Page 148 - A Practical Guide to Equine Radiography

VetBooks.ir CHAPTER 13

Pelvis

Indications • Standing projections: ceiling/wall-mounted
Radiography of the pelvis is not a commonly bucky and plate holder is highly recom-
performed procedure in horses mainly because mended. Handholding of the plate must be
pelvis-associated lameness is uncommon, but avoided due to the high exposures and the
pelvic radiographs may be useful in diagnos- scatter radiation involved
ing fractures, coxofemoral (sub)luxations or • Recumbent projections: general anaesthesia
osteoarthritis. equipment and a tunnel block to allow posi-
Indications for performing radiographs of tioning of the plates under the horse
the pelvis include: • Radiation safety equipment: lead gowns and
thyroid protectors.
• Hind limb lameness that cannot be localized by
diagnostic analgesia to other areas of the limb
• External asymmetry or muscle atrophy of the Preparation
pelvic region Sedation of the patient is advised for stand-
• Positive rectal examination: crepitus or ing projections. Rectum emptying is useful
asymmetry to reduce artefacts created by overlying faecal
• Scintigraphic or ultrasonographic findings material. General anaesthesia is paramount for
suggestive of pelvic disease. recumbent projections.

Equipment Radiographic protocol
For a complete study of the pelvis the following Radiographic protocol of the pelvis depends on
equipment is required: the suspected disease. Several different projec-
tions have been described:
• High-output X-ray generator
• Large plates (35 × 43 cm) • Ventrodorsal under general anaesthesia (GA
• Grids are helpful to reduce scatter and hence VD)
improve image quality. For example, the • Cranioventral-caudodorsal oblique (CrV-
use of two focused grids with grid lines at CdDO) in the standing horse
right angles to each other and a sheet of lead • Right 30º dorsal-left ventral oblique (R30D-
placed behind the plate is recommended for LVO) and Left 30º dorsal-right ventral oblique
VD projections (L30D-RVO) for the coxofemoral joint.

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