RADIOLOGY: IMAGING OF THE THORACIC CAVITY
Course Overview |
Radiology is one of the primary diagnostic tools of veterinarians. Thoracic radiology assists doctors in the diagnosis of heart and lung disease. Conditions affecting the trachea and esophagus, for example, may be determined via thoracic radiology.
As with radiology in general, there is a learning curve to fully utilizing thoracic radiology. In addition, the transition from analog to digital radiographs can be challenging. Images are much clearer, organ systems have more detail, and what used to be familiar may have become a bit confusing. When digital radiographs include normal respiratory patterns and cardiac silhouettes, the detail can lead a practitioner to question his or her diagnosis.
It takes knowledge and practice to gain confidence in the reading of thoracic radiographs. The assignments in this course are designed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn and apply, under the guidance of a board certified radiologist.
Radiology: Imaging of the Thoracic Cavity is a 6-week course that will help veterinary practitioners hone their skills and increase the value of thoracic radiology to their practice. Having the tools at hand to quickly reach a diagnosis, coupled with correct treatment protocols, helps provide excellent patient care and client satisfaction. And even, perhaps, bring back some of the enjoyment of the practice of veterinary medicine. Participants are not required to work in practice to complete this course.
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Continuing Education Credits |
Course meets the requirements for 25 RACE hours of continuing education credit for veterinary technicians and veterinarians in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval. However, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery.
This course is an interactive online course that meets RACE requirements; program number 57-12014.
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Course Content |
Radiology: Imaging of the Thoracic Cavity starts with the normal anatomy of the pharynx, larynx, trachea and esophagus, followed by abnormalities, radiographic techniques and interpretations. Thoracic wall and diaphragm abnormalities (congenital and traumatic) are covered in detail, along with a full module on medistinal conditions and masses.
Modules on plural space abnormalities (pneumothorax, pleural fluid and interlobular fissures), heart and pulmonary abnormalities (enlargement, cardiomegaly, CHF, mitral insufficiency, etc) and lung abnormalities (including bronchial and interstitial patterns, cardiogenic pulmonary edema and lung lobe torsion) finish out the course.
This course includes many radiographs to interpret and takes time and diligence on the part of the participant.
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Course Focus and Learning Objectives |
Radiology: Imaging of the Thoracic Cavity is a 6 week course designed for the veterinarian to enhance their confidence and knowledge base in order to efficiently and effectively diagnose thoracic abnormalities.
Advanced veterinary technicians will also find this course helpful. While diagnosis remains in the hands of the veterinarian, it is vital for veterinary technicians to have a good understanding of thoracic radiology. It is recommended that veterinary technicians have a strong foundation in basic radiology and anatomy prior to taking this course.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Develop a working knowledge of proper positioning and radiograph technique
- Recognize anatomical thoracic landmarks
- Recognize thoracic abnormalities and list potential causes
- Evaluate normal and abnormal anatomy of the pharynx, larynx, trachea and esophagus
- Compare and contrast congenital and development abnormal thoracic walls
- Differentiate potential thoracic hernias
- Distinguish lung masses from mediastinal masses
- Diagnose pneumothorax
- Describe cardiac chamber enlargement
- Differentiate cardiovascular lesions
- Describe normal and abnormal lung pattern
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Participation Access Parameters |
Participants may enroll in this course after it has begun, up to the enrollment deadline date. Participants who enroll after the start date do not miss out on any components of the course.
There are no real time sessions.
The design of this course allows each participant to proceed based on individual schedule, as long as all assignments are submitted by the assignment submission deadline.
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Required Textbook |
Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, 6th edition by Donald Thrall DVM, PhD, DACVR; 2013 Elsevier
Important Text Information:
It is mandatory that each participant has access to this textbook as the content of the book is not reproduced within the course. It is up to each person to determine the best way to acquire the text. Some will already have the text in their library and, therefore, will not need to purchase another copy. The text is available as a print publication and as an eBook. Where to purchase and in what format is totally up to the participant. The text is not included in the fee for this course.
USA residents: Elsevier texts, both print and eBook, are available via the VetMedTeam Elsevier Text Portal at discounts off regular retail of 25 - 35 %. If you would like to visit the portal to take advantage of the discount please use this link:
VetMedTeam's Elsevier Text Portal
Important: Regardless of which option the participant chooses, access to a copy of the textbook is mandatory. Without the text, the student will not be able to complete the assignments, case studies and examinations. If enrolling close to or beyond the course start date, it is recommended that the text be purchased as an eBook to prevent text acquisition related delays. VetMedTeam has no control over shipping delays and other related problems.
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Additional Courses Using Required Text |
The textbook used in this course is also used in the following course. Click on the course title below to view details regarding that course. Use your browser's back button to return to this course.
Radiology: Imaging of the Abdominal Cavity
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Course Completion Requirements |
Completed students are awarded a certificate of completion. Completion requirements include:
- Instructor Graded Interactive Module Assignments: Designed to help the participant reinforce and apply newly learned knowledge and hone reading skills
- Examinations: All examinations must be submitted with a score of 80% or better
- Course survey
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Participant Feedback |
...That I could ask questions and that Julie was very willing to walk me through these. I also like the approach of letting us fumble our way through the first attempt at the assignment and then helping us discover what we are looking at.
We learn best from our mistakes.
...This was an excellent review of the presentation we need to be looking for (or what we are seeing) with the different thoracic pathologies. As time has passed from vet school and technology improved, so much more detail is available and more options for additional diagnostics are at our fingertips. It was good to get the sense of ct vs fluoroscopy vs echo, etc.
...I think the text was extremely beneficial, and the speed with which Dr. Julie Ekehahl answered any questions and corrected assignments. I also like that even with personal corrections of our assignment there was still an answer key that enables us to see how a radiologist would analyze the given radiographs. Also Dr. Ekehahl would not out right give you the answers if you were wrong, but helped you work through them which is the best way to learn.
...I enjoyed all aspects of this course! The course assignments were very useful in helping me gain confidence in interpreting radiographs.
...I found all course content beneficial to improving & expanding my current radiographic knowledge.
...Reading chapters from the book and then attempting the quiz and interpreting radiographs, in this way thee is direct application of the knowledge. Also an update from the instructor add to your knowledge.
...The most important thing was that Julie Ekehahl gave, when needed, further instructions that were very relevant for me to better understand mistakes I was doing, Also, the final report given to us, after the assignement was done was very helpful.
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Pricing |
Price: $216.00 USD
This course is eligible for the 10% Multi-course discount. To learn more about the discount please visit the Multi-Course Discount page.
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