Erin Hennessey

DVM, DACVR, DACVPM

Dr. Erin Hennessey earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Her diverse professional background was cultivated over 13 years of active duty service in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, a career that quite literally took her around the world.

Driven by a passion for military working dog medicine, Dr. Hennessey served as the attending veterinarian for the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Multi-Purpose Canines while also earning advanced specialization in radiology. Following her residency, she served at the Holland Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio TX, the Department of Defense’s veterinary specialty and referral center serving multiple government agencies.

Dr. Hennessey currently practices as a full-time civilian radiologist while continuing her service in the Army Reserves. She has a particular professional interest in musculoskeletal imaging, the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence in veterinary diagnostic imaging, and veterinary education.

Dr. Hennessey lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, three energetic boys, a spoiled pit bull, and three cats - embracing the joyful chaos of boy mom life.

Topics

1. Behind the Wall of Screens: A Radiologist’s Approach to Imaging

This opening hour will get everyone in the imaging mindset. We will discuss preparation for image acquisition (modality selection, FOV and positioning, patient preparation), image quality control, and review a systems based approach to radiograph interpretation.

2. Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Background information on how this technology works and define common terms. We will also discuss how imaging algorithms are trained and validated, the current state of the AI in veterinary imaging, and its capabilities and limitations. We will finish with a group discussion on responsible implementation in daily practice.

3. Literature Potpourri

Review of recent peer reviewed imaging related publications with novel findings and/or significant impact on the practice of veterinary medicine.

4. Breath-taking Cases

Common intrathoracic radiographic findings and interpretation will be discussed using a case based format. Common conditions such as feline asthma, congestive heart failure, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, and pneumothorax will be included as well as imaging features that suggest less common differentials like lung lobe torsion and tension pneumothorax.

5. All About the Abdomen

Common abdominal radiographic findings will be discussed in a case based format. Common conditions such as gastrointestinal mechanical obstructions, hepatic and splenic masses, and hydronephrosis will be discussed as well as less common conditions such as retroperitoneal neoplasia.

6. Point of Care Ultrasound

This hour will include a brief background discussion on ultrasound physics and shift into incorporation of point of care ultrasound into daily practice with emphasis on TFAST and AFAST.

7. Musculoskeletal Imaging

A focus on musculoskeletal radiography using a case based approach. Cases will be selected to represent common issues (e.g. cranial cruciate rupture, elbow dysplasia). Additional emphasis will be placed on maximizing the diagnostic utility of radiography through additional views such as oblique projections, and how to select the next recommended modality (CT, MRI, US) when more imaging is needed after radiographs.

8. The Secrets of the Spine – A Discussion on Imaging Neuro Cases

The capabilities and limitations of radiography in neurological cases. A case based approach will be used to illustrate the utility of radiographs as well as their limitations. Corresponding CT and MRI images will be included to complete the case discussion.