Diagnostic Tails

Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays talk shop directly to referring veterinarians, in this episode of Diagnostic Tails. They cover why a thorough clinical exam before a referral changes everything downstream, why MRI and CT can’t just “image everything,” the real reasons a scan takes as long as it does, and how to set client expectations before a patient even walks through the door. They also get into the financial realities of advanced imaging, how to handle the hard conversations when the news isn’t good, and close with quick-fire advice.

Key Takeaways

• A thorough, well-localized clinical exam before referral saves the client money and improves the radiologist’s read — most MRIs only image one targeted joint, not a side-by-side comparison.
• “Image everything” isn’t a real option: every additional MRI site means more repositioning, more anesthesia time, and more cost and risk for the patient.
• Nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) is underused for intermittent or hard-to-localize lameness, but only works well if the patient is actively inflamed at the time of the scan.
• A non-definitive scan still does real diagnostic work by ruling differentials out, even without a single clear answer.
• Tail End tip: when imaging one limb, image the opposite one too — comparison views often reveal bilateral disease that would otherwise be missed.

Audio Timestamps

00:00 - The Grey’s Anatomy myth about imaging

00:26 - Today’s topic: practical imaging advice for referring vets

01:40 - What a thorough clinical exam buys you before the referral even arrives

02:51 - One joint at a time: why MRI and CT image so differently

04:36 - The case for bone scans, and why “image everything” backfires

07:42 - The physics nobody expects: why smaller patients take longer

08:55 - Bone scans’ hidden power: timing it right and catching cancer early

12:45 - Busting the Grey’s Anatomy myth, and why scheduling runs by the machine

18:14 - CT’s speed vs. why “just one more sequence” on MRI isn’t simple

20:58 - Setting expectations before the referral, and what a non-answer still tells you

22:36 - Why CSF still matters after the MRI, with a case that proves it

26:05 - Delivering bad news, and the real cost of advanced imaging

33:04 - Quick-fire advice, and the tail end tip every vet needs

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

Boarded veterinary neurologist Dr. Jennifer Rich returns to Diagnostic Tails for round three, and this time she's making the case for general practitioners to take on more neurologic workups than they think they can. Hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays walk through real cases with her — idiopathic epilepsy, old dog vestibular disease, FCE, disc rupture, and a heartworm that ended up somewhere it had no business being — to map out exactly when a GP can manage a neuro case solo, when a phone call to a specialist is enough, and when a patient needs to go straight to a traditional referral center. Dr. Rich also breaks down how to read MRI and spinal tap results in context and why "just image everything" isn't the answer.

Audio Timestamps

00:00 - Reaching out to colleagues for help outside your specialty

00:29 - Welcome to Diagnostic Tails, Animal Imaging's podcast

00:58 - Meet your hosts, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays

01:22 - Welcoming back Dr. Jennifer Rich for episode three

02:39 - Today's theme: bringing the neurologist to the general practitioner

03:18 - Rethinking what GPs are capable of handling in-house

04:54 - When a patient needs traditional hospitalization vs. when they can stay with their primary vet

08:56 - Case 1: the idiopathic epilepsy patient just outside the typical age range

11:26 - The traditional referral pathway - and why the wait can cost time

12:58 - Neurolocalizing before you image: ruling out reactive causes first

13:55 - Why a "whole body MRI" isn't the right approach

16:12 - Reading results: how a radiologist and a neurologist look at the same MRI differently

16:57 - When the MRI comes back normal - and what to check next

20:04 - Steroids: when to start, when to hold off, and when urgency changes the call

21:31 - Case correction: white cell count in the vestibular/otitis case

22:06 - Case 2: the "old dog vestibular" that turned out to be inflammatory brain disease

24:37 - Case 3: waxing-and-waning vestibular signs that pointed to a brain tumor

25:00 - Vascular disease in the brain: cerebrovascular accidents and ischemic strokes

26:12 - Paradoxical vestibular signs, explained

27:43 - Managing idiopathic vestibular cases with supportive care

28:45 - Spinal strokes: what FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism) actually is

30:08 - Disc disease and the neurologic grading scale that guides treatment

33:29 - Building a decision framework: refer out or manage in-house?

35:17 - The 48-hour rule for loss of deep pain - still holds

36:18 - Old dog vestibular: when lack of improvement means it's time to image

42:41 - Case 4: the Chihuahua with neck pain - and a heartworm in the spinal cord

45:06 - A horse case: ear ticks mimicking neurologic disease

45:49 - Wrap-up and where to find Dr. Rich

Guest

Dr. Jennifer Rich, boarded veterinary neurologist based in Dallas, Texas, with over 10 years in practice and ongoing locum work across other states. Her consulting service is built around phone- and video-based case support for general practitioners working up neurologic patients. Find her at www.virtualvetneurology.com.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays welcome Dr. Amanda Cairncross, founder of Vet Vitals Veterinary Mentoring, for an honest conversation about the challenges veterinarians face beyond clinical medicine.

Drawing from her own experiences in practice and her work as a veterinary mentor, Dr. Cairncross discusses imposter syndrome, perfectionism, burnout, compassion fatigue, and the importance of having a trusted mentor throughout your career. Together, they explore how mentorship helps veterinarians build confidence, navigate difficult client interactions, develop healthy boundaries, and create sustainable careers.

• Why imposter syndrome is so common in veterinary medicine
• What effective mentorship looks like beyond clinical training
• How to distinguish burnout from compassion fatigue
• Practical strategies for managing stress and difficult client interactions
• Why setting healthy boundaries is essential for career longevity
• How confidence develops through experience - not perfection
• What new graduates should look for in a mentorship program
• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:32 - Meet the Hosts

00:58 - Dr Amanda Cairncross

01:17 - Vet Vitals Mentoring

03:44 - Early Career Struggles

06:20 - Understanding Imposter Syndrome

08:04 - Mentorship Then vs Now

12:43 - What Good Mentoring Looks Like

13:57 - Teaching the Process

19:14 - Boundaries and Burnout

23:12 - Grounding in Emergencies

24:57 - Counting Back By Sevens to Ground

25:30 - Loving The Chaos: Emergency Mindset Reframe

27:32 - Hypervigilance and Patterns

29:25 - Rewiring Triggers

31:55 - Burnout Vs Compassion Fatigue

36:42 - Social Media Pressure

39:55 - Mentoring for Tough Clients

43:46 - Advice to New Grads

48:59 - How to Get Mentoring Help

50:14 - Wrap Up and Thanks

• Strong mentorship provides more than clinical guidance - it creates a safe space to build confidence, process challenges, and continue growing throughout a veterinary career.
• Imposter syndrome and perfectionism are common among high-achieving veterinary professionals, but they can be managed through support, experience, and self-awareness.
• Burnout and compassion fatigue are different challenges that require different solutions, making it important to recognize the source of stress.
• Small habits - such as celebrating daily wins, practicing grounding techniques, and setting healthy boundaries - can improve resilience over time.
• New graduates should seek practices with structured mentorship plans, clear expectations, and regular opportunities for feedback.
• Confidence doesn't come from having every answer - it comes from knowing how to think through problems, ask questions, and continue learning.
• Creating a culture where veterinarians feel supported ultimately benefits practitioners, patients, clients, and the profession as a whole.

Whether you're just beginning your career or mentoring someone else, this episode reinforces one core idea: great veterinarians aren't built through perfection - they're built through guidance, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning.

Vet Vitals Veterinary Mentoring offers one-on-one confidential virtual mentoring sessions. Connect with Dr. Amanda Cairncross and/or book a 15-minute confidential complimentary phone call at: https://vetvitalsmentoring.com/

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

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In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays are joined by board-certified veterinary neurologist Dr. Jennifer Rich to explore how advanced imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis work together to diagnose complex neurologic diseases.

Through real clinical cases, Dr. Rich explains why an MRI often provides only part of the picture and how a spinal tap can uncover inflammation, infection, and other microscopic changes that imaging alone cannot detect. She also shares a remarkable case in which MRI and CSF analysis identified a treatable middle ear infection that had spread to the brain - saving a dog that otherwise may have been mistakenly treated for a brain tumor.

The conversation also covers seizure workups, neurologic localization, when advanced imaging is warranted, and how collaboration between general practitioners, neurologists, radiologists, and pet owners leads to better outcomes for patients.

This episode is designed for veterinarians who want a practical approach to neurologic diagnostics and for anyone interested in understanding how advanced imaging can change the course of treatment in patients with neurologic disease.

• Why MRI and CSF analysis provide complementary diagnostic information
• When a spinal tap is recommended during a neurologic workup
• How MRI can distinguish treatable diseases from life-threatening conditions
• When seizures warrant advanced imaging and referral
• The basics of neurologic localization in general practice
• How to differentiate seizures from other neurologic events
• Why collaboration between veterinarians and specialists improves patient care
• How concierge neurology is creating new options for veterinarians and pet owners

Timestamps (audio):

00:00 - MRI and Spinal Tap Changed Everything

00:18 - Podcast Welcome and Hosts

01:26 - Meet Neurologist Dr. Jennifer Rich

02:28 - Why Add a Spinal Tap

04:30 - Safety and Timing Tips

06:56 - Dry Taps and Technique

08:05 - Case Otogenic Meningitis

12:48 - Treatable Neuro Conditions

14:21 - Seizure Workup Guidelines

19:25 - Consults and VIP Neurology

23:34 - How to Contact Dr Rich

25:15 - Localizing Lesions for Imaging

27:05 - Neurolocalization Basics

30:19 - Reflexes vs Pain Feeling

32:13 - Movement Disorder Not Seizures

35:51 - When Seizures Need ER

37:12 - Clinic Banter Break

38:18 - Raising Service Dog Floyd

42:20 - Teamwork and Burnout

45:12 - Wrap Up and Resources

• MRI and CSF analysis work together to provide a more complete neurologic diagnosis, revealing both structural and cellular disease.
• Performing a spinal tap during the initial MRI can avoid a second anesthetic event while providing valuable diagnostic information.
• Advanced imaging can distinguish treatable conditions from diseases that may appear terminal based on clinical signs alone.
• Careful neurologic localization and a thorough history help determine the most appropriate imaging study and improve diagnostic efficiency.
• Not every collapse or convulsive episode is a seizure - recognizing movement disorders and other neurologic conditions leads to more appropriate treatment.
• Early referral and advanced diagnostics can significantly improve outcomes for patients with neurologic disease.
• Strong collaboration between general practitioners, imaging specialists, neurologists, and pet owners ensures patients receive the most informed care possible.

Connect With Dr. Rich: https://www.virtualvetneurology.com/

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays take a closer look at one of the most common congenital vascular abnormalities seen in small animal practice: portosystemic shunts.

They discuss what shunts are, why they occur, and how they impact a pet's growth, metabolism, and neurological function. The conversation walks through the diagnostic process, from suspicious bloodwork and bile acid testing to advanced imaging with nuclear scintigraphy and CT angiography.

Dr. Hays explains how imaging helps determine not only whether a shunt is present, but also its location and severity — critical information for surgical planning and long-term management. They also cover anesthesia considerations, treatment options, and why many of these patients can go on to live healthy lives when diagnosed and treated appropriately.

This episode is designed for veterinarians, veterinary students, and pet owners who want to better understand how advanced imaging helps diagnose and manage these complex but often treatable conditions.

You'll Learn:

• What a portosystemic shunt is and how it affects the body
• Common breeds and clinical signs associated with congenital shunts
• How bloodwork and bile acid testing help identify suspect cases
• The role of nuclear scintigraphy in confirming shunt presence
• Why CT angiography is often the preferred tool for localization and surgical planning
• Special anesthesia considerations for shunt patients
• The differences between medical management and surgical correction
• How advanced imaging improves diagnostic confidence and treatment outcomes

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to Diagnostic Tales

00:32 - Meet the Hosts

00:57 - Episode Focus: Shunts

01:21 - What Is a Shunt?

02:57 - Breeds and Shunt Types

03:42 - Clinical Clues and Labwork

04:18 - Bile Acids Testing

05:27 - Scintigraphy Explained

07:07 - CT Angio for Localization

08:45 - Anesthesia and Breath Holds

11:25 - Surgery vs Medical Management

13:57 - Why CT Beats Ultrasound

14:47 - CT Value and Other Uses

16:22 - Shunt Anesthesia Protocols

19:18 - 3D Recon and 3D Printing Future

20:05 - Rotary Phones and Party Lines

22:40 - Tail End Tip: Hard Conversations

26:04 - Wrap Up and Thanks

Key Takeaways:

• Portosystemic shunts allow blood to bypass the liver, preventing normal detoxification and metabolism
• Small-breed dogs, particularly Yorkshire Terriers, are commonly affected by congenital shunts
• Elevated bile acids are often the first clue that a shunt may be present
• Nuclear scintigraphy can confirm the presence and severity of a shunt, while CT precisely identifies its location
• Advanced imaging plays a critical role in determining the best treatment approach
• Surgical correction offers an excellent prognosis for many patients
• Careful anesthetic management is essential because shunt patients metabolize drugs differently
• Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve quality of life and long-term outcomes

Whether you're investigating a poorly growing puppy, unexplained neurologic episodes, or abnormal bile acids, this episode reinforces one core idea: the right imaging study can turn a confusing clinical picture into a clear treatment plan.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays are joined by relief technician Bryce Morgan to discuss the evolving role of veterinary technicians and the importance of building sustainable, supportive veterinary teams.

Drawing from Bryce’s experience working across multiple practices and states, the conversation explores technician utilization, continuing education, anesthesia training, workplace culture, and the growing demand for relief support in veterinary medicine.

They also discuss how communication, trust, and professional growth opportunities directly impact patient care, team retention, and long-term success within veterinary practices.

This episode is designed for veterinarians, technicians, and practice managers who want to strengthen their teams, reduce burnout, and create healthier workplace environments.

You’ll learn:

• Why technician education and utilization are essential in modern veterinary medicine
• How workplace culture impacts retention, morale, and patient care
• Why anesthesia training is one of the most underserved areas in technician development
• How relief technicians help practices navigate staffing shortages and burnout
• The importance of communication and trust between veterinarians and technicians
• Why sustainable scheduling and clear boundaries matter for long-term success
• How continuing education helps technicians grow in confidence and skill
• Why the human connection remains critical in veterinary medicine despite advances in technology

Whether you’re managing a veterinary team or entering the profession yourself, this episode reinforces one core idea: investing in people is one of the most important investments a practice can make.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Podcast Welcome

00:38 - Meet The Hosts

01:23 - Guest Bryce Intro

02:52 - Travel Tech Life

04:41 - Why Tech Education Matters

08:52 - Underserved Skills

14:05 - Techs As Partners

16:06 - Culture And Retention

19:50 - Relief Techs Explained

23:41 - Setting Relief Up

25:28 - Advice For New Techs

27:12 - AI And Human Touch

28:42 - Tech Passion And Feedback

29:43 - Standardizing Credentials And Tech Titles Debate

32:44 - Ask To Learn More

34:04 - Wrap Up And Thanks

Key Takeaways:

• Strong veterinary teams are built through trust, communication, and continued investment in staff
• Technician burnout is often tied to poor support, lack of training, and unsustainable workloads
• Proper technician utilization improves efficiency, workflow, and overall patient care
• Anesthesia confidence comes from hands-on experience, mentorship, and continued education
• Relief technicians can provide critical stability during staffing shortages and employee leave
• Healthy workplace culture often has a greater impact on retention than salary alone
• Veterinary technicians are valuable clinical partners — not just support staff
• Long-term success in veterinary medicine depends on creating sustainable environments for both patients and teams

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays introduce the role of endoscopy in veterinary medicine and how it expands diagnostic and treatment options for referring veterinarians. Joined by technician Mia, they share insights from a recent hands-on training course and what this new capability means for patient care.

They break down how endoscopy allows for minimally invasive foreign body removal, targeted biopsies, and more efficient diagnostics — often under a single anesthetic event. The conversation also highlights the importance of teamwork between veterinarians and technicians, especially when performing advanced procedures.

You’ll learn:

• When endoscopy is the right choice for foreign body removal
• How endoscopy allows for targeted gastric and intestinal biopsies
• Why minimally invasive procedures improve recovery and efficiency
• The role of endoscopy in diagnosing GI disease and cancer
• How combining diagnostics under one anesthetic benefits patients and clients
• The importance of technician support and teamwork in advanced procedures
• How referral centers can provide faster access to specialized care

Whether it’s retrieving a foreign object or getting answers in a chronic GI case, this episode reinforces one core idea: endoscopy is a practical, efficient tool that helps veterinarians get answers faster — with less invasiveness for the patient.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Podcast Intro and Hosts welcome listeners

02:01 - Introducing Mia, a technician at Animal Imaging

02:41 - Lon shares background – 25+ years in a small animal private practice in Dallas

03:46 - Announcement: Animal Imaging will be offering endoscopic procedures

05:43 - Mia’s excitement about foreign body cases – “I wanna see what they ate”

06:17 - Endoscopy compared to a claw machine

09:19 - Mia’s personal highlights from the course - hanging with Dr. Hayes’ wife

14:42 - Mia’s highlights from the course from a technician standpoint

16:09 - Importance of the technician’s role in endoscopy and other procedures

23:18 - New CT imaging package announcement: bilateral elbows and shoulders

24:16 - CT of elbows and shoulders give you more information than x-ray.

26:04 - Closing – thank you and excitement about the CT offering.

Key Takeaways:

• Endoscopy is a minimally invasive tool for both diagnosis and treatment
• Ideal for removing gastric foreign bodies before they progress further in the GI tract
• Allows for targeted biopsies of the stomach and proximal small intestine
• Improves efficiency by combining diagnostics under a single anesthetic event
• Helps deliver faster answers and quicker turnaround for referring veterinarians
• Strong technician support is essential — endoscopy is a true team procedure
• Proper equipment care and handling are critical to protect investment and ensure performance
• Expands what referral centers can offer without requiring full hospitalization
• Provides an additional option when specialty centers have long wait times

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays explore how technology is impacting modern veterinary practice — from cybersecurity and data protection to the growing role of artificial intelligence.

They break down the real risks practices face today, including ransomware, data loss, and privacy concerns, while also highlighting how AI is already improving efficiency in areas like medical records, communication, and workflow.

This episode is designed for veterinarians and practice owners who want a clear, practical understanding of how to protect their practice and thoughtfully integrate new technology.

You’ll learn:

• Why cybersecurity matters for every veterinary practice
• How backups and monitoring protect against data loss
• Risks of using AI tools with sensitive information
• Where AI is already improving efficiency in practice
• Why AI won’t replace clinical expertise
• How technology can help reduce workload and burnout

Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or already using digital tools in your practice, this episode reinforces one core idea: smart use of technology supports better care — it doesn’t replace it.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Podcast Intro

00:31 - Meet The Hosts

01:10 - John The IT Guru

02:59 - Cybersecurity Basics

03:49 - Monitoring And Threats

05:00 - Backups And Ransomware

06:52 - Storage And Archiving

08:14 - Privacy In Vet Records

09:23 - AI As A Data Risk

12:56 - AI In Imaging Future

14:20 - Jobs Efficiency And Cost

17:05 - AI Scribes For Records

18:09 - AI Scribes Save Time

18:52 - Efficiency Against Burnout

19:51 - Probabilistic AI Explained

21:00 - Vet Data Challenges

21:59 - Everyday AI Starting Points

22:58 - Faster Lab Result Messaging

23:54 - IoT Wearables For Animals

26:20 - Drones And Remote Herd Care

27:04 - Integration And Security Fears

28:34 - Bias And Human Oversight

29:12 - Self Driving Tech Lessons

30:32 - Regulation Jobs And Costs

33:19 - In House AI For Privacy

34:00 - Closing Thoughts And Farewell

Key Takeaways

1. Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary practices are increasingly targeted by ransomware and data breaches.

Continuous monitoring, secure networks, and offsite, protected backups are essential safeguards.

2. Data Protection Extends Beyond Medical Records

Client and patient data—including high-value animals—must be protected for privacy and security reasons.

Even seemingly harmless tools (like free AI platforms) can unintentionally expose sensitive information.

3. AI Is Already Improving Efficiency in Practice

AI tools can assist with medical record documentation, email communication, and workflow automation.

These tools reduce administrative burden and help combat veterinary burnout.

4. AI in Diagnostics Is Advancing—But Not Replacing Clinicians

AI is being developed to assist with radiology and imaging interpretation.

However, variability, bias, and lack of full clinical context mean human expertise remains essential.

5. Veterinary Medicine Faces Unique Challenges with AI

Unlike human healthcare, veterinary medicine lacks standardized data systems and large shared datasets, slowing AI development.

6. The Future Includes Real-Time Patient Monitoring

Emerging technologies (wearables, implants, IoT devices) will allow continuous tracking of vital signs and health trends.

These tools could improve early detection, triage, and preventative care.

7. Technology Will Change Roles—Not Eliminate the Need for Expertise

AI will make skilled professionals more efficient and effective, not obsolete.

The greatest value will remain with those who can interpret, contextualize, and act on information.

8. Implementation Requires Strategy, Not Just Adoption

Practices must be intentional about how and where they use AI, balancing efficiency with data security and accuracy.

Paid, secure platforms are preferable over free tools when handling sensitive data.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails: Animal Imaging Uncovered, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays explore one of the most overlooked - but critical - elements of veterinary diagnostics: the patient history.

While advanced imaging technologies like MRI, CT, and nuclear scintigraphy provide powerful diagnostic tools, they are only as effective as the context surrounding them. A clear, accurate patient history helps veterinarians and radiologists interpret images correctly, choose the right imaging modality, and ultimately arrive at a more accurate diagnosis.

Through real clinical cases – from nerve sheath tumors and congenital urinary abnormalities to thyroid disease and anesthesia complications – Dr. Armentrout and Dr. Hays illustrate how incomplete or misleading histories can delay answers, complicate procedures, or even lead to imaging the wrong anatomical region.

They also discuss how trends in bloodwork, subtle behavioral changes, and long-term medical records can reveal patterns that a single snapshot cannot. Whether it’s a limping dog, a weight-losing cat, or a horse with mysterious lameness, the story behind the patient often holds the key to solving the diagnostic puzzle.

The episode closes with practical advice for veterinarians and pet owners alike: better histories lead to better diagnoses, safer procedures, and better outcomes for animals.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Diagnostic Tales podcast and the importance of veterinary imaging

01:02 - Why accurate patient history is crucial for radiologists in referral practices

02:22 - How to provide helpful medical records without overwhelming information

03:43 - The importance of including previous diagnostic images with referrals

07:02 - Case example: How detailed palpation findings improve MRI interpretations

07:42 - Brachial plexus tumors: Easy to miss in early stages of lameness

10:13 - Why age and timeline information matters for diagnostic accuracy

13:20 - Case study: French Bulldog with chronic urinary issues and ectopic ureter

16:33 - Anesthesia complications: Critical history that almost got missed

18:58 - Metal implants and MRI limitations you need to know about

24:17 - Stress-related complications during I-131 thyroid treatment

27:42 - Communication breakdown: When everyone confirms the wrong imaging location

Key Takeaways

1. Imaging Alone Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Diagnostic imaging is powerful, but interpretation relies heavily on clinical context. A clear patient history helps radiologists understand what they are looking for.

2. Clear, Concise Histories Are Essential for Referral Cases

Referral imaging centers often meet a patient for the first time on the day of the procedure. The referral notes and records may be the only clinical history available.

3. Too Little Information Can Be as Problematic as Too Much

Clinicians frequently see two extremes: minimal information or hundreds of pages of records. The ideal history is focused, chronological, and relevant to the case.

4. Trends Over Time Reveal Critical Patterns

Serial bloodwork and longitudinal records help veterinarians identify disease progression. A single lab value is a snapshot—but multiple data points reveal the trajectory of disease.

5. Age and Onset Matter in Diagnosing Disease

Knowing whether a condition appeared suddenly, gradually, or since birth can help differentiate congenital conditions, degenerative diseases, or acute injuries.

6. Missing History Can Complicate Anesthesia or Imaging

Undisclosed medical events—such as previous anesthetic complications or implanted metal—can significantly impact imaging plans and patient safety.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays break down how advanced imaging fits into everyday veterinary practice — not just specialty or referral medicine.

Using real clinical cases, they explain when radiographs fall short, how to choose between CT, MRI, and nuclear scintigraphy, and why advanced diagnostics often lead to faster answers, clearer treatment plans, and better patient outcomes.

This episode is designed for general practitioners managing challenging lameness, neurologic, and internal medicine cases, and for anyone who wants to better understand how modern veterinary imaging supports accurate diagnosis without unnecessary delays.

You’ll learn:

1. When to escalate from radiographs to CT or MRI
2. How bone scans help localize elusive lameness
3. Why MRI is ideal for neurologic and soft tissue disease
4. When CT is faster, more efficient, and cost-effective
5. Common misconceptions around cost, anesthesia, and accessibility
6. How advanced imaging supports — not replaces — the referring veterinarian
7. Why annual bloodwork and trend tracking improve long-term diagnostics

Whether you’re managing an unresolved limp, intermittent neurologic signs, or vague GI disease, this episode reinforces one core idea: advanced imaging is an extension of your practice — and a powerful diagnostic ally.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Diagnostic Tails

00:45 – The goal of the episode: using advanced imaging in everyday practice

01:15 – When radiographs don’t give answers: the limping Labrador scenario

02:00 – Bone scans as a localization tool before CT or MRI

02:40 – Case study: bilateral forelimb lameness and the “wrong problem” trap

04:15 – How bone scan + CT led to a definitive elbow dysplasia diagnosis

05:00 – Why advanced imaging improves treatment planning

06:00 – Why general practitioners underutilize advanced imaging

06:45 – Animal Imaging as an extension of the referring veterinarian

07:30 – Turnaround times and what reports include

08:15 – Host introductions and clinical backgrounds

09:30 – MRI misconceptions: “above my pay grade” and referral myths

10:45 – How MRI works (in practical, real-world terms)

12:30 – Why MRI studies take time — and why size matters

15:00 – CT vs MRI: choosing the right modality

18:15 – Case example: bicipital bursitis diagnosed via MRI

20:00 – Neurologic cases where MRI truly shines

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

[email protected]

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging