 
- Radiographs
are an important diagnostic tool; getting the best
view possible is essential.
- Always put safety first - yours and your patients.’
- If you must be in the x-ray suite, remember
to always wear a lead gown, gloves, and thyroid
collar.
- Step out if the room when you can - use items
such as sand bags, Velcro, book ends and “V” troughs
to position your patient (“V” troughs
can also be beneficial in proper positioning
for DV/VD views).
- Although most animals will do well with physical
restraint, chemical restraint can be a useful tool
with uncooperative patients.
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(*Note - General anesthesia is not ideal for chest
radiographs as it may cause atelectasis.)
 
- Collimate, collimate, collimate! Collimation will cut
down on the scatter surrounding your area of interest thereby
improving your image quality.
- Measure the animal on the table in position for a more
accurate measurement. Measurements should be taken
at the thickest point of the area of interest.
- Feel the animal as part of your measuring process - be
careful not to mistake fat for fur or vice versa (some
may surprise you).
- Make sure the animal is clean and dry - a wet or
muddy patient can cause artifact on your images.
- Always use a right/left marker and clearly label the
x-ray with the patient’s information and date the
radiograph was taken.
- Move the table gently and quietly, speak calmly to your
patient - they are more apt to be cooperative in
a calm environment.
- Using space on the x-ray jacket to mark study information
(date, study type, and technique) can be helpful for future
reference.
- Ideally,
all chest radiographs should be taken on inspiration.
- 3 landmarks to be aware of:
- Manubrium (point of sternum) - edge of field
- Caudal border of the scapula - center of field
(center cross-hairs here)
- 2nd to last rib - edge of field
- For VD or DV thorax positioning - palpate the sternum
and the spine - do they align? The area of interest
in this view is from the thoracic inlet to the last
rib. The cross hairs should be in the center of the
chest both parallel and perpendicular.
- Do not be afraid of the DV view - ask the DVM. In
anxious animals or animals in respiratory distress
this view might be easier to take and more comfortable
for your patient. In some cardiac cases this view
is more desirable due to heart/vessel position.
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- Always include the diaphragm in both the lateral
and VD views - the xyphoid and just cranial to the
illium are good border markers for baseline abdominal
views.
- DV abdominal views tend not to be diagnostic.
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VETERINARY
EMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER OF NEW ENGLAND . 180 BEAR HILL ROAD, WALTHAM, MA . 02454 . TEL:781-684-8387
