1. Small Animal Pelvis Imaging
RVT: Chapter 21

2. Objectives: Pelvis & Hind Limb
Know general considerations for pelvis/hind limb radiography
Safely position patient for various views
Show an understanding of:
Where to measure & center of primary beam
Radiographic margins
Patient positioning
Use of non-manual restraint
Distinguish & identify normal pelvis/hind limb anatomy

3. Skeletal Anatomy Review

4. Review: Pelvic Anatomy

5. Pelvis: General Considerations
Anatomy:
Half of femoral head should be in the acetabulum
Femoral heads should be rounded and smooth
Femoral neck should be smooth with no remodeling
Views:
Dorsal recumbency for pelvis (V/D) and femur (CrCa)
Lateral recumbency for lateral view

6. Pelvis Positioning
Dorsal recumbency: Used for proximal hind end

7. The Pelvis: Standard Positions
Lateral
Ventrodorsal Extended
Ventrodorsal Frog-Leg

8. Pelvis – Lateral View Positioning: Affected limb down
Slightly cranial
Contralateral limb slightly ____________
Foam wedge/block under contralateral limb will help keep it parallel to IR
Will have slight _________________ due to closer proximity to x-ray tube
Superimposition!
Forelimbs cranial

9. Pelvis - Placement Measure at thickest part Central beam:
Usually greater trochanters
Central beam:
Coxofemoral joint
Margins:
Cranial to wings of
__________
Should see at least
one ______________
vertebrae
Include 1/3 of femur

10. What are we looking at?

11. Pelvis – V/D Frog-Leg View
Used when extended-hip view is too painful/ will not be tolerated
Suitable for pelvic trauma
NOT for _______ _________________
Hind limbs flexed normally
Usually degrees to spine
Possible positioning technique
Symmetry!
If one ob. foramen is larger: that side is too high

13. Pelvis – Ventrodorsal Extended-Hip
Standard for hip dysplasia evaluation
Requires symmetry & precision
Sedation is generally required (OFA certification).
Positioning:
Dorsal recumbency
Rotate femurs medially
Patellae are pointing upwards
Tape together at the level of the ____________
Lower limbs until resistance is felt
Whole body should be in straight line
Other considerations:
Keep cranial part of animal straight as well

14. Pelvis: V/D Hip Extended

15. Acetabular Fracture

16. V/D Hip (Extended)
Normal view to evaluate hip dysplasia
Definition: Abnormal development of the femoral joint, resulting in a lack of conformity between the acetabulum & femoral head