Small Animal Vertebral Column Radiography

A collection of flashcards made to aid in understanding key concepts of small animal vertebral column radiography for exam preparation.

What can vertebral column radiographs be useful in diagnosing?

Spinal trauma and intervertebral disc protrusion.

At which vertebral locations does intervertebral disc protrusion commonly occur?

T12-13, T13-L1, C2-C3, and C3-C4.

What imaging modalities may be needed to fully assess the spine?

CT, MRI, and myelograms.

What are the three key elements to look for when evaluating spinal radiographs?

Bone opacity, shape, and angle of the bones.

What are the common (routine) views for radiographing the vertebral column?

Lateral and Ventrodorsal (VD) views.

Why is the ventrodorsal view preferred over the dorsoventral view?

Dorsoventral view can cause distortion due to increased object-film distance.

What are the five anatomic regions of the axial skeleton?

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal (coccygeal).

What are the key techniques to obtain high contrast films during radiography?

Low kVp and high mAs, use of grids, and tight collimation.

What positioning is required for the lateral view of cervical vertebrae?

Lateral recumbency.

How should the hindlimbs be positioned when taking a lateral view of cervical vertebrae?

Superimpose and pull caudally.

Where should the central beam be placed for the lateral view of cervical vertebrae?

C3-C4.

What should you measure across for the lateral cervical view?

The shoulder at C6.

How should the head and neck be positioned for the lateral cervical view?

Extend the head and elevate the nose.

What is the cranial border when measuring for cervical radiographs?

Base of the skull.

What anatomical features can be observed on a lateral cervical spine view?

Lateral vertebral foramina, dorsal arch of atlas, spinous processes, and vertebral canal.

What is the central ray position for the ventrodorsal view of cervical vertebrae?

C3-C4.

In the ventrodorsal view of cervical vertebrae, how should the head be positioned?

Keep it in a natural position, nose slightly up.

What is the measure landmark for the ventrodorsal view of cervical vertebrae?

Level of C6 near the manubrium.

Describe the positioning for the hyperextended lateral view of cervical vertebrae?

Used after myelogram to determine spinal cord impingement.

What anatomical view is used to observe the odontoid process?

Lateral oblique view.

What is the central ray position for the thoracic vertebrae lateral view?

T6-T7 or caudal border of the scapula.

What is the cranial border for the thoracic vertebrae lateral view?

C7 (shoulder joint).

What is the caudal border for the thoracic vertebrae lateral view?

L1 (past the origin of the last rib).

Describe the positioning for the ventrodorsal view of thoracic vertebrae?

Dorsal recumbency with equally positioned cranial forelimbs.

What is measured for the thoracic vertebrae ventrodorsal view?

Midpoint between T6-T7 or highest part of the sternum.

Describe the positioning for lateral thoracolumbar vertebrae views?

Lateral recumbency with hindlimbs superimposed.

What should be measured for thoracolumbar vertebrae lateral views?

Highest point of the ribs.

What is the central ray placement for thoracolumbar views?

T13-L1 intervertebral space.

What are the common measurements for lumbar spine lateral views?

Level of L1.

What central ray location is used for lumbar vertebrae ventrodorsal views?

L4.

What is the cranial border for lumbar vertebrae ventrodorsal views?

T12.

What is the central ray for lumbosacral vertebrae views?

Lumbosacral junction.

How are hindlimbs positioned for the lumbosacral vertebrae lateral view?

Superimposed and pulled slightly caudally.

What is the angular direction for the central ray in the lumbosacral ventrodorsal view?

20-30 degrees in a caudocranial direction.

How should caudal (coccygeal) vertebrae be positioned for lateral views?

Superimpose and pull hindlimbs in neutral position.

What is the measure landmark for caudal vertebrae views?

Thickest part of the tail.

What is the confinement for the area of interest when measuring for coccygeal vertebrae views?

Four of five vertebrae on either side of the area of interest.