Thorax and Abdomen Radiography

Question 1

What views are used for thoracic radiography?

Answer 1

Dorsoventral
Lateral

Question 2

What views are used for abdominal radiography?

Answer 2

Ventrodorsal
Lateral

Question 3

Why do you use dorsoventral for thoracic?

Answer 3

Imaged dorsoventrally so abdominal contents don’t put pressure on diaphragm

Question 4

Other considerations for thoracic radiography

Answer 4

• If greater than 10cm - Place grid in tray
• Take radiograph on inspiration
• Take DV one before lateral so pathology doesn’t affect it

Question 5

Dorsoventral Thoracic Radiography Positioning

Answer 5

Dog placed in sternal recumbency
○ Position elbows symmetrically to either side of chest
○ Flex hindlimbs or extend them
Whichever provides most stable position
○ Extend neck and place on foam block
○ Secure head with sandbag
Distribute sand to either end
○ Check there is no axial rotation by standing at end of table
Palpate hips and ribcage
○ Spine should be over sternum
○ No sand bags in primary beam

Question 6

Dorsoventral Thoracic Radiography Centring

Answer 6

Slightly caudal to the caudal edge of scapula
In midline

Question 7

Dorsoventral Thoracic Radiography Collimation

Answer 7

Cranial - thoracic inlet
Caudal - last rib
Lateral - skin edges

Question 8

Lateral Thoracic Radiography Positioning

Answer 8

○ Dog placed in lateral recumbency
○ Extend and tie forelimbs to avoid super imposition
○ Ensure forelimbs are parallel
Put foam block in-between
○ Extend neck and place on foam block
Secure neck with sandbag - distribute sand either end
○ Ensure sternum and thoracic vertebrae are same distance from table
Foam wedge under the lower aspect if required

Question 9

Lateral Thoracic Radiography Centring

Answer 9

Slightly caudal to the caudal edge of scapula
In midline
Halfway down thorax

Question 10

Lateral Thoracic Radiography Collimation

Answer 10

○ Cranial - thoracic inlet
○ Caudal - last rib
○ Lateral - spine and sternum (skin edges)

Question 11

Ventrodorsal Abdominal Radiography Positioning

Answer 11

○ Dog placed in dorsal recumbency using a trough
Shoulder placed in trough
Don’t allow trough to be in primary beam
○ Hindlimbs can be flexed but ensure they do not overlie abdomen
○ Check for no axial rotation
Assess by standing at the end of the table and palpating
○ Place foam wedges if one side is lower

Question 12

Ventrodorsal Abdominal Radiography Centring

Answer 12

Midline of spine
Level with caudal edge of last rib

Question 13

Ventrodorsal Abdominal Radiography Collimation

Answer 13

Caudal - greater trochanter of femur
Lateral - skin edges

Question 14

Lateral Abdominal Radiography Positioning

Answer 14

○ Dog placed in lateral recumbency
○ Extend and tie forelimbs to avoid super imposition
○ Ensure forelimbs are parallel
Put foam block in-between
○ Extend neck and place on foam block
Secure neck with sandbag - distribute sand either end
○ Ensure sternum and thoracic vertebrae are same distance from table
Foam wedge under the lower aspect if required

Question 15

Lateral Abdominal Radiography Centring

Answer 15

○ Level with caudal border of last rib
○ Halfway down abdomen

Question 16

Lateral Abdominal Radiography Collimation

Answer 16

Caudal - greater trochanter of femur
Lateral - skin edges