To complete a thorough thoracic ultrasonographic examination, it is important to take a systematic approach. It is not necessary to clip or shave hair from the chest; application of 70% isopropyl alcohol works well as a transducing agent, as seen in figure 1. Ultrasound coupling gel or vegetable oil will also be adequate, however image quality will be reduced.

A complete thoracic ultrasound examination extends from cranial thorax to caudal thorax; each intercostal space (ICS) should be examined from the dorsal to ventral extent on both the left and right sides.

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