The essentials of veterinary point of care ultrasound: pleural space and lung

1. Introduction

Evolution

Using binary questions

Summary

2. General technique

Introduction to the Calgary Pleural and Lung

Ultrasound (PLUS) approach

Indications

Contraindications and complications

Serial exams

Machine functions

Transducer manipulations

Patient positioning and preparation

The Calgary PLUS Technique

Application of the Calgary PLUS approach

3. Image interpretation: Normal findings

Bat sign

Glide sign

A lines

B lines

Curtain sign

Lung pulse

Dry lung

Z lines

4. Image interpretation: Clinical applications for the pleural space

Is there pneumothorax?

Probe orientation/selection

Where and how to look for pneumothorax

(step by step)

Key criteria to rule out pneumothorax

Key criteria to confirm pneumothorax

Pitfalls

Is there pleural effusion?

Probe orientation/selection

Where and how to look for pleural effusion (step by step)

Key criteria to rule out pleural effusion

Key criteria to confirm pleural effusion

Tricks to differentiate pleural from pericardial

effusion

Pitfalls

5. Image interpretation: Clinical applications for the lungs (visceral pleural surface)

Is there alveolar interstitial syndrome (AIS)?

Probe orientation/selection

Where and how to look for AIS (step by step)

Key criteria to rule out AIS

Key criteria to confirm AIS

Pitfalls

Is there lung consolidation?

Probe orientation/selection

Classifications of lung consolidation

Where and how to look for lung consolidation

(step by step)

Key criteria to rule out lung consolidations

Key criteria to confirm lung consolidations

Pitfalls

Is there pleural thickening and/or subpleural irregularities?

Where and how to look for pleural thickening and subpleural irregularities

Defining pleural thickening and subpleural irregularities

Significance of pleural thickening and subpleural irregularities

6. Lung and pleural space procedures

Thoracocentesis

Chest tube placement

Lung aspirate/biopsy