Intraconal contrast orbitography in the dog.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Ophthalmology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Accurate visualization of orbital structures is crucial for diagnosing ocular and periocular diseases in animals.
• Established techniques for orbital imaging may have limitations in defining the intraconal space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraconal contrast orbitography in normal dogs.
• To establish a baseline (basal) orbitogram for future diagnostic comparisons.
• To assess different injection techniques for optimal contrast delivery.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen normal dogs underwent intraconal contrast orbitography using a nonionic water-soluble contrast agent.
• Thirty-three orbitograms were performed, exploring three distinct injection techniques.
• Diagnostic quality was determined by the visualization of the orbital cone and optic nerve.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one out of thirty-three (64%) intraconal orbitograms were deemed diagnostically satisfactory.
• Satisfactory scans clearly outlined the orbital cone and/or visualized the optic nerve.
• Twelve scans were nondiagnostic due to contrast material extravasation outside the orbital cone.

Conclusions:

• Intraconal contrast orbitography is a safe procedure with no serious complications observed.
• The technique, when successful, provides adequate contrast density and duration for imaging.
• This method offers a viable approach for evaluating the intraconal orbital structures in dogs.