Tooth root abscess is an infection at the tooth apex causing local bone lysis and draining tracts. Clinical signs include facial swelling, halitosis, suppuration, and tenderness. Imaging is used to confirm origin and determine bone involvement. Dental radiographs help detect periapical changes, while CT best defines extent in complex cases. Ultrasound is adjunctive, MRI for […]

Pituitary enlargement commonly presents with neurologic signs or endocrine dysfunction depending on mass effect and hormone secretion. MRI is the gold standard for visualizing the pituitary and surrounding structures like the optic chiasm and hypothalamus. CT is less sensitive for subtle intrasellar changes but can assess larger masses or alternative intracranial causes. Radiographs and ultrasound […]

Otitis externa or media causes pruritus, pain, discharge, and head tilt, often driven by allergy, parasites, bacteria, or foreign bodies. Imaging is mainly to assess complications or deeper disease. Radiographs can evaluate bulla changes but are less sensitive. CT best evaluates bony ear structures and chronic otitis media extension. MRI is for suspected intracranial involvement […]

Nasopharyngeal polyp is a benign growth that can extend from the nasopharynx into middle ear structures, producing respiratory noises and otitis media signs. Imaging confirms the lesion, evaluates extension, and helps plan myringotomy or polypectomy. CT often best defines soft tissue density and bony foramina involvement. MRI can better differentiate soft tissue components and assess […]

Salivary adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy that can invade local tissues and metastasize via lymphatics. Dogs often show facial asymmetry and salivary gland enlargement with associated discomfort or dysphagia. Imaging selection starts with ultrasound when accessible for mass characterization, but CT is typically best for staging local invasion into mandible, soft tissues, and nodes. MRI […]

Salivary mucocele results from trauma or duct rupture, producing a mucus pseudocyst that may enlarge slowly or become infected. Imaging confirms cystic nature and localizes involvement with adjacent structures. Ultrasound is usually first because it distinguishes fluid-filled lesions and guides aspiration/biopsy. CT and MRI help define extent, wall characteristics, and relation to salivary glands and […]

Thyroid adenocarcinoma is a malignant thyroid disease that can invade local tissues and metastasize. Clinical signs often involve a growing neck mass with swallowing or vocal changes, plus endocrine effects depending on functional status. Imaging first localizes the thyroid lesion and checks for invasion. Ultrasound characterizes mass and lymph nodes. CT best evaluates extrathyroidal invasion […]

Parathyroid adenomas commonly cause excess parathyroid hormone, leading to hypercalcemia and secondary clinical signs. Imaging focuses on localizing a small neck mass and determining whether additional lesions exist. Ultrasound can identify parathyroid region enlargement, while CT better evaluates the relationship to thyroid and nearby vessels. Nuclear scintigraphy is valuable when available, and radiographs mainly assess […]

Thyroid adenoma is a benign neoplasm that may be functional, producing excess thyroid hormones or remain nonfunctional. Dogs more often present with subtle endocrine signs, while cats can show prominent hyperthyroid effects if functional. Imaging typically starts with ultrasound for mass localization, then nuclear scintigraphy for functional assessment, followed by CT/MRI for invasion staging.

Retrobulbar abscess is a deep orbital infection often secondary to sinus or dental disease. Imaging is crucial for localizing the abscess, assessing extent, and planning surgical drainage. CT is typically best to define bony involvement and gas/fluid patterns. MRI offers superior soft-tissue detail for optic nerve, extraocular muscles, and early spread. Radiographs are insensitive. Ultrasound […]