Selected clinical cases with radiographic findings, CT imaging, MRI, arthroscopic photography, and surgical outcomes. Images are de-identified and presented for educational purposes.
Orthopedic
Radiograph + Planning
Tibial plateau angle (TPA) measurement using VetRocket Orthopedic Planning Suite. Pre-op TPA of 26.6°, planned osteotomy of 20.3° yielding a corrected TPA of 6.3°. PAX TPLO RIGHT implant, 2.4mm — Securos vendor. Post-op radiograph demonstrates excellent implant positioning and osteotomy reduction.
Neurological
MRI
Sagittal and transverse MRI images demonstrating intervertebral disc extrusion (Hansen Type I) at the thoracolumbar junction with severe spinal cord compression. Blue arrow identifies the herniated disc material. Patient presented with acute-onset hindlimb paresis.
Neurological
CT 3D Reconstruction
3D volume-rendered CT reconstruction of the canine vertebral column used for pre-surgical planning of spinal decompression. Three-dimensional imaging provides detailed anatomical context for implant selection and surgical approach planning.
Soft Tissue
CT — Abdominal
Coronal and transverse CT images demonstrating an enormous splenic mass with volume measurement for surgical planning. Yellow outline delineates the mass extent. Splenectomy performed; histopathology confirmed splenic hemangiosarcoma. Thoracic staging confirmed no pulmonary metastasis at time of surgery.
Soft Tissue
Thoracic Radiograph
Ventrodorsal and right lateral thoracic radiographs obtained as part of pre-operative oncologic staging. Evaluation of pulmonary parenchyma, mediastinum, and pleural space is essential prior to any major soft tissue or oncologic surgical procedure.
Orthopedic
CT 3D Reconstruction
3D volume-rendered CT reconstruction of the canine elbow. The fragmented coronoid process (FCP) is highlighted in yellow. CT provides far superior sensitivity for detecting coronoid fragments compared to standard radiography and is strongly recommended for surgical planning prior to elbow arthroscopy.
Oncology
CT 3D Reconstruction
3D volume-rendered CT reconstruction demonstrating an extensive nasal tumor with significant bone destruction and invasion through the nasal cavity. Lateral and rostral views reveal the extent of osseous involvement. Pre-operative CT is essential for staging and surgical planning for nasal tumors in dogs. Related to Dr. Morgan's published research on nasal tumor volume reduction.
Oncology
CT — Head
Lateral 3D reconstruction and transverse CT image of a canine nasal carcinoma demonstrating extensive involvement of the nasal cavity and sinuses. The transverse image (right) shows tumor filling the nasal cavity and extending toward the cribriform plate. Relevant to Dr. Morgan's peer-reviewed publication on nasal tumor volume reduction with radiation therapy.
Minimally Invasive
Arthroscopic Photo
Intraoperative arthroscopic view inside a canine elbow joint during fragment removal (FCP treatment). The arthroscope and grasping instrument are visible. Arthroscopy provides magnified, high-definition visualization of articular cartilage, synovium, and joint structures — superior to open surgical approaches.
BOAS / Airway
Laryngoscopic Photo
Intraoperative laryngoscopic images of the larynx in a brachycephalic dog prior to BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) surgery. Images show everted laryngeal saccules and redundant pharyngeal tissue contributing to airway obstruction. Surgical treatment included nares widening, soft palate resection, and saccule removal.
BOAS / Airway
Pre / Post-op Photos
Before (top) and after (bottom) photographs of stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils) in a brachycephalic dog following alaplasty (nares widening procedure). The post-operative result demonstrates significantly improved airway opening. Nares correction is a component of comprehensive BOAS surgical management alongside soft palate resection and laryngeal saccule removal.
Oncology
Annotated CT — Head
Annotated sagittal CT images from two canine patients demonstrating normal vs. tumor-affected nasal anatomy. Color-coded regions identify: brain (pink), cerebellum (pink), hard palate (blue), soft palate (light blue), and nasal turbinates/sinuses (yellow). Normal nasal cavity (top) vs. complete obliteration of nasal architecture by tumor (bottom). Related to Dr. Morgan's peer-reviewed research on tumor volume reduction with radiation therapy.
Orthopaedic
Digital Pre-op Planning
Pre-operative digital planning using VetRocket Orthopaedic Planning Suite. Left panel shows post-operative radiograph with TPLO plate in position. Right panel demonstrates digital templating: TPA measured at 26.6°, corrected to 6.3° with a 20.3° osteotomy rotation. Implant (PAX TPLO RIGHT 2.4 mm, Securos) was selected pre-operatively, reducing intraoperative decision time and improving precision.
Oncology
3D CT Reconstruction
3D CT volumetric reconstruction of the canine skull demonstrating a nasal tumour (left panel: lateral view showing turbinate destruction and mass extent; right panel: frontal CT slice showing complete obliteration of the left nasal cavity). 3D reconstruction is essential for planning rhinotomy access, defining tumour extent, and counselling owners on prognosis in nasal cavity tumours.
Oncology
3D CT — Tumour Extent
Dual-view 3D CT reconstruction demonstrating a large nasal tumour with extensive bone destruction and orbital involvement. Lateral view (left) shows the tumour mass protruding beyond the rostrum. Caudal view (right) shows the extent of orbital and skull base involvement. Cases with cribriform plate involvement require multidisciplinary planning with surgical debulking followed by radiation therapy.
Spinal
MRI — Thoracolumbar
MRI of the thoracolumbar spine in a Dachshund with acute hind limb paralysis. Left panel (sagittal T2): blue arrow indicates disc extrusion site with loss of CSF signal dorsal to the disc. Right panel (axial T2): yellow circle with blue arrow identifies the extruded disc material compressing the spinal cord at the affected level. MRI is essential for precise localisation prior to hemilaminectomy.
Spinal
3D CT — Spinal Reconstruction
3D CT reconstruction demonstrating a complex spinal deformity with multiple vertebral and pelvic abnormalities. 3D volumetric imaging is invaluable for pre-surgical planning in cases of spinal instability, vertebral fracture-luxation, or congenital deformity, allowing the surgeon to visualise the anatomy in three dimensions before entering the operating room.
Orthopaedic
3D CT — Elbow FCP
3D CT reconstruction of the canine elbow with colour segmentation highlighting the fragmented medial coronoid process (shown in yellow/gold). The fragment is clearly visible as a separate osseous density medial to the trochlear notch. CT is essential for detecting FCP — the fragment is frequently invisible on standard radiographs. This case was managed with elbow arthroscopy and arthroscopic fragment removal.
Soft Tissue
CT Abdomen — Splenic Mass
CT abdomen (coronal view left, sagittal view right) from a Golden Retriever presenting in haemoabdomen. Yellow outlines delineate the massive splenic mass (approximately 18 × 14 cm) with internal haemorrhage. CT confirmed no hepatic metastases prior to emergency splenectomy. Histopathology confirmed haemangiosarcoma. Pre-operative CT in haemoabdomen cases guides surgical planning and aids owner counselling on prognosis.
Soft Tissue
Laryngoscopy — Before & After
Laryngoscopy images demonstrating the effect of arytenoid lateralisation on the glottic opening. Left panel: pre-operative view showing the paralysed larynx with medial displacement of the arytenoid cartilages and a severely narrowed rima glottidis. Right panel: post-operative appearance following left arytenoid lateralisation, with the lateralised arytenoid permanently held open, dramatically widening the airway. Immediate improvement in inspiratory stridor was noted on recovery.
Soft Tissue
Wound Healing Series
Three-stage photographic series documenting open wound management in a canine patient: (left) initial presentation showing full-thickness skin loss with healthy granulation tissue bed; (centre) active contraction phase with progressive wound margin epithelialisation; (right) late-stage healing with near-complete epithelialisation and wound size reduction. Managed with regular bandage changes, wound lavage, and secondary closure planning.
Soft Tissue
Intraoperative
Intraoperative photograph demonstrating meticulous skin closure technique following a major soft tissue procedure. The closure demonstrates precise interrupted suture placement with even tension distribution and excellent tissue apposition. Careful attention to closure technique minimises dead space, reduces post-operative complication rates, and optimises cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Spinal
Intraoperative Fluoroscopy
Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirming accurate spinal implant position during spinal stabilisation surgery. Real-time fluoroscopic guidance is essential during spinal instrumentation to verify screw trajectory and depth relative to the spinal canal, minimising the risk of neurologic injury. At VERG Brooklyn the C-arm fluoroscope is available in every operating theatre for orthopaedic and spinal cases.
Spinal
Post-op Radiograph
Post-operative ventrodorsal (VD) radiograph demonstrating bilateral spinal stabilisation implants in correct anatomical alignment following spinal surgery. The implants are symmetrically positioned spanning the affected vertebral segment. Post-operative radiography is routinely performed to document implant positioning and confirm satisfactory surgical correction prior to recovery from anaesthesia.
Minimally Invasive
Endoscopic / Scope View
Endoscopic view of the trachea and upper airway during anaesthetic assessment. Airway endoscopy allows direct visualisation of the tracheal mucosa, subglottic region, and carina — identifying tracheal collapse, mass lesions, strictures, or foreign bodies that are not visible on survey radiographs. This imaging modality complements CT for complete airway evaluation in dogs with respiratory signs.
Orthopaedic
Bilateral CT — Elbows
CT comparison of left and right elbows demonstrating bilateral elbow dysplasia with fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and subchondral bone changes. Bilateral elbow CT is the gold standard for evaluating elbow dysplasia — it detects coronoid disease, osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), and incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC), all of which are invisible or poorly defined on survey radiographs. Both elbows are assessed simultaneously for symmetric presentation.
Oncology
Clinical Photography
Clinical photograph of a mass lesion of the digit or paw in a canine patient. Digit masses in dogs include subungual squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and benign tumours. Surgical excision with histopathological examination is the cornerstone of diagnosis and treatment. Digit amputation achieves clean margins in the majority of cases and is well-tolerated, with excellent limb function preserved post-operatively.
Oncology
Intraoperative Series
Multi-panel intraoperative photographic series documenting a soft tissue mass excision. Panels demonstrate the planned excision margins, dissection planes, and final resection bed. Achieving clean histological margins is the primary surgical goal in oncologic excision. Pre-operative planning using imaging (CT/MRI or ultrasound) guides margin assessment, and intraoperative photographs document the surgical technique for case records and continuing education.
BOAS / Airway
Before & After
Close-up before and after comparison of stenotic nares (extremely narrowed nostrils) in a brachycephalic dog following alaplasty (nares widening). The pre-operative image demonstrates severely stenotic nares with near-complete occlusion of the nasal opening. The post-operative result shows dramatic widening of the nostril aperture, dramatically improving nasal airflow. Nares correction is typically the first component of BOAS surgical treatment and is performed alongside soft palate resection and laryngeal saccule removal when indicated.
Soft Tissue
Post-operative Care
A canine patient resting comfortably in post-operative recovery following a surgical procedure at VERG Brooklyn. Post-anaesthetic care includes pain assessment, temperature monitoring, IV fluid support, and nursing care in a dedicated recovery area supervised by veterinary nurses and anaesthesiologists. 24/7 post-operative monitoring is a key advantage of VERG's specialist and emergency facility structure, ensuring continuous patient safety from the moment surgery ends.
Soft Tissue / Oncology
Intraoperative — Oral Surgery
Intraoperative photograph following mandibular mass resection in a dog. The oral mucosa has been closed with interrupted sutures following tumour removal and marginal mandibulectomy. The surgical field demonstrates meticulous closure technique to ensure a watertight seal and optimal healing. Oral tumours including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma are managed with surgical resection — wide margins are essential for long-term local control.
Orthopaedic / Oncology
3D CT — Skull Reconstruction
3D CT volumetric reconstruction of the canine skull demonstrating a mandibular lesion highlighted in yellow (rostral mandible, symphyseal region). Three-dimensional CT reconstruction is invaluable for pre-surgical planning of oral tumour resection or fracture repair — providing precise measurement of lesion extent, bone stock remaining, and the relationship of the lesion to the teeth and tooth roots. This guides the surgeon in planning resection margins and reconstruction approach.
Orthopaedic
3D CT — Bilateral Elbows
Four-panel 3D CT reconstruction demonstrating bilateral fragmented coronoid process (FCP) disease with colour-segmented coronoid fragments. Bottom-left panel shows bilateral forelimb overview (L and R labelled). The three detail views show the FCP fragment (yellow) and associated osteophyte formation from multiple angles. Both elbows required arthroscopic surgery. Multi-view 3D reconstruction aids pre-operative planning, owner communication, and documentation of bilateral disease — found in approximately 30–50% of FCP cases.
Soft Tissue / Emergency
Radiograph — GI Foreign Body
Lateral abdominal radiograph demonstrating a large radiopaque foreign body (consistent with a coin or similar object) within the gastrointestinal tract of a small animal patient. Radiopaque foreign bodies are identified on plain radiographs; radiolucent objects (fabric, plastic, bones) may require contrast studies or ultrasound for diagnosis. Surgical intervention is required when an obstructing foreign body cannot pass naturally or when GI perforation is suspected.
Orthopaedic
3D CT — Advanced Elbow OA
3D CT reconstruction of a canine elbow demonstrating advanced secondary osteoarthritis following long-standing medial coronoid process disease. Extensive osteophyte (new bone) formation is visible at the periarticular margins — particularly the anconeal process and humeral condyle. This case illustrates the progressive nature of untreated elbow dysplasia and highlights the importance of early surgical intervention to minimise irreversible articular damage.
Orthopaedic
3D CT — Elbow Medial Compartment
High-resolution colour-rendered 3D CT reconstruction of the canine elbow demonstrating medial compartment disease. The detailed surface reconstruction shows the relationship between the medial humeral condyle, the coronoid process, and the radius — the three bony structures forming the medial compartment of the elbow. Colour rendering enhances appreciation of surface irregularities, osteophyte formation, and the extent of medial compartment erosion, aiding both surgical planning and owner communication.
Orthopaedic — CCL / TPLO
Radiograph — Normal vs CCL Tear
Side-by-side lateral stifle (knee) radiographs comparing a normal canine joint (left) to a joint with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture (right). The normal study shows clean bony architecture of the femur and tibia with no soft tissue swelling. The CCL rupture case demonstrates classic stifle effusion — increased joint fluid visible as soft tissue opacity displacing the infrapatellar fat pad, highlighted by the arrow labelled "Stifle Effusion (increased joint fluid)". Joint effusion is one of the earliest and most consistent radiographic signs of CCL disease. The tibial plateau angle is measured from these radiographs for TPLO surgical planning. This case proceeded to TPLO surgery with an excellent functional outcome.
Oncology — Nasal Tumour
CT — Annotated Comparison
Annotated sagittal CT comparison between a normal dog skull (top) and a nasal tumour case (bottom). Colour-coded regions identify the brain (pink), cerebellum (pink), region of hard palate (dark blue), soft palate (light blue), and nasal turbinates & sinuses (green). In the normal study, the nasal cavity is filled with air (black). In the tumour case, the nasal turbinate region is completely replaced by soft-tissue opacity tumour mass — illustrating the dramatic architectural destruction caused by nasal carcinoma. Related to Dr. Morgan's published research on nasal tumour volume reduction with radiation therapy (BMC Research Notes, 2018).
Soft Tissue — Airway
Intraoperative Laryngoscopy — Before & After
Split-screen intraoperative laryngoscopic view showing the larynx during tie-back surgery (arytenoid lateralization) for laryngeal paralysis. The left panel shows the paralysed arytenoid cartilage in a collapsed, midline position before suture placement — the airway opening is critically narrow. The right panel, taken immediately after placement of the lateralization suture, shows the arytenoid held in a wide-open (abducted) position — the airway is dramatically widened. The improvement in airway diameter is immediately apparent. This procedure transforms quality of life for dogs with laryngeal paralysis, most commonly affecting older Labrador Retrievers.
Soft Tissue — BOAS
Clinical Photo — Nares Comparison
Close-up clinical photography comparing the external nares of a brachycephalic dog (top) versus a normal dolichocephalic dog (bottom). The brachycephalic patient shows severely narrowed, medially-collapsed nares with virtually no visible airway opening — the nostril walls are pressed almost completely together, creating extreme resistance to airflow on every breath. In contrast, the normal nares (bottom) show wide, open nostrils with a clear visible airway. Stenotic nares are one of the primary components of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), along with elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, and tracheal hypoplasia. Alar fold resection (alarplasty) dramatically widens the nostril opening and is performed as part of comprehensive BOAS corrective surgery.
Emergency — Trauma
Case Collage — Gunshot Wound
A dog presented as an emergency after sustaining a gunshot wound to the face. The five-panel collage shows: (1) the patient on arrival — alert despite severe facial trauma with blood along the jaw and muzzle; (2) a chest drain placed to manage pneumothorax from projectile trajectory; (3) the recovered deformed copper-jacketed bullet fragment after surgical extraction; (4) lateral skull radiograph showing bullet fragments and metallic debris throughout the oral/pharyngeal region; (5) intraoperative exploration and debridement of the wound tract. The patient survived and made a full recovery.
Neurology — IVDD
1.5T MRI — Multi-Plane
Multi-plane 1.5T MRI study of the canine thoracolumbar spine. The four panels show sagittal T1 (top-left), sagittal T2 (top-right), coronal (bottom-left), and axial cross-section (bottom-right) sequences. The top-right T2 sequence clearly demonstrates a hyperintense (bright white) disc extrusion compressing the spinal cord — the hallmark finding that confirms surgical urgency and guides hemilaminectomy planning. The axial slice (bottom-right) identifies the laterality of cord compression, determining which side of the spine to approach. Acquired on the in-house 1.5T Philips MRI at VERG Brooklyn.
Imaging — CT
64-Slice 3D Colour CT
Contrast-enhanced colour 3D CT volumetric reconstruction of the canine thorax and abdomen, acquired on the Toshiba Aquilion 64-slice CT scanner at VERG Brooklyn (120 kV / 20 mAs, 0.5 mm slice thickness, HP 53 reconstruction). The image renders the ribs (gold), thoracic and lumbar spine (white), kidneys (red), and vasculature in striking colour. Contrast enhancement maps vascular structures and organ perfusion in real time — essential for thoracic mass and adrenal tumour staging. Patient: Glass Rascal, 2021-05-18.
Orthopaedic — Fracture
Radiograph — Before & After
Side-by-side lateral radiograph comparison. Right panel: comminuted mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture with multiple bone fragments and complete loss of cortical continuity. Left panel: post-operative repair using a long Securos titanium locking plate with 9 bicortical locking screws spanning the entire femur from proximal metaphysis to distal condyle. The locking plate construct achieves angular and rotational stability without relying on bone-plate compression — allowing immediate weight-bearing even in highly comminuted fractures. Excellent long-term functional outcome.
Oncology — Oral/Nasal
3D CT — Skull Reconstruction
Frontal-plane 3D CT volumetric reconstruction of the canine skull. The sub-millimetre rendering captures the nasal bones, frontal sinus, nasal conchae, zygomatic arches, orbital rims, maxillary and mandibular tooth roots, and the incisive foramen in exceptional detail. This level of anatomical fidelity is essential for planning oral and nasal tumour resections — allowing precise mapping of tumour extent relative to critical structures such as the orbit, cribriform plate, and tooth roots before surgery.
More surgical cases, radiographs, and clinical content on Instagram. Follow @mattmorgandvm for ongoing case discussions and surgical education.
Follow @mattmorgandvmEducational Disclaimer: All imaging and clinical content is presented for educational purposes only. Patient information is de-identified. Content does not constitute veterinary medical advice for any specific patient.