Interview with Dr. Florian Willmitzer, Dipl. ECVDI
Diplovets: How does teleradiology by specialists help practising veterinarians?
Dr. Florian Willmitzer: First, I'd like to say that I have the greatest respect for vets working in direct contact with animal owners. Naturally, not even the best and most experienced clinicians can be equally versed in every area of veterinary medicine. In such cases it's naturally an enormous help to have the opportunity to consult specialists with specific questions.
For young practitioners, a specialist's assessment can be a helpful "reassurance" that they have not overlooked anything crucial, and they'll learn more with each case and the accompanying report. In cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI), the information content is fortunately quite high. We specialists support our colleagues working in clinics and veterinary practices to make the fullest use of this information.
In addition, we make it possible for them to confidently operate the large machinery in their clinic without the need for a specialist to be on site. Teleradiology enables CT and MRI operators to receive high-quality test reports in a very short time. If the clinic has its own staff for this, teleradiology is a quick and easy way to bridge the gaps arising during holiday periods or in case of illness.
A written report with visual documentation provides an excellent basis for further discussion with the animals' owners, whether they are undecided or perhaps are seeking a second opinion.
The radiologists at DiploVets want to provide clinicians with answers and assist them in determining prompt treatment through our reports. We are also available to address any later questions that may arise.
Diplovets: What, in your opinion, are the advantages of teleradiology?
Dr. Florian Willmitzer: The digitalisation of imaging has made this discipline perfect for drawing on the knowledge of outside specialists.
Images can be sent around the world with one click. So in cases, for example, involving the decision on whether to operate, clinicians can receive the information they need quickly.
Cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRT) generally provides information that is comprehensive and complex. The specialists (ECVDI/ACVR) have the highest level of training and must undergo continued training to maintain their certifications. Clinicians can therefore expect high-quality reports that reflect the latest scientific findings. The specialists are of course also available to answer questions about how the trials were carried out, because the full potential of imaging trials can only be tapped if the quality of the trial is high.
Diplovets: What do you need to make a sound diagnosis?
Dr. Florian Willmitzer: Like any other veterinary specialists, radiologists rely on thorough clinical histories.
The clinical examination is the first and most important step; it will later serve as the basis for questions regarding imaging and the choice of procedure (radiography, ultrasound, CT, MRI).
Additional findings such as laboratory results (blood/urine) are also helpful.
A classic example of a medical history that frustrates radiologists is "lameness in front" (without specifying left, right, or which joints are affected) and then an X-ray or CT scan of both front extremities. Naturally there are incidents of lameness where the cause is not clear; this should be noted accordingly in the patient's file. The problem of inexact medical histories is that no radiological assessments can be made regarding changes, and the list for differential diagnoses may become long.
Important are image quality, patient positioning and projection directions that are available. Radiographic studies are based on the principle that, for the radiologist, and with few exceptions, there are two orthogonal planes.
Thoracic radiographs should be taken in inspirium and abdominal radiographs should be taken in exspirium.
Diplovets: Do you have any final advice?
Dr. Florian Willmitzer: Make the most of the opportunities you have available to you!
Animal owners normally have a very high level of trust in "their" vet, but also appreciate when an expert opinion is sought to help make the best decision on treatment for their animal.
It can also be advantageous for the vet to have a specialist's report on hand when dealing with "difficult" pet owners.
DiploVets is a telemedicine platform providing services that reach far beyond the spectrum of a simple teleradiology provider.
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. All the best to you!