Furensic Files: Cracking the Case with Dr. Maldonado

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Lon Hays sits down with Dr. Mikaela Maldonado, a veterinary fellow at Animal Imaging with a passion for equine medicine and diagnostic imaging. Together, they explore five fascinating cases where imaging was critical in solving complex medical mysteries—from urinary incontinence in a French Bulldog to an esophageal disorder in a Dachshund. Dr. Maldonado shares the importance of each imaging modality, how contrast and fluoroscopy can change outcomes, and why sometimes the answers lie in what we don’t expect to find.Timestamps:[00:00] Intro to the podcast and guest, Dr. Mikaela Maldonado[01:00] Dr. Maldonado’s background and fellowship role[02:45] Case 1: Meli the French Bulldog – CT contrast reveals ectopic ureter[06:00] Importance of contrast in urinary diagnostics[07:00] Case 2: Bear the Rottweiler – Chronic lameness uncovers lung disease[10:00] Reflections on diagnostic tiers and uncovering the unexpected[11:00] Case 3: Finn the Labrador – MRI reveals spinal lesions and suspected cancer[15:30] Role of MRI, CSF tap, and fluoroscopy in spinal diagnostics[18:00] Case 4: Chopper the Dachshund – Fluoroscopy uncovers rare esophageal dysfunction[23:00] Phases of swallowing and real-time imaging insights[26:00] Big-picture takeaways on imaging, finances, and client communication[28:00] Tail End Tip: MRI safety and referral best practicesNotable Quotes:“If you don’t look, you’re not going to see.”“Different modalities shine in different ways—and sometimes, the best answer comes from using more than one.”Resources & Takeaways:Imaging Modalities Discussed:CT with contrast: Key for mapping urinary tract abnormalities (Meli)MRI: Essential in assessing spinal cord involvement (Finn)Fluoroscopy/Esophagram: Captures dynamic swallowing issues in real-time (Chopper)Radiographs & CSF Taps: Complement imaging findings for deeper diagnostic clarityVeterinary Practice Pearls:Educate clients on how one imaging result informs the next step.Think in layers: physical exam → radiographs → advanced imaging → fluid analysis.Don't underestimate the power of imaging to shift or affirm a diagnosis.Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialistshttps://animalimaging.net/(972) [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimagingInstagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.