Interpretation of radiographs depends a great deal on th+e clinician’s familiarity with the normal structure. The range of abnormality is vast compared with the relatively small variants of the normal anatomy.

This book points out the identity of the clinically significant anatomic parts that can be seen in radiographs, including some instances where the inherent normal variation can be confusing. Included are also illustrations showing variations that can occur in the radiographs themselves that may confuse interpretation. The descriptions and particular points mentioned in this review are only a representative of the scope of coverage in the book. The book strives to include most of the areas of interest to the clinician.

The radiographs used in this book are all high quality digital images using indirect digital imaging plate, producing images of all regions of the part being displayed.

There are seven chapters plus an Index. Chapter 1 covers principles of imaging. The authors answer questions about the positioning used in the book, terminology, views (lateral, ventrodorsal, or dorsoventral, lateromedial, caudocranial) and their variations. Standard and oblique projections are included. Tables indicate the view/skeletal maturation by age /species of the subject. Line drawings show the age development of the subject in days. These include the canine elbow, manus, hemipelvis, stifle. Followed by the feline shoulder, antibrachium and carpus, manus, hemipelvis, stifle.

Chapter 2. The Skull. This contains detailed drawings to enhance the radiographs and includes such assists as feline dental eruption times. Other features include drawings to indicate the direction of the beam in the accompanying radiograph.

Chapter 3. The Spine. This chapter is equally detailed and shows the critical areas of the spine in both radiographs and drawings. The radiographs are further enhanced with the use of arrows and directional lines overlaid on the films to indicate the angle between vertebrae.

Chapter 4. The Thoracic Limb. The radiographs clearly show the major joints that can commonly incur injuries or health issues. Also illustrated are the connections between the forelimbs and the axial skeleton (muscular sling). The chapter follows previous chapters in detail, adding three-dimensional drawings, and age-identified views. The views of the carpus also indicate how to position the limb so as to equal the normal view as shown. Lines on the rads correspond with CT views marked as to location. Also included are views of polydactyl cats and cats with supernumerary toes.

Chapter 5. The Pelvic Limb. This chapter is interesting as it shows the areas usually involved in hip and stifle issues, as a comparison suitable for explaining to clients what is normal as compared to patient issues. The detail of the entire limb is detailed and contains numerous views. Included in this chapter are views of various ages showing growth stages. There are three-dimensional volume rendered CT images of a canine stifle joint, clearly showing detail. Also shown are stifle details of 8- and 10-week old canines to illustrate the appearance of the articular cartilage of young dogs in various growth stages.

Chapter 6. The Thorax. This chapter covers the heart, lungs, rib cage. There are numerous views of various aspects of the heart and lungs, including a catheter entering the ascending aorta, and the position of the caudal vena cava. Various dogs (Labrador, greyhound, basset, great Dane, cocker, corgi) are used to provide a variety of thoracic space models. The cat models are equally represented. Some views are side-by-side with CT scans of the same areas for comparison.

Chapter 7. The Abdomen. In this chapter the abdomen is shown in a variety of structural forms, thin, fat, with or without contrast medium, and each variation is marked by arrows and explained. The digital format helps a great deal in identifying various organs. CT scans of the same views help to illustrate the structures. Again, dogs of various ages and sizes are represented to give the reader a baseline for comparison to one’s own radiographs of client’s animals. Cats are equally represented, but this review is not intended as a substitute for reading the book or they would also be included. Suffice it to say that you will not be disappointed with the feline side.

This is a fascinating book, and one that might be used on every occasion for comparisons. The illustrations are all excellent and varied enough to provide adequate instruction. This is a book that will probably live, open, on a convenient desk or shelf for frequent referral. If your radiograph interpretation skills are iffy, this is the book you need to improve your results.

Published: Elsevier, 303 pages, hard cover, black and white illustrations.

ISBN: 9780323312257