What this modality answers
- Airway dynamics: tracheal collapse, bronchial collapse and laryngeal function through the respiratory cycle.
- Swallowing studies: oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases, and aspiration during swallowing.
- Contrast transit through the gastrointestinal tract over time.
- Positional and functional questions where a static study cannot reproduce the clinical sign.
When to send a study
- A patient has a honking cough or exercise intolerance and static radiographs are inconclusive.
- Regurgitation or chronic coughing after eating suggests a swallowing disorder.
- You need to document whether a change is fixed or dynamic before surgery.
- Contrast transit is needed to resolve a suspected motility problem.
What to include when you submit
- Submit the complete recorded loops, not exported still frames.
- Record through several full cycles of the relevant motion, including inspiration and expiration.
- Note the contrast agent, consistency and volume used in swallowing studies.
- Describe the clinical sign you are trying to reproduce.
Standard, STAT or Wet Read
STAT fluoroscopy studies are returned in 1 hour. Standard studies are returned within 24 hours. Wet Read is the fastest option, read while you wait, answering the questions submitted with the case.
The priority is chosen case by case at submission, and every case is read by an ACVR- or ECVDI-certified radiologist. Reports place the prioritized diagnoses and recommendations first, followed by the comprehensive findings, and each case carries Real-Time Chat so a question reaches the reading radiologist in seconds. More detail is in the guide to choosing a priority.
Frequently asked questions
Why does fluoroscopy need to be submitted as loops?
The diagnosis lives in the movement. A still frame captures one instant of a cycle, and tracheal collapse or a swallowing abnormality may be absent in that instant and obvious two frames later.
How many cycles should be recorded?
Several, covering full inspiration and expiration or several complete swallows. A single short clip often ends before the abnormality appears.
Can fluoroscopy and radiographs be read together?
Yes, and it is usually better. Submitting both as one case lets the radiologist relate the dynamic findings to the static anatomy.
Which species are covered?
Dogs, cats and exotics. For exotic patients, STAT and Wet Read turnaround is not guaranteed and a 24-hour best-effort read applies.