Which imaging technique is often used to assess the extent of disease in small animal oncology?

Radiography is a commonly utilized imaging technique in small animal oncology for assessing the extent of disease due to its wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to provide a quick overview of the patient's condition. It is particularly useful for evaluating the presence of bone lesions, thoracic disease, and certain abdominal conditions. For many cancers, initial evaluation often involves radiographs, which can help determine the size, location, and possible metastasis of tumors.

While other imaging modalities like CT scans and MRIs provide more detailed images, particularly in three dimensions, they tend to be more expensive and may not be as readily accessible in all veterinary practices. CT scans, for instance, can offer precise anatomical detail and are excellent for identifying small tumor masses, especially in complex body areas. However, they are typically used as a follow-up or advanced imaging option following initial assessments with radiography. MRI is particularly effective for neurological evaluations and soft tissue differentiation, but like CT, it is less often the primary imaging choice for general oncology assessment.

Nuclear scintigraphy can also be beneficial, especially for detecting metastatic disease, but it is typically used in specific scenarios rather than as a first-line imaging technique for disease extent evaluation. Therefore, radiography remains a fundamental method in the initial assessment