (cat) skull.
Cat Case Study #2 with X-rays and Photos – Cat Pregnancy
Pregnancy Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographs can be used at later stages of pregnancy to see how far along a pregnancy is, as well as determine the number and location of the kittens. What can you see in this close-up image?
Image Caption: Close-up image of feline (cat) pregnancy radiograph.
Kitten Birth
Try to find the two kittens visible in the abdomen region. During birth they will need to pass through the birth canal that is formed by the pelvis and sacrum, or the large, triangle-shaped bone at the end of the spine.
Image Caption: Radiograph of pregnant feline (cat) with color overlay.
Cat Pelvis
The pelvis and sacrum (the triangle-shaped bone at the end of the spine) form the passageway that the kittens will have to pass through during birth.
Image Caption: Rotating 3D anatomy of a feline (cat) pelvis.