ACVR Veterinary Radiology study materials
ACVR Veterinary Radiology study resources

ACVR Veterinary Radiology study plan

ACVR Veterinary Radiology · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Radiology

  • Map the full radiology domain into a written topic outline weighted by domain share

  • Label 40 normal canine and feline thoracic and abdominal radiographs by anatomic structure without reference material

  • List the four radiographic opacity types and assign each to at least three example tissues or lesions

  • Build a personal error log template for missed or uncertain interpretations

Your checkpoint

A one-page radiology topic outline plus a scored set of 40 labeled normal radiographs (percent correct recorded)

Week 2

Radiology

  • Describe a systematic thoracic reading pattern and apply it to 25 cases in writing

  • Differentiate alveolar, interstitial, bronchial, and mixed pulmonary patterns on 20 described case vignettes

  • State the radiographic signs of congestive heart failure and left atrial enlargement from memory

  • Rank your three weakest thoracic subtopics and schedule targeted review

Your checkpoint

A 25-case thoracic interpretation log with pattern classification and a ranked weakness list

Week 3

Radiology

  • Apply a systematic abdominal reading pattern to 25 cases in writing

  • Contrast radiographic features of small intestinal versus large intestinal mechanical obstruction

  • Explain how to assess hepatic, splenic, and renal size and silhouette on survey films

  • Identify the limits of survey radiography and justify when contrast or alternate imaging is indicated

Your checkpoint

A 25-case abdominal interpretation log with a written justification for each alternate-imaging recommendation

Week 4

Radiology & Equine Diagnostic Imaging

  • Complete a timed 40-question radiology self-test under exam conditions

  • Review every missed item and write the underlying concept behind each error

  • Begin an equine radiographic anatomy atlas covering the distal limb and tarsus

  • Compare equine and small animal radiographic technique factors and explain the differences

Your checkpoint

A timed radiology self-test score with a written remediation note for every missed item

Week 5

Equine Diagnostic Imaging

  • Label the standard equine distal limb, tarsus, and carpus projections and their indications

  • Describe a systematic approach to the equine navicular and distal interphalangeal regions

  • Explain the principles and common pitfalls of equine upper airway and dental radiography

  • Outline when equine ultrasound or advanced imaging supplements radiography

Your checkpoint

A completed equine projection reference sheet mapping each view to its indication and key structures

Week 6

Equine Diagnostic Imaging & Radiation Oncology

  • Interpret 20 described equine lameness radiograph vignettes and record findings in writing

  • Summarize equine thoracic and abdominal radiographic indications and limitations

  • Define the four Rs of radiation oncology and state the clinical consequence of each

  • Explain the difference between curative-intent and palliative-intent protocols

Your checkpoint

A 20-case equine interpretation log plus a one-page written summary of the four Rs

Week 7

Radiation Oncology

  • Explain the biologic basis of acute versus late radiation toxicity and name representative tissues for each

  • Compare photon, electron, and orthovoltage modalities by depth-dose behavior

  • Describe how fraction size, total dose, and overall treatment time affect normal tissue and tumor response

  • Outline the workup and staging steps required before starting a definitive radiation protocol

  • Identify common radiation safety principles for personnel and owners

Your checkpoint

A one-page comparison table of modalities by depth-dose and a written list of pre-treatment workup steps

Week 8

Radiology & Radiation Oncology & Equine Diagnostic Imaging

  • Complete two full-length timed mock exams across all three domains

  • Re-derive the three highest-yield concepts in each domain from memory without notes

  • Review the cumulative error log and confirm each recurring error is resolved

  • Write a final one-page rapid-review sheet covering all three domains

Your checkpoint

Two recorded mock exam scores plus a completed one-page cross-domain rapid-review sheet

Milestones

Week 2: Can classify all four pulmonary patterns and list congestive heart failure signs from memory with no notes

Week 4: Timed radiology self-test score recorded and every missed item has a written remediation note

Week 6: Equine projection reference sheet complete and 20 equine vignettes interpreted in writing

Week 8: Both mock exam scores recorded, error log cleared, and rapid-review sheet finished