In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays dive into the realities of tackling challenging imaging cases—from unexpected findings like bullets and migrating microchips, to rare diagnoses and exotic patients like sharks and camels. They pull back the curtain on what happens when imaging doesn’t go as planned, the importance of collaboration with referring veterinarians and specialists, and how financial considerations and anesthesia risks play into client decision-making. This episode reminds practitioners to maximize in-house diagnostics, stay mindful of anesthesia protocols, and embrace teamwork to deliver the best outcomes possible.

Key Takeaways

• Unexpected Findings:
• Metal objects like bullets or plates can render MRIs useless, requiring a switch to CT.
• Microchips can interfere with imaging or migrate to unexpected locations—scan broadly when searching.
• Collaboration Matters:
• Real-time sharing of images with neurologists, surgeons, and specialists helps guide diagnostics.
• Quick communication with referring veterinarians ensures timely decisions while patients are under anesthesia.
• Anesthesia & Patient Safety:
• Sedation/anesthesia is necessary for clear, diagnostic images—wiggling patients lead to unusable results.
• Protocols are tailored to patient age, breed, and health conditions to minimize risk.
• Pediatric and very small patients can pose unique anesthetic and imaging challenges.
• Exotic & Memorable Cases:
• Beyond dogs, cats, and horses, Animal Imaging has imaged hedgehogs, guinea pigs, cheetahs, zebra sharks, stingrays, and soon—a camel named Wednesday.
• Diagnostic Lessons:
• Where possible take in-house x-rays first—they may reveal conditions (e.g., osteosarcoma, foreign bodies) before advanced imaging.
• Don’t overlook ultrasound practice; frequent scanning improves.

Resources Mentioned

• Southwest Veterinary Symposium – Meet Dr. Lon Hays and the Animal Imaging team (last weekend of September).
• Animal Imaging Services – Advanced imaging for equine, small animal, and exotic cases, including MRI, CT, scintigraphy, and ultrasound.
• Veterinary Safety Tips – Use proper PPE (lead aprons, thyroid shields) during radiographs; collimation improves image quality and reduces exposure.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

info@animalimaging.net

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

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

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

Ever wish you could download 30 years of veterinary wisdom in under an hour? In this special episode, Dr. Amy Armentrout sits down with her co-host, Dr. Lon Hays, to reflect on his 30-year journey—from new grad to clinic owner to seasoned veterinarian at Animal Imaging.

Together, they explore how diagnostics, treatments, and practice culture have evolved over the years. Dr. Hays shares candid stories from “the dark ages” of flea and tick dips and daily heartworm prevention, to the modern tools transforming general practice — like long-acting injectables, CT-guided aspirates, and bone scans.

Whether you're a new grad wrestling with imposter syndrome, a seasoned practitioner navigating today's veterinary landscape, or a student wondering about specialization, this episode delivers practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty, and career-long lessons in how to keep learning, leading, and loving the job.

📚 Resources & Takeaways:

👥 Career Thoughts:

• New Grads: You’re not alone. Ask, collaborate, and learn by doing
• Mid-Career Vets: If you’re burning out, try something new—it’s never too late to pivot
• Aspiring Owners: Start early, trust your staff, and run your clinic like a team
• General Practitioners: You can practice high-end medicine without being boarded—your curiosity is your credential

📞 Referring Veterinarian Tips:

• Unsure which imaging modality fits? Call us—Dr. Hays and the team are here to help
• We partner with you—we don’t “take the case,” we help solve it
• Bone scans, CT-guided aspirates, and nuclear imaging can dramatically speed up diagnoses

🎓 Upcoming Event:

• Neurology CE Series (Fall) – Stay tuned for details
• Don’t miss Dr. Rich’s practical approach to neurology for general practitioners

Connect with Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

info@animalimaging.net

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

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

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

In this illuminating episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hayes sit down with board-certified veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon, Dr. Jennifer Rich. Together, they demystify the complex world of neurology—from simple localization techniques to advanced imaging decisions—making it more approachable for general practitioners.

Dr. Rich shares invaluable tips for performing neurologic exams, choosing the right imaging modality, and determining when a spinal tap or MRI is truly necessary. Through real-life cases, including a Cavalier with overlapping diagnoses and a cat with a massive meningioma, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to think critically about neurologic cases. Plus, Dr. Rich emphasizes that neurology, when broken down into practical steps, is not only manageable—but fun.

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

00:00 - Introduction to Diagnostic Tails & Dr. Jennifer Rich

02:00 - Why Dr. Rich started a teleconsultation neurology service

04:00 - Keeping an open mind in vet school and choosing neurology

05:30 - The “big picture” breakdown of neurologic exams

08:00 - Deciding when and what to image: localization tips

10:30 - A Cavalier case: When the MRI doesn't match the clinical picture

14:00 - Degenerative myelopathy: Not just a German Shepherd problem

16:30 - The role of CSF taps and when to use them

18:30 - Most rewarding case: Meningitis with a literal “luge” of pus

21:00 - Least favorite: A tough case of discospondylitis

23:00 - Neurologic emergencies: When a seizure is serious

25:30 - Most common neuro cases by breed: Frenchies, Border Collies, and Dachshunds

28:00 - Old dog vestibular disease vs. seizure: How to tell the difference

32:30 - Steroids: When and how to use them in neurologic cases

34:30 - Feline neurology: Meningiomas, seizures, and carts for paralyzed cats

37:30 - Final takeaway: Neurology doesn’t have to be scary—follow the breadcrumbs

Notable Quotes

“Neurology is fun—it just presents itself if you listen to the clues.”

“An MRI tells us a lot, but the patient tells us everything.”

Resources & Takeaways

Quick Localization Framework (Dr. Rich’s Simplified Approach):

• Forebrain: Personality changes, circling, contralateral deficits
• Brainstem (hindbrain): Cranial nerve deficits
• Spinal Cord: Normal brain, weakness, proprioceptive deficits
• Spinal Nerves: Reflex deficits, flaccid paresis

Practical Tools for General Practitioners:

• Always get a thorough history + home videos when possible
• Use bloodwork + physical exam to assess imaging risk
• Don’t default to full-body imaging—localize first
• CSF tap = only after imaging and with safety confirmed
• Be cautious with steroids

📆 Upcoming CE Event

🧠 Neurology CE Day with Dr. Jennifer Rich – July 12th

Start the day with tech-focused positioning training and finish with practical neuro pearls from Dr. Rich herself.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

info@animalimaging.net

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

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

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