X-raying elbows in dogs

Re: X-raying elbows in dogs

shropshirelass_1987 — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:28:50 GMT

Done under GA in the end & unfortunately it was the diagnosis I wasn't hoping for which is elbow dysplasia mainly as its my dog as well but at least we know what we're dealing with & he's insured & its manageable & at the moment he's also not in pain. x

Re: X-raying elbows in dogs

Amy Homer. RVN. NCert A&CC — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:34:11 GMT

Hey .elbows can be tricky, ideally you want a lateral view (extended and flexed)and a cranio caudal view. I doubt a conscious dog would allow this, although I have done it with heavy sedation x

Re: X-raying elbows in dogs

bongo — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:00:39 GMT

I would def agree with Nick, at the end of the day you want a good diagnostic film. I dont think our radiographers would even attempt without a good dose of sedation or GA

Re: X-raying elbows in dogs

Nick Shackleton — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:30:53 GMT

its bad enough trying to radiograph humans concious never mind a dog that you can tell to keep still. to get good rads of elbows you need good sedation or even general anaesthesia especially if you are looking for IOHC and you need really good AP views. Id rather have a patient GA'd and get good rads rather than irradiating the patient several times concious or under light sedation. just my opinion in my experience

Re: X-raying elbows in dogs

F1chick — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:32:53 GMT

Theoretically I suppose, but IMO it's tricky enough getting good elbow pics, without a moving target!

Re: X-raying elbows in dogs

Aimee Barber — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:46:17 GMT

I have only seen it done once and that was in my head nurses obedience shooting dog.

otherwise as above you could try light sedation over ga. We do most of our chest xrays here conscious or with very light sedation, but the angles etc on those are not as critical.

Re: X-raying elbows in dogs

Mark Hedberg — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:35:08 GMT

You could, but even a well behaved dog may not hold exactly still enough; because the angles have to be VERY specific for some angled views, and it's not really feasible when they need to be tied or balanced carefully. That said, you might get away with a mild/moderate sedation as opposed to a full GA; but this bit is up to the treating vet. Also remember that dogs can behave quite differently when in hospital compared to the consult room, so don't 100% bank on your patient being cooperative and quiet.