Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice

C-VDI.3 Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (Soft Tissue)

Module Outline

Module Leader:

Elizabeth Baines MA VetMB DVR DipECVDI MRCVS

Lecturer in Veterinary Radiology

CPD Unit

Royal Veterinary College

Hawkshead Lane

North Mymms

Hertfordshire

AL9 7TA

Tel: +44 (0)1707 666201

Fax: +44 (0)1707 666877

Email: certavp@rvc.ac.uk

www.rvc.ac.uk/certavp

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module relates to soft tissue problems affecting the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory and

urogenital systems, and other organs in the thorax and abdomen.

The aim of this module is to enable the candidate to extend and consolidate clinical knowledge and

skills gained at undergraduate level, and to develop an in-depth understanding of the application of

that knowledge in a practice environment in relation to Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.

The candidate should demonstrate:

a knowledge of the radiographic features relating to the more commonly encountered clinical

conditions seen in veterinary practice relevant to this module

a knowledge of normal radiographic anatomy of the dog and cat relevant to this module

a recognition of the effects of poor radiographic procedure and poor film processing on a

radiograph

an understanding of the principles of radiological physics and interpretation

an understanding of the principles of diagnostic ultrasonography

an understanding of the general principles of contrast radiography

CONTENT

At the end of the module, candidates should be able to:

Use an x-ray machine to produce optimal quality radiographs for the diagnosis of soft tissue

conditions described in the commentary

Recognise faults and deficiencies in radiographic procedure and describe corrective measures

Recognise and describe normal radiographic anatomy of the organ systems described in this

module. Candidates should possess a detailed knowledge of the normal radiographic

anatomy of the dog and cat and of their variations with breed and age. In other species a

knowledge compatible with current use would be expected.

Recognise and describe the radiographic appearance of disease affecting the organ systems

described in this module, and where appropriate, list the differential diagnoses that should be

considered

Interpret and produce written reports of imaging examinations suitable for the requirements

of this module

Apply the principles of radiological interpretation

recognition of tissue types

formation of shadowgraphs

effects of superimposition and multiple shadows

changes in opacity, size, shape, position and function of organs

the use of simple positional and contrast aids to elucidate radiographic problems

the applications of these basic principles to the evaluation of radiological signs in relation to

soft tissue problems in small animals

Understand the principles of diagnostic ultrasonography in veterinary practice

physical principles of ultrasound

image production

display modes

artefacts

normal ultrasound appearance of major organs (heart, liver, kidney, spleen, bladder, prostate

and uterus)

recognition of major alterations to the normal architecture of these organs and the possible

diagnostic significance of these changes

Special techniques

Candidates should be familiar with the general principles of contrast examinations and the

performance and interpretation of the more commonly used techniques. They should

understand the principles and appropriate use of fluoroscopy with image intensification.

They should understand the basic principles and appropriate use of diagnostic

ultrasonography in veterinary practice

COMMENTARY ON THE CONTENT

Interpretation applies to the diagnostic radiological features of the more commonly encountered

clinical conditions seen in veterinary practice. Candidates should be able to form a differential

diagnosis based on these features:

Digestive system

Common abnormalities affecting the teeth, pharynx, oesophagus and gastrointestinal tract

Obstructive lesions and functions disturbances

The significance of gas shadows

The use of contrast media

Abdomen

Recognition of changes in outline, position and opacity of organs

Abdominal masses and displacements caused by them

The presence of free gas or fluid

Urogenital System

Common abnormalities affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, male and female

genital organs

The use of radiology and ultrasound in pregnancy diagnosis

Intravenous urography, retrograde, cystography and urethrography (positive and negative)

Cardiovascular System

Common abnormalities affecting the heart and blood vessels and evidence of cardiovascular

disease which may be recognised on plain films

The principles of cardiac catheterisation and angiocardiography

Respiratory System

Common abnormalities affecting the nasal cavity, sinuses, hyoid apparatus, larynx, trachea,

thoracic wall, pleural cavity, mediastinum, diaphragm and lungs

Pulmonary patterns

Soft Tissue

Trauma

Foreign bodies

Sinuses

Calcification

The use of contrast media

ASSESSMENT

A case report of up to 2,500 words in length. This case should be selected to demonstrate the

candidate’s ability to use the diagnostic imaging competences that have been acquired to

cope with a challenging situation, rather than necessarily using classic “textbook cases” of

particular conditions. The case should be selected from the caseload seen by the candidate

while he/she is enrolled with the RVCS for this module. It should be presented “editor-

ready” in a format appropriate to one of the main veterinary journals. Illustrations should be

in a digital format and demonstrate the important features of the case. The original

radiographs (or DICOM-format images where digital radiography is used) should

accompany the case report.

A formal examination paper consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Extended

Matching Questions (EMQs).

- Section A (30 minutes) - principles of radiographic, fluoroscopic and

ultrasonographic physics, equipment, contrast media, principles of image formation

and radiation safety (can be sat as part of C-VDI.2)

- Section B (30 minutes) – special techniques and diagnostic ultrasonography

Eight stations consisting of a minimum of six sets of unseen diagnostic imaging cases, blinded

to history and other case details, and up to two sets of films marked up to test radiographic

anatomy and/or film faults. Films will be read under examination conditions and twelve

minutes will be made available for each film reading station.

ANNUAL ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE

1st February If you are submitting work for assessment and plan to sit the exam on

the following dates, please inform CertAVP Admin Manager by 1st

February.

1st March Case report to be submitted. Work submitted after the deadline or

without prior notice as above will not be marked until the following

year.

1st June Candidates will be informed of the outcome/marks of their submitted

case report.

July Exam date to be confirmed (early July).

LEARNING SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Candidates are strongly advised to have a supervisor with which they can discuss cases. Ideal

supervisors would have post-graduate qualifications in your area of interest. The module leader will

not be discussing case management with any candidate.

If you pay for learning support you have access to a number of features that will make it easier, and

more enjoyable to study for your diagnostic imaging modules:

A monthly case - radiographic images are presented for the candidate to practice writing

reports in the style that RVC would like module examination film reports to be written. On

submission, a sample answer becomes available.

Access to a discussion forum that is used only by candidates studying for the DI modules.

The forums can be used to discuss any topic relevant to the CertAVP DI C modules or simply

to find out who else is out there!

Access to the RVC online library which is invaluable when researching literature for writing

up case reports. This means that (with rare exception) all journal articles that you want to

view can be downloaded to your PC with a few mouse clicks. This includes research articles

as well as reviews and case reports. IT and Library support is available for this facility

Links to useful websites and relevant journal articles

Learning support is provided to aid self-directed learning and to provide easy access to published

articles.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING CASE REPORTS

Please ensure that the beginning of your report includes:

your name

module name

title

word count (excluding the above, tables, photo titles and references)

Case reports/reflective essays should be referenced and references cited in a standard format.

Use The Veterinary Record or The Journal of Small Animal Practice as guidance to both

citation of references within the text and format of references in the reference list.

The Harvard Guide to Referencing is also available to candidates enrolled for learning

support or online (various web sites allow the guide to be downloaded).

Please submit your report as a

MS Word document (97-2003 format or later)*

attached to an e-mail and send it to: certavp@rvc.ac.uk

Please ensure original radiographs are submitted by post or digital images are submitted on a

CD or DVD in DICOM format.

*Please note that as case reports in alternative formats have been unreadable in MS Office any other

format will be sent back to the candidate

SUGGESTED READING

Small Animal:

Coulson A, Lewis N. An Atlas of Interpretive Radiographic Anatomy of the Dog and Cat, 2nd

edition; Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. 2008.

Thrall DE (Ed). Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, 5th edition. WB Saunders Co,

Philadelphia. 2007.

Kealy K & McAllister H. Diagnostic Radiology and Ultrasonography of the Dog and Cat, 4th

edition; WB Saunders & Co. 2004.

BSAVA Manual of Canine & Feline Thoracic Imaging. Cheltenham, BSAVA

Publications.2008.

BSAVA Manual of Canine & Feline Abdominal Imaging. Cheltenham, BSAVA Publications.

2009

Radiography and Physics:

Douglas SW, Williamson HD & Herrtage M. Principles of Veterinary Radiography, 4th

edition; Bailliere Tindall, London. 1987.

Ticer JW. Radiographic Technique in Veterinary Practice, 2nd edition. WB Saunders Co,

Philadelphia. 1984.

Journals:

Relevant imaging articles and case reports in the previous 5 years of:

Journal of Small Animal Practice

In Practice

Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound *

* Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound provides a comprehensive range of imaging articles much of

which is beyond the scope of the modular assessment. However, candidates should be familiar with

those articles relevant to the learning objectives set out in each module.

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Marking Regulations

1.

Course: RCVS – Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice

2.

Section: C Module C-VDI.3 Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (Soft tissue)

3.

Applicable to Academic Year: 2009/10 onwards

4.

Aspects of course covered by Examination CertAVP C-VDI.3 Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (Soft tissue) – learning outcomes

and topics

5. Requirement to be completed to permit entry to the examination:

1. Appropriate enrolment to the C module

2. Candidates are advised that they should achieve a pass grade in Module B -SAP.1.

6.

Form of Examination Part 1 Case report – 2500 words

Part 2 Examination – 2 sections consisting of MCQs and EMQs.

i) Section A (30 mins) - Radiation physics and principles of diagnostic imaging

(can be sat as part of C-VDI.2)

ii) Section B (30 mins) – Special techniques and diagnostic ultrasonography

Part 3 Practical DI reading exam

7.

Marking Criteria

Part 1 Case report – grading on the RVC 0-100 (17 point) marking scheme

Part 2 A single mark will be allocated to each correct response

Part 3 Each report from the DI exam will be graded on the RVC 0-100 (17 point) marking

scheme

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8.

Allocation of Marks and any additional requirements

First Submission

Re-submission Only those parts of the assessment identified as failing in the initial submission will be

re-marked

9.

Requirements to Pass Overall Work must be submitted and assessed within the 10 year registration period, or if

enrolled after 1st July 2010, within the 2 year registration period.

First Submission

50% or greater in the grading of Part 1: Case report

50% or greater in the grading of Part 2: exam Section A (this may be passed as

part of C-VDI.2) 50% or greater in the grading of Part 2: exam Section B

50% or greater in the grading of Part 3: DI reading exam

Re-submission Sections graded below 50% in the first submission are re-graded on re-submission and

the following criteria must be reached taking that new grading into account:

50% or greater in the grading of Part 1: Case report

50% or greater in the grading of Part 2: exam Section A (this may be passed as

part of C-VDI.2)

50% or greater in the grading of Part 2: exam Section B

50% or greater in the grading of Part 3: DI reading exam

10.

Consequences of Failure

1. A candidate who fails at their first submission will be required to re-submit the

sections that have been graded below 50% in the next or a future assessment cycle,

or withdraw from the Certificate.

2. A candidate who does not meet the requirements to pass overall after taking all the

allowed opportunities to resubmit their work will normally be required to

relinquish the course of study but s/he will have the right of appeal as described in

the College Regulations.

3. Should a candidate successfully appeal to be re-admitted to the Certificate they

would normally have to repeat the entire module with new case material and

would incur a further assessment fee.

11.

Classification

The examination is only classified as a Pass or a Fail. Candidates that pass the

examination will be allocated 10 credits in the CertAVP structure and the RCVS will be

appropriately informed.

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12. Disclosure of Marks Candidates will be advised of their marks by email and they can request a letter

confirmation.

13.

Late submission of work Work that is submitted after the annual deadline cannot be accepted for grading in that

year. Work may stay on file for grading at the next submission date or the candidate

may re-submit before that date.