Diagnostic Imaging

This module will focus initially on understanding how to get the most out of your ultrasound machine and will familiarise you with the machine controls and probes required for optimal image acquisition. In addition, you will learn how to identify and use (if useful) or eliminate (if unhelpful) artefacts.

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to ultrasound of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract with a focus on appreciation of the normal sonographic appearance. The course material will be put in practice with practical ultrasound scanning ensuring you are comfortable scanning the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract.

Key learning objectives:

• Apply the physics and principles of ultrasound
• Become familiar with machine settings and controls and be able to optimise image quality and avoid artefacts
• Review the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract
• Revise using ultrasound to identify abnormalities of the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract

This module also involves a practical scanning session.

 Speaker: Luís Mesquita DVM, DipECVDI MRCVS

Luís Mesquita

DVM, DipECVDI MRCVS

Academic Qualifications:

• Veterinary Degree

Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal

Date: 2008

• European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic imaging

European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Date: 03/02/2018

Postgraduate Experience:

• February 2017- present

Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, UK

Diagnostic imaging clinician

• February 2015 – February 2017

Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK Lecturer in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging

• September 2011 – January 2015

Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK

Resident in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

• September 2010 – April 2011

Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK

Intern in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (Leonardo da Vinci Scholarship)

• 2009 – 2010

Vetlamaçães (Braga, Portugal)

Small animal first opinion practitioner

Research:

Presented Abstracts:

• 2013 Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell

Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. ECVDI Congress, Cascais, Portugal

Publications:

• 2017 – Mesquita L, Mortier J, Ressel L, Finotello R, Silvestrini P, Piviani M.

Neoplastic pleural effusion and intrathoracic metastasis of a scapular osteosarcoma in a dog: a multidisciplinary integrated diagnostic approach. Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

• 2013 – Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell

Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound.

Seminars given:

• 2017 – Illuminating density and echogenicity, a practical guide to abdominal CT and US (Seminar for referring veterinarians, Willows Veterinary Hospital and Referral Centre, Solihull, UK)
• 2016 – Basic principles of CT, General applications of CT, The use of CT in oncological patients (OneVet Group Seminar, EUVG, Coimbra, Portugal).
• 2014 – What can CT contrast tell us? (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
• 2013 – Abdominal imaging: CT vs US (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
• 2012 – Incidental findings in diagnostic imaging (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).

Meetingsseminars attended:

• 2015 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2014 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2013 EVDI Conference, Cascais, Portugal
• 2012 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2012 Radiation safety seminar, SATH – University of Liverpool, UK
• 2012 FRCR – Medical physics course. Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
• 2011 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2009 AE ICBAS Congress, Emergencies and Critical Care, Oporto, Portugal
• 2009 Hospital Veterinario Montenegro Congress, Gastroenterology in Small Animals, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal

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This module will focus initially on the basic principles of echocardiography with particular focus on how to acquire the standard views to make diagnoses of common cardiac diseases. Practicals on image acquisition and on measurements will further increase your confidence with basic echocardiography.

The second half of the module will focus on ultrasound of the urogenital tract with particular focus on appreciation of the normal sonographic appearance. An overview of interpretative principles of abdominal ultrasound with many examples of pathology will improve your confidence in making diagnoses.

Key learning objectives:

• Learn how to obtain the standard echocardiographic views
• Review the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the reproductive tract and urinary tract
• Perform ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and urinary tract
• Obtain the useful ultrasonographic measurements needed to make diagnoses

This module also involves a practical scanning session.

 Speaker: Luís Mesquita DVM, DipECVDI MRCVS

Luís Mesquita

DVM, DipECVDI MRCVS

Academic Qualifications:

• Veterinary Degree

Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal

Date: 2008

• European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic imaging

European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Date: 03/02/2018

Postgraduate Experience:

• February 2017- present

Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, UK

Diagnostic imaging clinician

• February 2015 – February 2017

Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK Lecturer in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging

• September 2011 – January 2015

Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK

Resident in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

• September 2010 – April 2011

Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK

Intern in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (Leonardo da Vinci Scholarship)

• 2009 – 2010

Vetlamaçães (Braga, Portugal)

Small animal first opinion practitioner

Research:

Presented Abstracts:

• 2013 Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell

Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. ECVDI Congress, Cascais, Portugal

Publications:

• 2017 – Mesquita L, Mortier J, Ressel L, Finotello R, Silvestrini P, Piviani M.

Neoplastic pleural effusion and intrathoracic metastasis of a scapular osteosarcoma in a dog: a multidisciplinary integrated diagnostic approach. Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

• 2013 – Mesquita L, Lam R, Lamb C, McConnell

Computed tomography findings in 15 Dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound.

Seminars given:

• 2017 – Illuminating density and echogenicity, a practical guide to abdominal CT and US (Seminar for referring veterinarians, Willows Veterinary Hospital and Referral Centre, Solihull, UK)
• 2016 – Basic principles of CT, General applications of CT, The use of CT in oncological patients (OneVet Group Seminar, EUVG, Coimbra, Portugal).
• 2014 – What can CT contrast tell us? (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
• 2013 – Abdominal imaging: CT vs US (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).
• 2012 – Incidental findings in diagnostic imaging (SATH – University of Liverpool internal seminar for residents and lecturers).

Meetingsseminars attended:

• 2015 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2014 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2013 EVDI Conference, Cascais, Portugal
• 2012 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2012 Radiation safety seminar, SATH – University of Liverpool, UK
• 2012 FRCR – Medical physics course. Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
• 2011 EAVDI BSAVA Satellite meeting, Birmingham, UK
• 2009 AE ICBAS Congress, Emergencies and Critical Care, Oporto, Portugal
• 2009 Hospital Veterinario Montenegro Congress, Gastroenterology in Small Animals, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal

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Key learning objectives:

• Explain the principles of conventional and digital radiography
• Evaluate and improve image quality
• Understand the basis of radiographic interpretation
• Become familiar with the principles, strengths and limitations of CT and MRI
• Appreciate the requirements for radiation protection in the workplace including knowledge of the Ionising Radiation Regulations
• Select appropriate contrast agents

This module may include a film reading activity.

 Speaker: Micheál Ó Cathasaigh MVB DipECVDI MRCVS

Micheál Ó Cathasaigh

MVB DipECVDI MRCVS

Micheál qualified from University College Dublin in 2012 with an honors degree in Veterinary Medicine, after which he moved to Canada where he worked in a 24 hour emergency and general practice. After 2 years, Micheál started a rotating internship with the University of Calgary and the CARE Centre in Calgary, Canada.

He joined the Queens Veterinary School Hospital of the University of Cambridge as Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Diagnostic Imaging in 2015, passing the ECVDI theoretical examination in January 2018, completing the residency in June 2018, and passing the ECVDI practical examination in January 2019, becoming a European board certified Veterinary Radiologist. Following a short spell as a clinical radiologist in the University of Cambridge, he joined Dick White Referrals where he is now a consultant radiologist. Recent publications include a prospective research project entitled “Blood concentration of bupivacaine and duration of sensory and motor block following ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in dogs” and a number of case reports. Current research involves the prevalence of hiatal hernias in brachiocephalic breeds and the benefit on contrast enhanced CT in its diagnosis.

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Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the abdomen
• Interpret radiological changes associated with diseases of the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, retroperitoneal space, liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
• Understand the value of contrast studies in the evaluation of the urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
• View CT images demonstrating the normal appearance of the abdomen
• Consider when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in abdominal conditions

This module may include a film reading activity.

 Speaker: Micheál Ó Cathasaigh MVB DipECVDI MRCVS

Micheál Ó Cathasaigh

MVB DipECVDI MRCVS

Micheál qualified from University College Dublin in 2012 with an honors degree in Veterinary Medicine, after which he moved to Canada where he worked in a 24 hour emergency and general practice. After 2 years, Micheál started a rotating internship with the University of Calgary and the CARE Centre in Calgary, Canada.

He joined the Queens Veterinary School Hospital of the University of Cambridge as Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Diagnostic Imaging in 2015, passing the ECVDI theoretical examination in January 2018, completing the residency in June 2018, and passing the ECVDI practical examination in January 2019, becoming a European board certified Veterinary Radiologist. Following a short spell as a clinical radiologist in the University of Cambridge, he joined Dick White Referrals where he is now a consultant radiologist. Recent publications include a prospective research project entitled “Blood concentration of bupivacaine and duration of sensory and motor block following ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in dogs” and a number of case reports. Current research involves the prevalence of hiatal hernias in brachiocephalic breeds and the benefit on contrast enhanced CT in its diagnosis.

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Lectures will aid you in gaining confidence in distinguishing between pathology and normal variation in organs such as the liver and spleen. A significant amount of time will be spent improving your practical ultrasonographic skills. Case examples will allow you to put your new ultrasound interpretation skills to practice and guidance is given on what to record in an ultrasound report.

Key learning objectives:

• Set up the machine and record images
• Recognise commonly seen artefacts
• Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the abdomen
• Appreciate the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, retro-peritoneal space, liver and spleen

This module includes a practical scanning session.

By the end of these two modules, you will be expected to be able to practically locate the area of the pancreas, the biliary tract, the adrenals, the medial iliac and jejunal lymph nodes and the great vessels and have more confidence in distinguishing between pathology and normal variation in anatomy.

Key learning objectives:

• Appreciate the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the pancreas, biliary tract, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, urogenital and gastrointestinal systems
• Perform elementary Doppler techniques
• Practise ultrasound guided biopsy and aspiration using a phantom

This module includes a practical scanning session

These modules will consist primarily of practical film reading sessions, concentrating on pleural and mediastinal disease, followed by group discussion. Emphasis will be placed on adopting a logical approach to radiographic interpretation, and communicating this information in a structured radiological report. The theoretical part will include tips on optimising thoracic radiography, normal thoracic radiographic anatomy (including some of the many breed variations encountered) and examples of many pathological conditions of the pleural cavity and mediastinum.

Key learning objectives:

• Revise appropriate radiographic techniques in the thorax
• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the thoracic wall, pleural cavity, diaphragm and mediastinum
• Interpret radiological changes associated with diseases of the thoracic wall, diaphragm, pleural space and mediastinum
• Have the knowledge to perform and interpret contrast studies of the oesophagus

This module includes a film reading session and case discussion.

 Speaker: Kate Bradley MA VetMB PhD DVR DipECVDI MRCVS

Kate Bradley

MA VetMB PhD DVR DipECVDI MRCVS

Kate graduated from Cambridge in 1993. Following a period in general practice, she obtained a Wellcome Trust Clinical Training Scholarship, and spent the next 5 years working towards a PhD and the RCVS and European Diplomas in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. Following a period of self-employment offering radiology services to general practitioners, she returned to Bristol University in 2002 as a lecturer, and subsequently a Senior Clinical Fellow in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.

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As part of this module you will have the opportunity to bring in any interesting cases from your own practice, which can be used as part of the group discussions.

Key learning objectives:

• Utilise appropriate radiographic techniques in the thorax to obtain diagnostic radiographs of the heart, lungs and vasculature
• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the heart, lungs and vasculature
• Interpret radiological changes associated with disease of the heart, lungs and thoracic vasculature
• Understand when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in thoracic conditions

This module includes a film reading session and case discussion.

 Speaker: Kate Bradley MA VetMB PhD DVR DipECVDI MRCVS

Kate Bradley

MA VetMB PhD DVR DipECVDI MRCVS

Kate graduated from Cambridge in 1993. Following a period in general practice, she obtained a Wellcome Trust Clinical Training Scholarship, and spent the next 5 years working towards a PhD and the RCVS and European Diplomas in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. Following a period of self-employment offering radiology services to general practitioners, she returned to Bristol University in 2002 as a lecturer, and subsequently a Senior Clinical Fellow in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.

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These two modules will help you advance your skills in echocardiography to become more adept at recognising cardiac diseases using an ultrasound machine.

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the heart
• Perform an echocardiographic examination
• Obtain the standard echocardiographic views and know how to optimise them
• Obtain the useful ultrasonographic measurements needed to make a diagnosis

This module includes a practical scanning session.

 Speaker: Brigite Pedro DVM MSc DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Brigite Pedro

DVM MSc DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Brigite graduated in 2008 by the University of Porto (Portugal). In 2009, Brigite started a general internship at the VRCC, a reference center in the south of England. The following year she did a cardiology internship at the University of Liverpool, where she returned in 2012 to start the three year residency program in cardiology. Brigite stayed at the University of Liverpool until 2016 as a lecturer in cardiology. In September 2016 she moved to the Willows Veterinary Center and Referral Service, where she is currently working.
In 2014, Brigite completed a Master degree in cardiovascular pathophysiology at the University of Porto. Brigite obtained the European diploma in veterinary cardiology by the ECVIM-CA in 2016. In 2017 she started a PhD to investigate the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation in company animals.

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Key learning objectives:

• Identify the typical changes seen in common acquired cardiac diseases such as diseases of the myocardium, pericardium and heart valves
• Identify the typical changes seen in common congenital diseases such as diseases of the myocardium, pericardium and heart valves
• Recognise cardiac shunts
• The theory and use of Doppler echocardiography

This module includes a practical scanning session.

 Speaker: Brigite Pedro DVM MSc DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Brigite Pedro

DVM MSc DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Brigite graduated in 2008 by the University of Porto (Portugal). In 2009, Brigite started a general internship at the VRCC, a reference center in the south of England. The following year she did a cardiology internship at the University of Liverpool, where she returned in 2012 to start the three year residency program in cardiology. Brigite stayed at the University of Liverpool until 2016 as a lecturer in cardiology. In September 2016 she moved to the Willows Veterinary Center and Referral Service, where she is currently working.
In 2014, Brigite completed a Master degree in cardiovascular pathophysiology at the University of Porto. Brigite obtained the European diploma in veterinary cardiology by the ECVIM-CA in 2016. In 2017 she started a PhD to investigate the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation in company animals.

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Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the forelimb and hindlimb and identify changes associated with common diseases
• Classify fractures and interpret stages of fracture healing and complications
• Discuss the radiographic signs and differentiation of infection and neoplasia
• Diagnose various metabolic and nutritional bone diseases
• Perform arthrography
• View CT images demonstrating the normal appearance of the skeletal system and understand when to choose CT as a diagnostic modality in musculoskeletal conditions

This module includes a film reading session.

Key learning objectives:

• Review the normal radiographic appearance and radiographic changes associated with diseases of the head and soft tissues of the neck (thyroid glands and lymph nodes)
• Be able to recognise the normal radiographic appearance of the spine and radiographic changes associated with common diseases of the spine
• Become familiar with the use of myelography and CT myelography
• Have an understanding of the utilisation of CT and MRI in clinical neurology
• Make informed choices in selecting CT or MRI and when to refer cases for these investigative procedures

This module includes a film reading session.

At the end of the module you will know how to perform a basic ultrasonographic examination of the thorax excluding the heart. You will be able to identify common intrathoracic diseases like pleural effusion, mediastinal masses and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, pulmonary consolidation and pulmonary masses. You will also learn the technique and perform ultrasound-guided aspirations and biopsies.

Key learning objectives:

• Revise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the thorax excluding the heart
• Appreciate the applications of T-Fast scanning
• Recognise the ultrasonographic changes and common diseases of the mediastinum, pleural space and lungs
• Understand the approach to ultrasound guided biopsy and aspiration techniques
• Review the ultrasound techniques practised in previous modules

This module includes a practical scanning session.

 Speaker: Amy Ferreira BVSc DipECVDI MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Amy Ferreira

BVSc DipECVDI MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Amy studied at and graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2013 as a Veterinary Surgeon. After a short stint in first opinion practice, she developed a strong interest in Diagnostic Imaging. Amy completed a general rotating internship and worked in the Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Department of the University of Pretoria. In 2016 she moved to the United Kingdom and began a residency in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Liverpool.

After completing her residency in 2019, Amy began working in private referral practice and is currently working at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in the West Midlands. She successfully passed the European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in January 2020.

When not at work, Amy loves spending time outdoors walking her dog and travelling around the country.

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At the end of the module you will be familiar with the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the skeletal system along with variations from the normal. You will also learn to scan the structures of the head and neck reviewing normal variations and true abnormalities.

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise the normal appearance and deviations from normal of muscles and tendons. Practical identification and examination of the biceps tendon and common calcaneal tendon.
• Recognise the normal anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary glands
• Interpret ultrasonographic changes associated with diseases of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary glands
• Understand the applications of ultrasound in examining the eye

This module includes a practical scanning session.

 Speaker: Amy Ferreira BVSc DipECVDI MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Amy Ferreira

BVSc DipECVDI MRCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Amy studied at and graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2013 as a Veterinary Surgeon. After a short stint in first opinion practice, she developed a strong interest in Diagnostic Imaging. Amy completed a general rotating internship and worked in the Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Department of the University of Pretoria. In 2016 she moved to the United Kingdom and began a residency in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Liverpool.

After completing her residency in 2019, Amy began working in private referral practice and is currently working at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in the West Midlands. She successfully passed the European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in January 2020.

When not at work, Amy loves spending time outdoors walking her dog and travelling around the country.

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