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a Figure 2. Dog positioned for ventrodorsal projection of the thoracic spine (A) and corresponding radiograph (B). with only the rib head and proximal rib bodies visualized. • Exclude the lateral body wall and mid zone to peripheral portion of the middle and caudal lung fields. For all patients: • Palpate the manubrium and the xiphoid of the sternum; collimate just cranial to the manubrium and 3 finger widths caudal to the xiphoid. • Place the center of the FOV halfway in between these landmarks, with the horizontal line of the FOV placed midline. • Place the radiographic marker on the soft tissues of the ventrum at the most lateral edge of the collimated FOV. B lateral projection: thoracolumbar Junction Due to x-ray beam divergence, it is necessary to include a projection of the thoracolumbar (T-l) junction for a spinal radiographic survey that includes the thoracic and lumbar spine. For the thoracolumbar junction lateral projection, position the patient in lateral recumbency (Figure 3). • Tape the thoracic limbs together evenly and pull cranially in the same manner as a lateral thoracic radiograph, keeping the sternum and vertebrae equidistant to the table. • a foam wedge may be placed under the elbows in order to maintain laterality of the patient. • Tape the pelvic limbs together evenly and pull caudally, keeping the patient in lateral position. To determine whether or not the patient is aligned in a lateral position and parallel to the table, gauge the superimposition of the iliac wings by palpating the wings to ensure eveness. lateral collimation For the lateral projection, the FOV should include T10 through l3, including spinous processes of the respective vertebrae. • Palpate the junction between the a last thoracic vertebral body (T13) and the first lumbar vertebra (l1) by following the caudal border of the last rib dorsally to the point where it joins the B vertebral column. • Place the center of the FOV 2 finger widths caudal to this space. • Place the radiographic marker to the caudal right or left of the patient to keep it from Figure 3. Dog positioned for lateral overlapping with projection of the thoracolumbar spine important ana(A) and corresponding radiograph (B). tomic areas. May/June 2013 Today's Veterinary Practice 61 small animal spinal Radiography: Thoracic spine Radiography ImagIng EssEnTIals |