Download Radiographic Positioning for Dogs

Radiographic Positioning for Dogs
Abdominal Radiographs: Lateral View
A routine abdomen exam consists of a lateral and ventrodorsal view. When performing
abdominal radiographs, a quality control check system is performed. The guidelines for this
check are listed here for review. If your answer is yes to all of questions below, have your
doctor review the images and then send them to AIS for evaluation. If you answer is no, review
the material to help you obtain a diagnostic quality radiograph.
1. Check the anatomical boundaries
Lateral
Anatomy Boundaries Needed
Cranial: the 3 intercostal spaces cranial to
the xiphoid process
Caudal: the greater trochanter of the
femur
The beam should be centered at the 13th
(or last) rib
The entire diaphragm to the greater
trochanter should be visualized
2. Is the patient straight? Is the positioning appropriate?
Checklist
 Patient right side down (for right
lateral view)
 Extend forelimbs and hindlimbs out of
area of collimation
 Positioning devices can be used to
prevent obliquity and restrain the
patient
 Collimate to landmarks
 Verify positioning
 Capture image upon expiration
3. Is the technique appropriate? Is the background black? Can you see the needed
anatomy including soft tissues?
Lateral
Anatomy Commonly Seen
 caudal vena cava
 liver
 spleen
 stomach
 diaphragm
 kidneys
 small intestine
 colon
 bladder


There should be superimposition of the transverse processes on the lateral view.
The disc spaces in central portion of image should be easily visualized and symmetrical if
the spine is straight and technique is correct.
4. Is there a positioning marker present? Is it on the correct side of the patient, not
obscuring anatomy and legible? Is the patient ID information correct on the image or
file?
5. Do you have all of the necessary views? Lateral and ventrodorsal
Quick Tips
1. Take the lateral image prior to the VD view to increase the chance of patient
compliance.
2. If the patient is sedated/anesthetized, note type of sedation on the radiology form
3. Use of patient positioning devices is recommended to keep patient in the proper
position. Some examples include foam wedges, sandbags and ties.
4. The abdomen is radiographically larger than it appears visually – utilize your landmarks.
5. If the patient is large, make two overlapping images to ensure all anatomy is captured.
6. Wear your personal protective equipment appropriately and distance yourself from the
primary beam.
7. Once reviewed, submit the study to AIS immediately to expedite interpretation and
communication of results.
8. Appreciate your patient.
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Abdominal Radiographs: Ventrodorsal
When performing abdominal radiographs, a quality control check system is performed. The
guidelines for this check are listed here for review. If your answer is yes to all of questions
below, have your doctor review the images and then send them to AIS for evaluation. If you
answer is no, review the material to help you obtain a diagnostic quality radiograph.
1.
Check the anatomical boundaries
Ventrodorsal
Anatomy Boundaries Needed
Cranial: the 3 intercostal spaces
cranial to the xiphoid process
Caudal: the greater trochanter of the
femur
The beam should be centered at the
13th (or last) rib
The entire diaphragm to the greater
trochanter should be visualized
2. Is the patient straight? Is the positioning appropriate?
Checklist
 Patient with back on the table – dorsal
recumbency
 Extend forelimbs and hindlimbs out of
area of collimation
 Positioning devices can be used
 Collimate to landmarks
 Verify positioning
 Capture image upon expiration
Page 3 of 4
3. Is the technique appropriate? Is the background black? Can you see the needed
anatomy including soft tissues?
Ventrodorsal
Anatomy Commonly Seen
 diaphragm
 liver
 stomach
 spleen
 kidneys
 small intestine
 colon


Notice the spleen in the left cranial abdomen, fundus in the left cranial abdomen and
pylorus in the right cranial abdomen.
There should be symmetrical alignment of the spinous processes of the lumbar spine for
the VD view. The disc spaces in central portion of image should be easily visualized.
4. Is there a positioning marker present? Is it on the correct side of the patient, not
obscuring anatomy and legible? Is the patient ID information correct on the image or
file?
5. Do you have all of the necessary views? Lateral and ventrodorsal
Quick Tips
1. Take the lateral image first to increase the chance of patient compliance.
2. If the patient is sedated/anesthetized, note type of sedation on the radiology form
3. Use of patient positioning devices is recommended to keep patient in the proper
position. Some examples include v-trough, sandbags and ties.
4. The abdomen is radiographically larger than it appears visually – utilize your landmarks.
5. If the patient is large, take two overlapping images to ensure all anatomy is captured.
6. Wear your personal protective equipment appropriately and distance yourself from the
primary beam.
7. Once reviewed, submit the study to AIS immediately to expedite interpretation and
communication of results.
8. Appreciate your patient.
Page 4 of 4