1. Lavin: Chapters 22 Chart on page 305
Small Animal Spine
Lavin: Chapters 22
Chart on page 305

2. Objectives: Spine/Skull
Identify normal spinal anatomy on a radiograph
Know the common principles & positions for radiographing the spine
Understand radiographic concerns
Safely & accurately position an animal for spinal radiographs
Understand alternative views & their usage
lateral radiograph of lumbar spine. There is extensive, bridging spondylosis of ventral spine with evidence of loss of mineralization within the L7-S1 ...

3. Skeletal Anatomy Review: Vertebral Column
Separated into 5 areas:
1. Cervical
Includes atlas and axis
2. Thoracic
3. Lumbar
4. Sacral
5. Caudal or coccygeal

4. Reasons to radiograph the spine…
Trauma – be careful!
Paralysis
Neurological changes
Suspected IVDD

5. Radiographic Concerns & Strategies: Spine
General anesthesia is often indicated
Use extreme care with possible spinal cord injuries!
kVp _______________ mAs _______ mA ________
Use of a grid can help
Common views – Lateral & VD
DV view not as accurate (increases object-film distance)

6. Radiographic Concerns & Strategies: Spine (cont.)
Positioning aids are helpful
Keep spine parallel to receptor with padding
Avoid body rotation
Tape along the spine
can help with alignment
Use smaller cassettes & multiple views
Limits number of vertebrae so can keep anatomy parallel to film
Elevate the nose if possible
Head should be in a true lateral position (important)

7. Cervical Vertebrae: Lateral View
Head must be in true lateral
Requires a positioning device under nose AND sternum
Superimpose transverse processes
Measure at C3-C4
Margins: base of skull
to just past shoulder joint
True for all cervical views

8. Atlas & Axis

9. Atlas & Axis

10. Cervical Vertebrae: Hyperextended Lateral View
All cervical vertebrae extended dorsally
Hyperextend neck & head until resistance – careful!
Used during myelography to visualize spinal cord impingement

11. Cervical Vertebrae: Flexed Lateral View
Tape or thin rope can be used to apply traction
Place around nose
All cervical vertebrae are flexed
Beware of airway restriction

12. Atlantoaxial Luxation

13. Cervical Vertebrae – Ventrodorsal View
Sternum & vertebrae should be superimposed
Align nose, body, and base of tail
Forelimbs pulled caudally

14. Cervical Vertebrae – Ventrodorsal View

15. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

16. Thoracic Vertebrae: Anatomy

17. Thoracic Spine

18. Thoracic Vertebrae: Lateral View
Considerations:
Maintain thoracic vertebra on same horizontal plane as sternum without rotation
Ribs should be superimposed over each other
Larger dogs may require two views
Margins: include C and L1
*About the shoulder joint to the last rib

19. Thoracic Vertebrae: V/D View
Considerations:
Symmetrically arrange all limbs
Spinous processes should be evident and equal on film
Nose parallel to table & equidistant between limbs
Superimpose sternum and vertebrae
No rotation
Measure at the thickest part of the sternum

20. Lumbar Vertebrae: Lateral View
Margins:
On film:
Invertebral foramina should be visible & symmetrical
“Horse heads”
Transverse processes should be superimposed
“Nike swoosh”

21. Lumbar Spine - Feline

22. Lumbar Vertebrae: Lateral View

23. Lumbar Vertebrae: V/D View
Note: Enemas are suggested before radiography, as feces can cause artifacts for lumbar spine

24. Lumbosacral Vertebrae: Lateral View
Considerations:
Fully extend front limbs and place foam pad between them
Ensure wings of ilia are superimposed & parallel to cassette
Legs can hyperextended or hyperflexed
Forelimbs slightly cranial
Padding under sternum/lumbar vertebrae to keep parallel
Use pelvis technique chart

25. Lumbosacral Vertebrae: Lateral View

26. Lumbosacral Vertebrae: V/D View
Can be true V/D or frog-leg
Same as pelvis but more tightly collimated

27. Caudal Vertebrae (Tail) Lateral View

28. Caudal Vertebrae (Tail) V/D View
Split cassette so both views are on one film
Use extremity settings
Must capture all vertebrae!