Peer reviewed
ImagIng EssEnTIals
Small animal Spinal RadiogRaphy SeRieS
Thoracic Spine radiography
Danielle Mauragis, CVT, and Clifford R. Berry, DVM, Diplomate ACVR
imaging essentials provides
comprehensive information on small
animal radiography techniques. This article
is the second in a 3-part series covering
cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine
radiography.
The following anatomic areas
have been addressed in previous
columns; these articles are available at
todaysveterinarypractice.com (search
"Imaging Essentials").
• Thorax
• scapula, shoulder, and humerus
• abdomen
• Elbow and antebrachium
• Pelvis
• Carpus and manus
• stifle joint and crus
• Tarsus and pes
S
pinal radiographs are indicated for:
• Evaluation of traumatic injuries
• Neck and back pain
• Pain or neurologic issues associated with
thoracic or pelvic limb lameness isolated to
these regions.
Each radiographic projection is a separate study and
should be radiographed as such. High quality, correctly
positioned and collimated radiographs are required in
order to provide an accurate assessment of the area of
interest, especially for surgical planning.
Measuring the thoracic spine
Measure the thickest portion of the spine
that is within the area of collimation.
Follow these precautions
as a general rule, general anesthesia or heavy
sedation is necessary to evaluate the spine
because, in most cases, spinal images taken
in nonsedated patients are nondiagnostic.
In addition, the presence or absence of disk
space narrowing cannot be determined from
a nonsedated animal's radiographs due to
unavoidable positioning artifacts.
If a back injury (fracture) is suspected, DO
nOT flex or extend the spine of the injured dog
or cat, and DO nOT turn the patient for an orthogonal image. If possible, a horizontal beam
image is done for the ventrodorsal projection.
May/June 2013 Today's Veterinary Practice
59