Canine Radiographs by Louisa White

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Canine Radiographs

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 Frontal sinuses
The Head

Skull

Tympanic Bullae

Larynx

Nasal chambers Mandible

The Skull

Skull: Ventrodorsal (V-D) view

Young Skull: Lateral view

Skull: V-D view, Calvaria

Skull: Lateral view, Calvaria

 Skull:
V-D view
For this ventrodorsal view the
endotracheal tube has been
removed to prevent
superimposition with anatomical
structures. Try to identify the
rami of the mandible, the
zygomatic arches, the external
auditory canals and the atlas.

Pot
Full screen Labels
 Mandibular
symphysis

Mental
foramen

Mandible

Zygomatic
arch
Rostral alar Coronoid process
foramen
Foramen ovale
Angular process
Foramen lacerum

Condylar Pot Comparison

process Tympanic bulla
Paracondylar process
Occipital condyle
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Medial border of
mandible
Upper premolar 4
Vomer bone Nasal conchae

Frontal bone

Zygomatic arch Medial border of

orbit

Coronoid process of Ethmoidal conchae

mandible
Pterygoid bone

Angular process of
mandible Condylar process of
Zygomatic process of mandible
temporal bone
Temporomandibular Air within external
joint acoustic meatus
Tympanic bulla

Jugular foramen Parcondylar process

of occipital bone
Occipital condyle
Pinna
Atlantoccipital joint Alantoaxial joint

Wing of atlas
2nd cervical vertebrae No Labels
(axis)
 This radiograph shows a typical appearance of the
Young Skull: canine skull in a lateral radiograph. The dog was
Lateral view anaesthetised for radiography, hence the
endotracheal tube. Dorsal to the endotracheal tube
is a band of soft tissue separating the oropharynx
from the nasopharynx; this is the soft palate.

Pot 1
Pot 2
Full screen Labels
 Pituitary gland Corpus callosum Interthalamic
Hard palate Olfactory bulb Frontal sinus (hypophysis) adhesion

Pons
Nasal septum
(cartilage) Cerebellum

Fourth ventricle

Medulla
oblongata

Opening of
Genioglossal auditory
m. tube

Rectus capitis
muscle
Geniohyoid m.

Longus
Body of tongue colli m.

Soft palate Basihyoid bone Sternohyoid m. Epiglottis Oesophagus

A=Atlas Zygomatic arch 2= Incisive bone
B=Axis Paracondylar process 3=Maxilla
Supraorbital process
4=Lacrimal bone
Orbit 5= Frontal bone
6=Parietal bone
7=Occipital bone
8= Temporal bone
5 6 9=Basisphenoid bone
7 10= Mandible
Infraorbital foramen 8

4 9
A B

1
3

2
10

Mental foramen Pterygopalantine Condylar process Tympanic bulla

fossa External acoustic
Coronoid process Angular process meatus
Retroarticular process
Labels
 Ethmoidal conchae Frontal sinus Frontal bone Coronoid Calvaria Sagittal
process of crest
mandible

Nasal
bone

Hard
palate

Root of
canine
tooth

Incisive
bone

Oral
cavity

Endotracheal Hyoid apparatus Wings of atlas

Mandible Zygomatic arch Condylar Tympanic bulla
tube process
Cranial border of orbit Soft Palate No Labels
 Skull:
V-D view, Calvaria
This ventrodorsal radiograph of
the same dog, as in the
following lateral radiograph,
shows a distinct opaque,
slightly wiggly line on the mid-
line superimposed on the
calvaria, which represents the
thick mid-line crest that was
noted on the lateral view. This
ventrodorsal also provides a
clear view of the mandibular
condyles, the zygomatic
arches and the external ear
canals.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Mandibular
symphysis

Mental
foramen

Mandible

Zygomatic arch

Rostral alar Coronoid process

foramen
Foramen ovale
Angular process
Foramen lacerum

Condylar process Pot Comparison

Tympanic bulla
Paracondylar process
Occipital condyle
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Lower premolar 4 Upper molar 1

Nasal conchae

Medial border
Mandible of orbit
Pterygoid bone
Coronoid process of Frontal bone
mandible
Zygomatic arch
Condylar process of
mandible

Angular process Temporomandibular

of mandible joint
Tympanic bulla
Rostral & caudal
alar foramen Air within external
acoustic meatus
Suture line
Alar notch

Wing of atlas

Alantoaxial joint 2nd cervical

vertebrae (axis)

Endotracheal tube No Labels

 In this dog the frontal sinuses are relatively large and the crest on the
Skull: dorsal aspect of the skull is relatively tall giving the impression that
the calvaria (bones around the brain) are extremely thick in this dog.
Lateral view, In reality it is only the crest that is thick, the bones on either side will
be relatively much thinner. Compared to humans in which the bones
calvaria around the brain are very thin and there is very minimal soft tissue
coverage, the skull and brain of the dog are well protected by large
chewing muscles and is therefore relatively infrequently injured
compared to humans. This well-positioned lateral view shows the
temporomandibular joints and the tympanic bullae which are almost
perfectly superimposed. It also gives a good view of the
endotracheal tube in the oral cavity and extending down through the
larynx towards the trachea, the soft palate and the nasopharynx.

Full screen Labels Pot

A=Atlas Zygomatic arch 2= Incisive bone
B=Axis Paracondylar process 3=Maxilla
Supraorbital process
4=Lacrimal bone
Orbit 5= Frontal bone
6=Parietal bone
7=Occipital bone
8= Temporal bone
5 6 9=Basisphenoid bone
7 10= Mandible
Infraorbital foramen 8

4 9
A B

1
3

2
10

Mental foramen Pterygopalantine Condylar process Tympanic bulla

fossa External acoustic
Coronoid process Angular process meatus
Retroarticular process
Labels
 Dorsal tubercle
Frontal bone Frontal sinus of atlas

Temporozygomatic
suture
Lateral vertebral
Zygomatic formen
arch

Axis

Coronoid process Atlas

Tympanic bulla

Wing of atlas
Hard palate

Tooth root Condylar

Endotracheal tube process Hyoid External acoustic
apparatus meatus
Retroarticular
Soft palate process Angular process No Labels
The Frontal Sinuses

Frontal sinuses: R-Cd view

 This radiograph is made by placing the dog in dorsal
Frontal sinuses: recumbency and angling the head so that the hard
palate is perpendicular. The x-ray beam is centred on
R-Cd view the dog’s external nares so that the diverging beam
passes through the frontal sinuses and projects them
dorsal to the remainder of the skull. This radiograph
is sometimes difficult to get straight, but is a very
useful way of examining the frontal sinuses which are
frequently affected in dogs with nasal disease or
trauma. Notice that the internal septation of the
frontal sinuses is not perfectly symmetrical; this is a
typical normal variant.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Zygomatic process of frontal
Right frontal sinus Left frontal sinus bone

No Labels
The Tympanic Bullae
Tympanic Bullae: R-Cd, open-mouth view
 This is another radiograph made with the
Tympanic Bullae: dog in dorsal recumbency. This time the
mouth is held widely open and the x-ray
R-Cd, open-mouth view beam directed in such a way that it
bisects the angle formed by the maxilla
and mandible. The rounded thin-walled
lucent structures each side of mid-line are
the tympanic bullae. In this dog the thin
bulla wall gives the appearance of a soap
bubble; it has a similar appearance in
cats. In many small breeds of dog the
tympanic bullae are relatively smaller and
flatter in shape. The commonest
abnormality affecting the tympanic bullae
is otitis media; this is visible
radiographically as an increased opacity
in the tympanic cavity as a result of
exudate and/or granulation tissue.
Frequently the bulla wall is thickened as a
result of chronic inflammation.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Nasal Cavity

Upper cheek
tooth

Jugular foramen
Nasopharynx Petrous part of
temporal bone

Tympanic bullae
Atlanto-occipital
joint

Atlantoaxial
joint
Mandible
2nd cervical
vertebrae (axis)

No Labels
The Larynx

Larynx: Lateral view

Larynx: Lateral view, brachycephalic

 This radiograph of the larynx made in an
Larynx: anaesthetised dog after the endotracheal tube has
Lateral view been removed shows the oropharynx, nasopharynx,
larynx and cranial part of the trachea, all outlined by
gas within the predominantly soft tissue
surroundings. The delicate hyoid bones and the
laryngeal cartilages and the tracheal rings (which
are partially calcified) are also visible. A radiograph
such as this requires a much lower exposure than a
radiograph of the cervical spine.

Pot
Full screen Labels
 Stylohyoid bone
Masseter m.
Ceratohyoideus m.

Thyrohoid
bone

Thyroid
cartilage

Body of tongue

Thyrohyoideus m.

Trachea
Sternothyroideus m.
Geniohyoideus m. Styloglossus m. Hyoglossus m.
Cricothyroideus m.
Mylohyoideus m.

Sternohyoideus m.
Labels
 Stylohoid bone Wing of atlas Cervical Cervical Cervical
Soft palate Tympanic bulla Atlas vertebrae 2 vertebrae 3 vertebrae 4

Epihyoid Ceratohyoid Arytenoid Cricoid Air in the Trachea Tracheal

bone bone cartilage cartilage oesophagus rings
Basihyoid Thyrohyoid
bone Thyroid cartilage
Epiglottis bone No Labels
Larynx: Radiographs of brachycephalic dogs such as the
Bulldog, Pug or cavalier King Charles spaniel show
Lateral view, why so many of these dogs are affected by
excessive respiratory noise or snoring or dysnoea.
brachycephalic In this instance, the trachea is narrow for the size of
the dog and the airway through the larynx and
nasopharynx is virtually obliterated by collapse of
the thick surrounding soft tissues. Brachycephalic
obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is the name
given to the problems associated with this extreme
conformation.

Pot 1
Pot 2
Full screen Labels
 Nasopharynx Frontal sinus Pons Cerebellum

Hard palate

Nasal
septum;
cartilage

Body of
tongue

Mandible

Genioglossus m Geniohyoid m Soft palate Trachea

Thyroid cartilage
Hyoid apparatus
Epiglottis
 1 = Nasal bone
2= Incisive bone
3=Maxilla
4=Lacrimal bone
5= Frontal bone
Supraorbital 6= Frontal bone
process Zygomatic arch 7=Occipital bone
Coronoid process 8=Temporal bone
9= Mandible
Orbit
External sagittal crest

5
Infraorbital foramen
6
1

2 4
3

8
7 Paracondylar
process

Tympanic bulla

Mental foramen External acoustic

meatus
Temporozygomatic
Pterygopalantine suture Retroarticular process
fossa Condylar process Angular process
Labels
 Atlas Axis

Soft Tissue Trachea Humerus

Shoulder joint
Hyoid apparatus
Spine of
the scapula No Labels
The Mandible
Mandible: IO view
 Mandible:
IO view
By placing the dog in dorsal recumbency
and putting the radiographic film in the oral
cavity for a ventrodorsal projection, a view of
the rostral part of the mandible may be
obtained. Just as for the intraoral
dorsoventral approach, which is very useful
for examining the nasal cavity, this
radiograph provides a nice view of the
mandible without superimposition by other
structures. Note the variation in the size and
shape of the incisors which is typical and
unimportant. Similarly notice the rough
appearance of the bone on each side of the
mandibular symphysis; this is also normal.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Lower incisor 1 Lower incisor 2
Lower incisor 3

Lower canine

Mandibular symphysis

Lower premolar 1

Lower premolar 2

Lower premolar 3

Lower premolar 4

Lower molar 1

No Labels
The Nasal chambers
Nasal chambers: IO view, young adult

Nasal chambers: IO view

Nasal chambers: IO view, dolicocephalic

Nasal chambers: IO view, brachycephalic

Nasal chambers: Lateral view

Dacryorhinocystogram: Lateral view

 Nasal chambers:
IO view, young adult
An excellent examination of the nasal cavity in a dog
or cat can be done by placing the film in the oral
cavity and making a dorsoventral radiograph so that
only the nasal cavity appears in the image. This view
enables detailed comparison of left and right sided
structures. Notice that the nasal cavity is filled with
numerous tiny linear structures oriented roughly
parallel to the mid-line in the rostral part of the nasal
cavity, and forming a more complicated pattern in the
middle of the nasal cavity. These small lines
represent the shadows cast by the nasal turbinates
and their mucosae. This is a young adult dog; it has
its permanent dentition (no deciduous teeth are
visible) but the adult teeth appear very hollow
because the pulp cavity is wide and the dentine is
thin. As a dog ages the pulp cavity steadily reduces
in size so the teeth become progressively more solid
in appearance.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Upper incisors 1-3

Palatine fissure
Canine

Upper premolar 1-4 Interincisive suture

Upper Molar 1 & 2

Zygomatic arch Choanal region

Pterygoid bone

Rostral alar foramen Presphenoid bone

Foramen ovale Basisphenoid bone

Foramen lacerum

Tympanic bulla Jugular foramen

Hypoglossal canal

Paracondylar process
Pot Comparison
Occipital condyle
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
Upper incisors 1-3
Nostril

Interincisive suture

Palatine fissure
Canine tooth
Dental cavity

Upper premolar 1-4

Superimposed dorsal &
ventral nasal conchae

Maxillary recess
Upper Molar 1

Ethmoidal conchae

No Labels
 Nasal chambers:
IO view

A similar radiograph to that described

previously comes from a dog of similar skull
conformation, that is mesaticephalic. This
dog is slightly older than the previous one as
evidenced by the relatively smaller pulp
cavities best seen in the canine teeth.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Upper incisors 1-3

Palatine fissure
Canine

Upper premolar 1-4 Interincisive suture

Upper Molar 1 & 2

Zygomatic arch Choanal region

Pterygoid bone

Rostral alar foramen Presphenoid bone

Foramen ovale Basisphenoid bone

Foramen lacerum

Tympanic bulla Jugular foramen

Hypoglossal canal

Paracondylar process
Pot Comparison
Occipital condyle
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Nostril

Interincisive suture

Canine tooth
Palatine fissure
Dental cavity

Superimposed dorsal &

ventral nasal conchae

Upper premolar 4

Maxillary recess

Ethmoidal conchae

No Labels
 Nasal chambers:
IO view, dolicocephalic

In a long nosed dog the nasal cavity is relatively

elongated and a wide diastema is frequently present
between the first and third premolars.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Upper incisors 1-3

Palatine fissure
Canine

Upper premolar 1-4 Interincisive suture

Upper Molar 1 & 2

Zygomatic arch Choanal region

Pterygoid bone

Rostral alar foramen Presphenoid bone

Foramen ovale Basisphenoid bone

Foramen lacerum

Tympanic bulla Jugular foramen

Hypoglossal canal

Paracondylar process
Pot Comparison
Occipital condyle
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Nostril
Upper incisors 1-3

Interincisive suture

Canine tooth Palatine fissure

Upper premolar 1 Superimposed dorsal &

ventral nasal conchae
Large gap
between 1st &
3rd premolar

Upper premolar 4

Upper Molar 1 Ethmoidal conchae

Upper Molar 2
No Labels
 Nasal chambers:
IO view,
brachycephalic
This radiograph of the nasal cavity of a
Bulldog clearly shows foreshortening
of the nasal cavity compared to that
seen in mesaticephalic or
dolicocephalic dogs. With this
foreshortening comes a relative
increase in opacity of the nasal
structures because the skull is
relatively thicker at this point and
because of the abundant, often folded,
skin over the face. Orientation of the
teeth in the maxillary arcade is often
abnormal in such dogs, with the third
premolar aligned roughly transverse to
the arcade in this example.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Upper incisors 1-3

Palatine fissure
Canine

Upper premolar 1-4 Interincisive suture

Upper Molar 1 & 2

Zygomatic arch Choanal region

Pterygoid bone

Rostral alar foramen Presphenoid bone

Foramen ovale Basisphenoid bone

Foramen lacerum

Tympanic bulla Jugular foramen

Hypoglossal canal

Paracondylar process
Pot Comparison
Occipital condyle
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Nostril
Upper incisors 1-3

Interincisive suture

Canine tooth

Palatine fissure

Upper premolar 1-4 Superimposed

dorsal & ventral
nasal conchae

Upper Molar 1

Upper Molar 2

Ethmoidal conchae

No Labels
 The nasal cavity of the dog requires a lower
Nasal chambers: radiographic exposure than the thicker parts of the
Lateral view skull because it contains air and relatively delicate
bones, hence a separate lateral radiograph is
sometimes made specifically of the nasal region.
One problem with this radiograph is that it
superimposes the left and right sides. Many dogs
with nasal disease have asymmetrical or even
unilateral lesions which are difficult to recognise on
the lateral view in which they are superimposed by
the normal (unaffected) side. The same comment
applies to the frontal sinuses.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Ethmoidal Cranial Frontal bone
Incisive bone Hard palate conchae border of
orbit Frontal sinus
Root of
canine teeth Nasal bone

U. Incisor 1

U. Premolar 1 U. Premolar 3 Coronoid process

U. Canine Upper Oral cavity of mandible
U. Incisor 3 U. Premolar 2 Molar 1 Upper Molar 2 Zygomatic arch
U. Premolar 4
U. Incisor 2
No Labels
 This lateral radiograph of the
Dacryorhinocystogram: nasolacrimal duct is made by infusion of
Lateral view a small volume of contrast medium
through a fine catheter inserted into a
lacrimal punctum. In a normal dog the
contrast flows down the nasolacrimal
duct and drains into the nasal cavity as
seen here.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Catheter in ventral
lacrimal punctum

Duct discharging into floor of vestibule Nasolacrimal

duct
No Labels
The Thoracic Limb

The Shoulder

The Elbow

The Radius and Ulna

The Carpus

The Manus
The Shoulder
Shoulder: lateral view

Shoulder: Cr-Cd view

Large Shoulder: lateral view

Immature Shoulder: lateral view

Immature shoulder arthrogram: lateral view

 Shoulder:
lateral view
This radiograph is usually made with
the animal in lateral recumbency
with the shoulder of interest on the
underside of the dog. The limb is
protracted to move the humerus
away from the sternum for clearer
visualisation. The tip of an
endotracheal tube is superimposed
on the scapula in this dog. If the
tube is inadvertently superimposed
over the shoulder joint, it can
interfere with visualisation of the
bones.

Full screen Labels Pot

Canine Forelimb; Rhomboid m
Dorsal border of scapula
Left, lateral view

Infraspinatus m

Teres major m
Supraspinatus m
Latissimus dorsi m
Stump of trapezius m

Deltoid m
Triceps brachii m – long
head

Cleidobrachialis m Triceps brachii m – lateral

head

Brachioradialis m Pot Comparison

Extensor carpi radialis m Olecranon

Common digital extensor m.

Lateral digital extensor m
Ulnaris lateralis m Flexor carpi ulnaris
Pot Comparison

Labels
 Pot

Full screen
 Supraspinous
ET tube within the fossa
trachea
Scapular spine

Infraspinous fossa

Supraglenoid
tubercle Acromion process

Greater tubercle Infraglenoid

tubercle

Shoulder joint
Intertubercular
groove
Head of humerus

Deltoid tuberosity

Humerus

No labels
 Shoulder:
Cr-Cd view
This radiograph is usually made with the animal in
dorsal recumbency with the limb extended.

Notice that the medial aspect of the scapulohumeral

joint is wider on the medial aspect giving it a
wedged-shape; this is completely normal in the dog
and cat.

Full screen Labels Pot

Canine Forelimb; Dorsal border of the scapula
Left, cranial view.

Rhomboid m

Supraspinatus m Cut edge of trapezius pars cervicalis

Deltoid m

Triceps brachii m – lateral head

Cleidobrachialis m
Brachialis m

Lateral epicondyle of humerus

Medial epicondyle of humerus
Extensor carpi radialis m

Common digital extensor m

Pot Comparison
Pot Comparison

Labels
 Pot

Full screen
 Scapula spine

Acromion process

Glenoid cavity of scapula

Greater Tubercle
Supraglenoid tubercle

Tricipital line
Lesser tubercle of humerus

Teres major tuberosity

Deltoid Crest

No labels
 Large Shoulder:
lateral view
An example of the shoulder in a larger
dog, which has a somewhat flatter
humeral head and wider glenoid fossa
than the other dog.

Pot
Full screen Labels
Canine Forelimb; Rhomboid m
Dorsal border of scapula
Left, lateral view

Infraspinatus m

Teres major m
Supraspinatus m
Latissimus dorsi m
Stump of trapezius m

Deltoid m
Triceps brachii m – long
head

Cleidobrachialis m Triceps brachii m – lateral

head

Brachioradialis m Pot Comparison

Extensor carpi radialis m Olecranon

Common digital extensor m.

Lateral digital extensor m
Ulnaris lateralis m Flexor carpi ulnaris
Pot Comparison

Labels
 Pot

Full screen
Supraspinous Scapula spine
fossa
Infraspinous fssa

Supraglenoid Infraglenoid tubercle

tubercle

Head of humerus
Greater tubercle

Intertubercular
groove

Deltoid tuberosity

No labels
 Immature Shoulder:
lateral view
The proximal humeral physis is open.
This dog is 6-9m old.

Pot
Full screen Labels
Canine Forelimb; Rhomboid m
Dorsal border of scapula
Left, lateral view

Infraspinatus m

Teres major m
Supraspinatus m
Latissimus dorsi m
Stump of trapezius m

Deltoid m
Triceps brachii m – long
head

Cleidobrachialis m Triceps brachii m – lateral

head

Brachioradialis m
Pot Comparison
Extensor carpi radialis m Olecranon

Common digital extensor m.

Lateral digital extensor m
Ulnaris lateralis m Flexor carpi ulnaris
Pot Comparison

Labels
 Pot

Full screen
Supraspinous fossa
Scapula spine

Infraspinous fossa

Supraglenoid
tubercle

Greater tubercle Infraglenoid tubercle

Head of humerus
Intertubecular
groove Prox. Physis of
humerus

Deltoid tuberosity

No labels
 Immature Shoulder
Arthrogram:
Lateral view
Compared to the previous radiograph,
5ml of radiographic contrast medium
(iohexol @100mgI/ml) was injected into
the scapulohumeral joint using a lateral
approach. The joint is quite well filled,
showing the caudal compartment and
the cranial compartment. The cranial
compartment surrounds the biceps
tendon, which appears as a curvilinear
filling defect within the contrast medium.
This appearance is normal.

Full screen Labels

Labels
Contrast media in
the intertubecular
groove, beneath the
biceps tendon. Contrast media
within the shoulder
joint.

No labels
The Elbow
Immature Elbow: lateral view

Immature Elbow: Cr-Med, Cd-Lat Oblique view

Immature Elbow: Cr-Lat, Cd-Med Oblique view

Immature Elbow: Cr-Cd view

Flexed Elbow: lateral view

 Immature Elbow:
Lateral view
This joint belongs to a 6m
old Labrador. Notice the
open growth plates at the
distal humerus, proximal
radius and olecranon
process of the ulna.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Canine Elbow;
Lateral view
Humerus
Stump of triceps brachii m

Olecranon
Lateral humeral
Anconeus m epicondyle

Lateral collateral
ligament

Supinator m

Interosseous space

Ulna Radius

Pot Comparison
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Humerus

Lat.
Epicondylar
crest

Craniolateral
Med. border of tuberosity of olecranon
supratrochlear Medial epicondyle
foramen of humerus

Anconeal
process Prox. Ulnar physis

Lat. Epicondyle
of humerus Prox. Ulnar epiphysis
Elbow (cubital) (Olecranon)
Joint

Prox. Radial
physis

Radius Ulna

No labels
 Young Elbow:
Cr-Med, Cd-Lat
Oblique view
The elbow has been pronated, so the
articulation between the humerus and
the radius is emphasised. This
radiograph is rarely made in clinical
practice.

Full screen Labels Pot

Canine elbow;
Medial view Stump of
triceps brachii –
long head

Craniolateral
Humerus tuberosity of
olecranon

Olecranon

Lat. Epicondyle of
humerus
Pronator teres m. Coronoid process
Flexor carpi radialis
m.

Ulnar

Radius

Pot Comparison
Pot Comparison

Labels
 Pot

Full screen
 Humerus

Supratrochlear
foramen

Anconeal process
Olecranon
Lateral epicondyle
Medial epicondyle

Coronoid process
Prox. Radial physis

Radius

Ulna

No labels
 Immature Elbow:
Cr-Lat, Cd-Med
Oblique view
In this radiograph the elbow has been
supinated, producing a view of the
medial aspect of the humeral condyle
and the joint between the humerus
and medial coronoid process of the
ulna. This view might be useful if there
is fragmentation of the medial
coronoid process.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Canine Elbow;
Lateral view
Humerus
Stump of triceps brachii m

Olecranon
Lateral humeral
Anconeus m epicondyle

Lateral collateral
ligament

Supinator m

Interosseous space

Ulna Radius

Pot Comparison
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Humerus

Supratrochlear foramen
Olecranon
Anconeal Process

Articulating surfaces:
Lateral Humeral
humerus and ulna
epicondyle

Articulating surfaces:
Medial coronoid Humerus and radius
process of ulna
Prox. radial epiphysis
Prox. radial physis

Radius

No labels
 Immature Elbow:
Cr-Cd view
The same dog as the previous lateral view.
Notice the angular shape of the humeral
condyle, which articulates on the lateral
aspect with the radius and on the medial
aspect with the medial coronoid process of
the ulna. The medial aspect of the elbow is a
frequent site of lesions in dogs with elbow
arthritis.

Pot 1
Pot 2
Full screen Labels
Canine left Humerus
Brachialis m
Elbow;
Cranial view

Radial nerve
Lateral humeral
epicondyle

Supinator muscle

Radius
Canine right
elbow;
Cranial view
Humerus

Supratrochlear foramen
Lateral humeral epicondyle

Medial humeral epicondyle

Coronoid process of ulna

Supinator m Pronator teres m

Radius

Pot Comparison
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Body of Humerus

Olecranon

Supratrochlear foramen

Lateral epicondyle
Medial Humeral
epicondyle

Elbow (cubital joint)

Prox. radial epiphysis Medial Coronoid
process of ulna

Prox. radial physis

Radius + ulna
superimposed

No labels
 Flexed Elbow:
lateral view
This radiograph, with the elbow
maximally flexed, is done to
examine the anconeal process. This
is considered one of the first places
that osteophytes develop in dogs
with elbow arthritis and hence this
view is frequently used by clinicians
looking for signs of arthritis.
Suspected ununited anconeal
process is another indication for this
radiograph.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Canine Elbow;
Lateral view
Humerus
Stump of triceps brachii m

Olecranon
Lateral humeral
Anconeus m epicondyle

Lateral collateral
ligament

Supinator m

Interosseous space

Ulna Radius

Pot Comparison
Pot Comparison

Labels
Pot Full screen
 Anconeal process

Olecranon
Lateral epicondyle of
humerus

Condyle of humerus Medial border of

humeral condyle
Body of humerus

Coronoid process
Head of radius

Radius Ulna

No labels
The Radius and Ulna

Immature Radius and Ulna: Lateral view

Immature Radius and Ulna: Cr-Cd view

 Immature Radius and Ulna:
Lateral view
This radiograph of a young cross bred dog shows the
normal curved shape of the radius and the straighter ulna.
Open growth plates are visible at the proximal and distal
radius and ulna. The distal ulnar physis is shaped like a
cone, hence has a V-shape in the radiograph. The
accessory carpal bone projects on the palmar aspect of the
carpus.

Full screen Labels

Labels
Distal physis of humerus Caudal border of lateral epicondyle of humerus

Body of humerus Prox. Ulnar epiphysis

Humeral condyle Prox. Ulnar physis

Prox. radial physis Anconeal process
Proximal radial epiphysis

Radius
Ulna

Nutrient foramen of radius

Distal radial physis Distal ulnar physis

Distal ulnar epiphysis

Distal radius epiphysis
Accessory carpal bone
Radial carpal bone
Distal row of carpal bones

Metacarpal bones Metacarpal bone 1

Prox phalanx of digit 1 No labels
 Immature Radius and Ulna:
Cr-Cd view
This radiograph is of the same limb as the previous. The limb is
relatively straight with some lateral deviation of the paw. This
degree of mild lateral deviation is normal and must be
distinguished from a valgus deformity, which can occur in dogs
following premature closure of the distal ulnar growth plate. This
view is useful when examining dogs with signs of angular limb
deformity.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Humerus
Distal humeral physis Olecranon
Lateral humeral epicondyle
Medial humeral epicondyle
Distal humeral epiphysis
Prox. Radial physis Prox. Radial epiphysis

Radius
Ulna

Distal radial physis

Distal ulnar physis

Accessory carpal bone

Distal ulnar epiphysis
Radial carpal bone
Distal radial epiphysis
Ulna carpal bone
Carpal bone 4
Carpal bone 3 2nd Carpal bone

Metacarpal 5 1st Carpal bone

Metacarpal 1
Metacarpal 4
Proximal phalanx of digit 1
Metacarpal 3
Distal phalanx of digit 2
Distal metacarpal physis Metacarpal 2 No labels
The Carpus

Immature Carpus: Lateral view

Immature Carpus: D-P view

 Immature Carpus:
Lateral view
Radiograph of the same dog as in the dorsopalmar
view. An open growth plate is visible in the accessory
carpal bone.

Full screen Labels Pot

Common digital extensor m Distal limb;
Lateral digital extensor m
Lateral view
Ulnaris lateralis m
Flexor carpi ulnaris m

Accessory Carpal bone

Carpus

Metacarpus

Pot Comparison
Pot Comparison Labels
 Pot

Full screen
 Radius Ulna

Distal ulna physis

Distal radial physis
Distal ulna epiphysis
Distal radial epiphysis

Ulna carpal bone Accessory carpal bone

Radial carpal bone

Carpal bone 3
Carpal bone 4
1st Carpal bone

Metacarpal 1

Metacarpal 2 Proximal phalanx of digit 1

Metacarpals Distal phalanx of digit 2

No labels
 Immature Carpus:
D-P view
This radiograph of the carpus of a 3 month old
puppy shows the growth plates at the distal
radius, ulna and metacarpals. Notice that in each
instance the metaphysis adjacent to the open
physis appears more opaque and wider than the
diaphysis of the bone. This is a normal
appearance and should not be misinterpreted as a
sign of metabolic bone disease.

Full screen Labels Pot 1 Pot 2

Distal limb; Distal limb;
Dorsal view Palmer view
Deep digital flexor
Flexor carpi Common digital Flexor carpi m
radialis m. extensor m. ulnaris
Lateral digital
extensor m.
Adductor Ulnaris lateralis m.
pollicis
longus m.

Flexor retinaculum
Extensor Accessory carpal bone
retinaculum
Extensor
carpi Tendon of deep
Tendon of digital flexor
radialis m.
common tendon
digital
extensor m.
Digit 1

Metacarpal
pad

Digital
pad

Pot Comparison
 Superficial digital flexor m
Ulnaris lateralis m Flexor carpi ulnaris
Flexor carpi ulnaris m
Superficial digital
Distal forelimb; flexor m
Palmer view

Carpus Carpal tunnel

Adductor m digit 5
Metacarpal 1
Adductor m digit 4

Interosseus m Metacarpal 3
Metacarpal 4
Paired sesamoids of
digit 5
Pot Comparison

Labels
 Pot

Full screen
 Ulna Radius

Distal ulnar physis Distal radial physis

Distal ulnar epiphysis

Distal radial epiphysis

Accessory carpal bone

Intermedioradial carpal bone
Ulnar carpal bone
Carpal bone 3
Carpal bone 4 2nd Carpal bone
Sesamoid bone of adductor pollicis
longus m.
Metacarpal 5 1st Carpal bone

Metacarpal 4 Metacarpal 1

Metacarpal 3 Proximal phalanx of digit 1

Metacarpal 2
Distal phalanx of digit 2
Distal metacarpal physis
Distal Metacarpal epiphysis Distal Metacarpal 2 physis
Distal Metacarpal 2 epiphysis
Prox. Physis of prox. phalanx
No labels
Prox. Phalanx
The Manus
Manus: D-P view
 Manus: D-P view
In this radiograph of the manus you should be able to identify the distal radius and
ulna, the proximal and distal rows of carpal bones, the metacarpals and
phalanges of each digit plus a number of sesamoid bones. For example, there is a
small rounded bone on the medial aspect of the carpus, which is a sesamoid in
the tendon of insertion of the abductor pollicis longus and there are paired,
somewhat elongated palmar sesamoids superimposed on each of the distal
metacarpals of digits 2-5. The very small rounded dorsal sesamoids that exist at
the metacarpal phalangeal joints are not clearly visible in this radiograph.
The carpus includes two rows of bones: adjacent to the distal radius is the wide
radial carpal bone, adjacent to the distal ulna is the relatively square ulna carpal,
and superimposed on the joint between these bones is a rounded, opaque
structure, which represents the accessory carpal bone. The distal row of carpal
bones includes numbers 1,2,3 and 4, each of which is found at the proximal end
of the relevant metacarpal, although note that carpal bone 4 articulates both with
the fourth and the fifth metacarpal.
Also note that the first digit (the dew claw) has a very reduced metacarpal and
only two phalanges. Another feature worth mentioning is the large pad on the
palmar aspect of the paw, which creates a lucent line across the distal part of the
proximal phalanges that could occasionally be mistaken for a phalangeal fracture.

Full screen Labels Pot 1 Pot 2

Distal limb; Distal limb;
Dorsal view Palmer view
Deep digital flexor
Flexor carpi Common digital Flexor carpi m
radialis m. extensor m. ulnaris
Lateral digital
extensor m.
Adductor Ulnaris lateralis m.
pollicis
longus m.

Flexor retinaculum
Extensor Accessory carpal bone
retinaculum
Extensor
carpi Tendon of deep
Tendon of digital flexor
radialis m.
common tendon
digital
extensor m.
Digit 1

Metacarpal
pad

Digital
pad

Pot Comparison
 Superficial digital flexor m
Ulnaris lateralis m Flexor carpi ulnaris
Flexor carpi ulnaris m
Superficial digital
Distal forelimb; flexor m
Palmer view

Carpus Carpal tunnel

Adductor m digit 5
Metacarpal 1
Adductor m digit 4

Interosseus m Metacarpal 3
Metacarpal 4
Paired sesamoids of
digit 5
Pot Comparison

Labels
 Pot

Full screen
 Distal radius
Styloid process of radius
Radial carpal bone
Distal ulna – styloid process Carpal bone 2
Accessory carpal bone Sesamoid bone of adductor
Ulnar carpal bone pollicis longus m.
Carpal bone 4 Carpal bone 3
1st Carpal bone

Metacarpal 5 Metacarpal 1

Metacarpal 4 Proximal phalanx of digit 1

Metacarpal 3 Metacarpal 2

Proximal phalanx

Middle Phalanx

Distal phalanx of digit

No labels
The Pelvic Limb

The Hip
(covered in “The Pelvis”)
The Femur

The Stifle

The Tarsus
The Femur
Femur: Lateral view

Femur: Cr-Cd view

Femoral Arteriogram: Lateral view

 Femur:
Lateral view
This radiograph is made with the animal in lateral
recumbency with the femur to be radiographed on
the table and the upper limb rotated out of the
primary x-ray beam. The thigh of the dog is much
thicker proximally than distally, which means that
making the radiograph of the femur is compromised
between adequately exposing the proximal part and
not over-exposing the distal part. Note that in a
typical dog the femur has a gentle curve. This
means that an intramedullary pin cannot normally be
inserted all the way down the medullary cavity. Note
that this patient is a male.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Sacrotuberous Medial gluteal m
ligament Gemelli mm
Ilium

Deep gluteal m
Stump of Piriform m
External obturator m
Rectus femoris m Quadratus femoris m

Semitendinosus m
Adductor m

Vastus lateralis m

Semimembranosus m Abductor cruris

caudalis m

Gastrocnemius m
Labels
Body of ilium Acetabula incisura

Head of femur Ischiatic tuberosity

Intertrochanteric crest
Lesser trochanter of femur

Os Penis

Body of femur

Medial & lateral sesamoid bones of

gastrocnemius muscle

Wall of intercondylar fossa of femur

Superimposed medial and lateral
Patella condyles of femur

Sesamoid bone of popliteus m

No Labels
Tibia Fibula
 Femur:
Cr-Cd view
A corresponding cranial caudal view of the same femur as
in the Lateral Femur radiograph shows that in the sagittal
plane the bone is almost perfectly straight. In this well
positioned radiograph the patella is superimposed over
the mid-line of the femur.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Head of femur Neck of femur

Hip joint
Greater trochanter of femur
Trichanteric fossa and
intertrochanteric crest
Obturator foramen
Lateral border of ischiatic tuberosity
Lesser trochanter

Ischium

Body of femur

Patella Lateral sesamoid of

Medial sesamoid of gastrocnemius m
gastrocnemius m

Medial condyle of femur Lateral condyle of femur

No Labels
 Femoral Arteriogram:
Lateral view
Injection of radiopaque contrast medium into
the abdominal aorta has opacified the arteries
of the pelvis and pelvic limb. In this
radiograph the femoral artery and its branches
are clearly seen, mainly on the caudal aspect
of the femur.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Sacrotuberous Medial gluteal m
ligament Gemelli mm
Ilium

Deep gluteal m
Stump of Piriform m
External obturator m
Rectus femoris m Quadratus femoris m

Semitendinosus m
Adductor m

Vastus lateralis m

Semimembranosus m Abductor cruris

caudalis m

Gastrocnemius m
Labels
Lateral circumflex
from external iliac a
Femoral artery from
external iliac artery

Proximal caudal
femoral artery

Saphenous artery
Descending genicular
artery Middle caudal artery

Distal caudal femoral

artery

Popliteal artery

No Labels
The Stifle
Stifle: Lateral view

Stifle: Cd-Cr view

Immature Stifle: Lateral view

Immature Stifle: Lateral view

Immature Stifle: Cd-Cr view

Stifle: Lateral view, tibial tuberosity fusion

 Stifle:
Lateral view
The stifle is one of the most commonly
radiographed joints of the dog and it is well
worth being familiar with its radiographic
anatomy. Note the patella and the two
fabellae, sesamoid bones embedded in the
gastrocnemius tendon. Note also a lucent
space on the cranial aspect of the joint that
is formed by a fat pad between the patellar
tendon and the joint. This is a useful
anatomical feature because any joint
effusion will tend to impinge upon the fat
pad from the caudal aspect and reduce its
size in a lateral radiograph.

Pot
Full screen Labels
 Femoropatellar
ligament
Patella

Patellar
ligament

Patellar Menisci
ligament Patellar
Fibula ligament
Medial &
lateral
Tibia collateral
ligament

Femur

Trochlea

Medial & lateral

condyles of femur

Caudal cruciate
ligament
Labels
 Femoropatellar Femur
joint

Lateral supracondylar
Patella tuberosity

Lateral sesamoid bone of

Trochlea of femur gasrocnemius m
Medial sesamoid bone of
gastrocnemius m
Medial and lateral
condyles of femur
Infrapatellar fat body
Femorotibial joint
Sesamoid bone within
Cranial intercondylar area tendon of popliteus m.
of tibia

Fibula
Tibial tuberosity Tibia

No Labels
 Stifle:
Cd-Cr view
Although it is possible to extend the stifle with a
dog in dorsal recumbency for a craniocaudal
radiograph, it is often easier to place the dog in
sternal recumbency and extend the limb
caudally for a caudocranial radiograph, using the
dog’s body weight to better extend the joint.
Again note the position of the patella, which is
projected some distance proximal to the joint
when the stifle is properly extended. Note also
the medial and lateral fabellae, which are
unequal in size and shape. The fibula lies on
the lateral aspect of the tibia.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Femoropatellar
ligament
Patella

Patellar
ligament

Patellar Menisci
ligament Patellar
Fibula ligament
Medial &
lateral
Tibia collateral
ligament

Femur

Trochlea

Medial & lateral

condyles of femur

Caudal cruciate
ligament
Labels
 Femur
Intercondylar fossa of femur

Patella

Lateral sesamoid bone

of gastrocnemius m
Medial sesamoid bone of
gastrocnemius

Medial condyle of femur Lateral condyle of femur

Medial condyle of tibia

Medial & lateral intercondylar

tubercle of tibia

Tibial tuberosity

Cranial border of tibia Fibula

No Labels
 Immature Stifle:
Lateral view
This radiograph of a five month old
Labrador shows open growth plates at
the distal femur, proximal tibia and
proximal fibula. Note the separate
centre of ossification at the tibial
tuberosity and the wide and irregular
physis between it and the tibial crest.
This is considered to be a normal
appearance. In this dog the medial
fabella is positioned slightly distal
compared to the lateral; this is
considered a normal variant.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Femoropatellar
ligament
Patella

Patellar
ligament

Patellar Menisci
ligament Patellar
Fibula ligament
Medial &
lateral
Tibia collateral
ligament

Femur

Trochlea

Medial & lateral

condyles of femur

Caudal cruciate
ligament
Labels
Distal femoral physis Femur

Patella

Medial fabella of
gastrocnemius muscle.

Lateral & medial condyle of

femur

Prox. Tibial physis

Head of fibula (epiphysis)

Prox. Tibial epiphysis

Prox. fibula physis

Tibial tuberosity

Tibial tuberosity Fibula

physis
Interosseous space
No Labels
 Immature Stifle:
Lateral view
This radiograph of a slightly younger dog
than in the other lateral immature stifle
example shows a roughened appearance of
the femoral condyles, which could be
mistaken for some form of joint disease;
however, this is a normal appearance in a
skeletally immature animal in which the
subchondral bone has not completely
ossified and has an uneven interface with
the overlying articular cartilage. Within a
few weeks this rough appearance will be
replaced by a perfectly regular distinct
curve.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Femoropatellar
ligament
Patella

Patellar
ligament

Patellar Menisci
ligament Patellar
Fibula ligament
Medial &
lateral
Tibia collateral
ligament

Femur

Trochlea

Medial & lateral

condyles of femur

Caudal cruciate
ligament
Labels
Distal femoral physis Femur

Patella

Sesamoid bone of
Distal femoral epiphysis gastrocnemius

Prox. Tibial epiphysis

Lateral & medial condyle of
femur

Prox. Tibial physis

Tibial tuberosity Head of fibula (epiphysis)

Prox. fibula physis

Fibula

No Labels
 Immature Stifle:
Cd-Cr view
This is a caudo-cranial view of a stifle.
As in the lateral immature stifle
radiograph, it shows open growth
plates in the distal femur, proximal tibia
and proximal fibula and the position of
the medial fabella.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Femoropatellar
ligament
Patella

Patellar
ligament

Patellar Menisci
ligament Patellar
Fibula ligament
Medial &
lateral
Tibia collateral
ligament

Femur

Trochlea

Medial & lateral

condyles of femur

Caudal cruciate
ligament
Labels
 Femur

Intercondylar fossa of femur

Patella

Distal femoral physis

Lateral sesamoid bone
of gastrocnemius m Medial sesamoid bone of
gastrocnemius

Medial condyle of femur

Lateral condyle of femur

Medial condyle of tibia

Medial & lateral intercondylar

tubercle of tibia Prox. Tibial
physis

Head of fibula (epiphysis)

Prox. fibula physis Tibial tuberosity

Cranial border of tibia

Fibula
No Labels
 Stifle:
Lateral view, tibial
tuberosity fusion
This radiograph is of a nine month
old dog in which the growth plates
are almost closed. The growth plate
of the tibial tuberosity has an
interesting pointed shape. This is a
normal anatomical variant.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Femoropatellar
ligament
Patella

Patellar
ligament

Patellar Menisci
ligament Patellar
Fibula ligament
Medial &
lateral
Tibia collateral
ligament

Femur

Trochlea

Medial & lateral

condyles of femur

Caudal cruciate
ligament
Labels
 Femur

Patella
Distal femoral physis

Sesamoid bones of
gastrocnemius
Infrapatellar fat pad
Femoral condyles

Patellar ligament

Prox. Tibial
physis
Tibial tuberosity

Tibial tuberosity
growth plate

Cranial border of tibia Fibula

No Labels
The Tarsus
Immature Tarsus: Lateral view

Immature Tarsus: D-P view

 Immature Tarsus:
Lateral view
This radiograph of a four month old dog
shows open growth plates at the distal tibia
and at the tip of the tuber calcanei. The
proximal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joint
appear wide, which is a normal appearance
at this age; these joints will gradually
become narrower with skeletal maturity.
Note the linear soft tissue structure that runs
from the tuber calcanei proximally, roughly
parallel to the distal tibia; this is the Achilles
tendon.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Peroneus longus m.
Extensor digitorum lateralis m
Peroneus brevis m Common calcanean tendon

Proximal extensor Deep Digital Flexor tendon

retinaculum

Cut end of Superficial Flexor tendon.

Tarsus Abductor digit V muscle

Reflected tendon of Deep Digital
Flexor m.

Interosseus m. (Digit V)

Proximal digital annular ligaments

(Distal is missing).

Superficial Digital Flexor tendon

Labels
 Tibia
Tibia Achilles tendon

Calcanean tuberosity

Calcanean physis

Distal tibial physis

Distal tibial epiphysis Calcaneus

Trochlea of
talus

Central tarsal bone

Tarsal bone 4
2nd & 3rd Tarsal
bone

Metatarsal bone 1

Superimposed
metatarsals 2-5
No Labels
 Immature Tarsus:
D-P view
The dorsoplantar radiograph of the same dog as
in the previous radiograph again shows the
relatively wide proximal intertarsal and
tarsometatarsal joints and open growth plates at
the distal tibia and distal fibula. The tuber
calcanei is a relatively substantial piece of bone
that is superimposed on the tibiotarsal joint and
tends to obscure it in the DP view.

Full screen Labels Pot

 Proximal extensor retinaculum

Tibialis cranialis muscle

Distal extensor retinaculum

Long digital extensor m.
Labels
 Gastrocnemius m
superimposed on the tibia.
Body of fibula

Calcaneus

Lateral malleolus of fibula

Tarsocrural joint

Sustentaculum tali
of calcaneus

Talus

Central tarsal bone

Tarsal bone 4
Tarsal bone 2
Tarsal bone 3

Metatarsals 2-5 No Labels

The Pelvis

The Pelvic bones

The Hip joint
The Pelvic Bones
Pelvis: Lateral view

Pelvis: V-D view

Pelvis: V-D view

 This lateral radiograph shows the pelvis, the lumbosacral joint and the first
Pelvis: few caudal vertebrae. The end of the tail is relatively thin and therefore is
over-exposed in this radiograph and cannot be seen. Note that the two
Lateral view halves of the pelvis and the coxofemoral joints are almost perfectly
superimposed in this well positioned radiograph, which makes them difficult
to examine because a structure on one side effectively hides that on the
other side. For this reason, it is usual to position one of the femurs more
cranial than the other and to place a left or right marker adjacent to it so that
at least the femurs can be distinguished in a lateral radiograph.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Vertebral Left & right dorsal
canal at L7 iliac crest Sacrum Caudal vertebrae 1

Intervertebral
disc space
between L7 & Body of
S1 ilium

Hip joint
(right)

Caudal
extremity of
L6 Superimposed
Hip joint ischiatic
(right) tuberosity

Head of
femur Superimposed
(right) obturator
foramina

Right femur Left femur Pelvic symphysis

No Labels
 Pelvis:
VD view
This ventrodorsal shows clearly the bones forming the
pelvis and the coxofemoral joints. For this radiograph
the dog has been positioned in dorsal recumbency and
the pelvic limbs have been extended fully. The femurs
are parallel and the patella is superimposed over the
distal femur. It is usually necessary to use sticky tape
or a Velcro band to keep the femurs in this position,
which is very unnatural for a dog. Note the shape of
the proximal femur which has a distinct neck and
rounded head that is well seated in the acetabulum.
The sacroiliac joints may also be examined in a
ventrodorsal view, although they are not clearly visible
because they are slightly oblique to the primary x-ray
beam and because the rough surface of the bones
forming the joint means there is no clearly discernible
joint space. The sacroiliac joint is prone to luxation
following trauma such as being hit by a car.

Full screen Labels

Labels
Intervertebral disc space Left transverse process of L7
between L7 &S1 Wing of ilium
Right sacroiliac joint
Body of ilium
Sacrum
Iliopubic eminence
Right hip joint Head of femur
Neck of femur

Greater trochanter

Lesser trochanter Trichanteric fossa &

intertrochanteric crest

Pubis Obturator
Ischiatic table foramen
Ischiatic tuberosity

Femur

Lateral fabella of Patella

gastrocnemius m

No Labels
 Pelvis:
V-D view
Compared to the other VD Pelvic radiograph this
film has a higher contrast, a slightly speckly
appearance and improved definition of the
borders of the bones. It is an example of a
computed radiograph whereas the previous was a
radiographic film. Vets are increasingly using
computed (digital) radiography to produce images
such as this, which are viewed on a monitor rather
than as a piece of film placed on a light box. As in
the previous dog, the coxofemoral joints are
clearly visible with a normal relationship between
the femoral head and the acetabulum. The
radiographic joint space forms a narrow curve of
uniform width on the cranial aspect of the
coxofemoral joint. The subchondral plate of the
acetabulum is quite broad and very opaque
radiographically whereas the convex surface of
the adjacent femoral head is less opaque. The
narrow lucent space between them represents the
articular cartilage on each side of the joint plus a
film of interposed synovial fluid.

Full screen Labels

Labels
Intervertebral disc space
between L7 &S1 Wing of ilium
Right sacroiliac joint
Faeces in descending
colon
Sacrum

Body of ilium
Iliopubic eminence
Head of femur

Right hip joint Neck of femur

Greater trochanter

Trochanteric fossa &

intertrochanteric crest
Obturator
Pubis foramen

Ischiatic tuberosity

Ischiatic table Lesser trochanter

Femur

No Labels
The Hip joint

Pelvis: V-D view, Hip dysplasia

 Pelvis:
V-D view, Hip dysplasia
This radiograph of a young dog shows
subluxation of the left coxofemoral joint,
which is a typical appearance for hip
dysplasia. Note the scrotum on the
midline; some vets will routinely cover it
with a lead sheet to protect the testicles
from x-rays.

Full screen Labels

Labels
Intervertebral disc space
between L7 &S1 Wing of ilium
Faeces in descending
colon
Right sacroiliac joint
Sacrum
Body of ilium Iliopubic eminence
Right hip joint Head of femur
Neck of femur

Fovea capitis
Pubis Greater trochanter
Obturator foramen
Lesser trochanter
Ischiatic tuberosity

Ischiatic table

Scrotum

Femur
Patella
Lateral sesamoid bone of
gastrocnemius m

No Labels
 The Thorax

The Oesophagus
The Lungs

The Ribs
The Thymus The Heart

General Thorax views

General Thorax views
Thorax: Overweight, DV view

Thorax: Overweight, lateral view

Thorax: Lateral view

Thorax: Left lateral view

Thorax: Right lateral view

Thorax: VD view
 Thorax:
Overweight,
DV view
This radiograph shows that
although there is air within both
the left and right lung the
cardiac border is indistinct. The
cranial mediastinum is wide as
a result of fat deposition.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Rib 1

Cranial vena cava Aortic arch

Trachea

Left ventricle

Apex of Heart

Ribs

Diaphragm

No Labels
 Aorta
Pulmonary trunk
Left
L. Subclavian artery subclavian
L. auricle Brachiocephalic
L. pulmonary artery
trunk
artery
L. atrium
L. pulmonary
veins
Brachiocephalic
trunk

Cranial
R. auricle vena cava

Caudal
vena cava Azygous vein

L. ventricle R. pulmonary
artery
R. pulmonary
R. ventricle veins
Apex
 In this radiograph of an obese Terrier the
Thorax: presence of intrathoracic and intra abdominal
Overweight, Lateral fat means that the lung is less well inflated
than in the other radiographs. For this reason
view intrathoracic structures are more difficult to
see, for example the heart has a much less
well defined border than in the other
radiographs.

Full screen Labels Pot

Labels
 Thoracic Tracheal Pulmonary vessels to
aorta bifurcation caudal lobes of lungs

Right crus

Left crus

Trachea

Left ventricle
Cr. lobar
Pulmonary
artery.
Cr. lobar Stomach
Pulmonary
vein

Liver
Spleen

Right ventricle Heart apex

No Labels
 Cervicothoracic
Middle cervical ganglion Dorsal Thoracic Vagus n.: dorsal &
ganglion Sympathetic trunk intercostal a.v. aorta ventral branches
(sympathetic)
Subclavian a. Oesophagus

Vago-
sympathetic
trunk

Internal
thoracic a.v.
Diaphragm
Phrenic n.
Mediastinum: over the right
Left ventricle accesssory lung lobe
Right auricle Mediastiinum:over right
Left auricle Right ventricle Left principal middle lung lobe
Right cranial lung lobe bronchus
Paraconal a.v.
 This radiograph shows a relatively
Thorax: deep chested dog. The heart, aorta
Lateral view and pulmonary vessels are clearly
visible, although (unusually) the
caudal vena cava is not. Note that
the trachea, the lungs and other
intrathoracic structures are visible
because of the air contained in the
thorax. When we make thoracic
radiographs, we try to expose the
film at peak inspiration in order to
maximise the amount of air in the
lung and hence maximise the
visibility of intrathoracic structures. In
animals with relatively little air in the
lungs (e.g. because of pneumonia) it
can be difficult to see anything
radiographically.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Thoracic Tracheal Pulmonary vessels to
aorta bifurcation caudal lobes of lungs

Trachea Left crus

Right crus

Cranial vena cava

Cr. Lobar Caudal vena cava
Pulmonary
artery

Cr. Lobar
Pulmonary Liver
vein Left ventricle

Right ventricle
Heart apex

No Labels
 Cervicothoracic
Middle cervical ganglion Dorsal Thoracic Vagus n.: dorsal &
ganglion Sympathetic trunk intercostal a.v. aorta ventral branches
(sympathetic)
Subclavian a. Oesophagus

Vago-
sympathetic
trunk

Internal
thoracic a.v.
Diaphragm
Phrenic n.
Mediastinum: over the right
Left ventricle accesssory lung lobe
Right auricle Mediastiinum:over right
Left auricle Right ventricle Left principal middle lung lobe
Right cranial lung lobe bronchus
Paraconal a.v.
 This radiograph is of the same dog
Thorax: as the right lateral view and shows
Left lateral view the difference in the appearance of
the diaphragm with the animal lying
on its left: now the diaphragmatic
crura diverge. This difference
between left and right is often
observed in dogs.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Thoracic Tracheal Pulmonary vessels to
aorta bifurcation caudal lobes of lungs

Left crus

Right crus

Trachea
Caudal vena cava
Right cr. Lobar
Pulmonary artery

Right cr. Lobar

Pulmonary vein Liver

Left ventricle

Right ventricle
Heart apex

No Labels
 Cervicothoracic
Middle cervical ganglion Dorsal Thoracic Vagus n.: dorsal &
ganglion Sympathetic trunk intercostal a.v. aorta ventral branches
(sympathetic)
Subclavian a. Oesophagus

Vago-
sympathetic
trunk

Internal
thoracic a.v.
Diaphragm
Phrenic n.
Mediastinum: over the right
Left ventricle accesssory lung lobe
Right auricle Mediastiinum:over right
Left auricle Right ventricle Left principal middle lung lobe
Right cranial lung lobe bronchus
Paraconal a.v.
 This radiograph is made with the animal
Thorax: in lateral recumbency with its right side
Right lateral view down. Note that the diaphragm has a
smooth continuous curved shape and
that the diaphragmatic crura are parallel,
almost superimposed. Contrast this
appearance with that of the left lateral
radiograph.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Pulmonary vessels to
Thoracic caudal lobes of lungs
aorta

Right crus
Left crus

Caudal vena
Trachea cava

Cr. Lobar
Pulmonary
artery

Cr. Lobar
Pulmonary Liver
vein Left ventricle

Right ventricle Heart apex

No Labels
 Cervicothoracic
Middle cervical ganglion Dorsal Thoracic Vagus n.: dorsal &
ganglion Sympathetic trunk intercostal a.v. aorta ventral branches
(sympathetic)
Subclavian a. Oesophagus

Vago-
sympathetic
trunk

Internal
thoracic a.v.
Diaphragm
Phrenic n.
Mediastinum: over the right
Left ventricle accesssory lung lobe
Right auricle Mediastiinum:over right
Left auricle Right ventricle Left principal middle lung lobe
Right cranial lung lobe bronchus
Paraconal a.v.
 Thorax:
VD view

A ventrodorsal radiograph that

shows the normal position of
the heart, slightly to the left of
mid-line, and the caudal vena
cava to the right of mid-line.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
Cr Vena Cava

Pulmonary artery
Rt. atrium Lt. atrium

Aorta

Rt. Ventricle

Lt. Ventricle

Ca. Vena cava Caudoventral

mediastinum

No Labels
The Heart

Angiogram: LV injection, lateral view

Angiogram: RV injection, lateral view

 The heart normally has a uniform soft tissue opacity in
Angiogram: radiographs and the internal structures (e.g. chambers,
valves) are not visible. These structures can be outlined
LV injection, lateral by injecting contrast medium which mixes with the blood.
In this instance, a catheter has been passed along the

view aorta (where was it inserted into the dog?) until its tip is in
the left ventricle. Injection of contrast outlines the left
ventricle, aorta, coronary arteries, brachiocephalic trunk
and left subclavian artery. This appearance is normal.
(Ignore the catheter cranial to the heart; it is relevant for
the next radiograph.)

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Left subclavian a Thoracic aorta

Left crus of
diaphragm
Right crus of
diaphragm

Common
carotids

Brachiocephalic
trunk

R + L internal Gas in pylorus

thoracic arteries of stomach

Left ventricle

No Labels
Angiogram: In this instance, a catheter has been passed down a
jugular vein. Injection of contrast outlines the right
RV injection, atrium, right ventricle and pulmonary arteries. This
appearance is normal.
lateral view (The thin black line crossing the caudal part of the lungs
is an artefact that occurred because the film was
inadvertently folded before processing.)

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Left pulmonary
artery

Pulmonary Right pulmonary

trunk artery
Pulmonary
arterial supply to
Cranial lobar the right middle
pulmonary lobe
artery
Right ventricle

No Labels
 Aorta
Pulmonary trunk
Left
L. Subclavian artery subclavian
L. auricle Brachiocephalic
L. pulmonary artery
trunk
artery
L. atrium
L. pulmonary
veins
Brachiocephalic
trunk

Cranial
R. auricle vena cava

Caudal
vena cava Azygous vein

L. ventricle R. pulmonary
artery
R. pulmonary
R. ventricle veins
Apex
The Lungs
Bronchogram: Lateral view

Pulmonary Vasculature: Bulldog, DV view

Pulmonary Vasculature: Close-up, Lateral view

 In the days before flexible endoscopy, vets sometimes did
Bronchogram: bronchography to examine the airways. In this radiograph a
small volume of barium sulphate suspension has been infused
Lateral view into the trachea and the lung inflated to spread it along the
bronchial mucosa. It is amazing how clearly the bronchi are
seen isn’t it? Notice that they have straight or gently curved
walls and gently tapering lumen. This appearance is normal.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Bronchi of caudal
lobes

Bronchus–
end on
Tracheal
bifurcation

Trachea

Right
principal
bronchus to
cranial lobe

No Labels
 Caudal lobe
Obtuse margin of left lung
Trachea

Cranial part of
cranial lobe of
left lung

Interlobar fissure Caudal interlobar

of cranial lobe of fissure of left lung
left lung
Cardiac notch

Right Acute margin

ventricle of
heart Left ventricle
of heart Caudal part of cranial
lobe of left lung
 Trachea
Right cranial lobes

Left cranial lobe

Bifurcation of
the trachea

Primary bronchus

Bronchioles
Caudal lobes
 This radiograph shows the
Pulmonary Vasculature: right and left caudal lobar
Bulldog, DV view arteries and veins
superimposed over the cranial
part of the abdomen. It is
useful to examine these
vessels in dogs or cats with
suspected cardiac failure.
Pulmonary congestion is often
visible as enlargement of the
veins relative to the arteries.
The dorsoventral view gives a
better depiction of these
vessels than a ventrodorsal.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Heart

Left caudal
lobar vessels
Right caudal
lobar vessels

Diaphragm

Air in the fundus of

stomach

No Labels
 Trachea
Right cranial lobes

Left cranial lobe

Bifurcation of
the trachea

Primary bronchus

Bronchioles
Caudal lobes
 This radiograph shows the right cranial
Pulmonary Vasculature: lobar artery and vein. They are roughly
Close-up, Lateral view parallel, similar in size and gradually
taper as they extend towards the
periphery of the lung.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Trachea Tracheal bifurcation

Cr. Lobar bronchus

Cr. Lobar Pulmonary

artery

Cr. Lobar Pulmonary

vein

Right ventricle
No Labels
 Caudal lobe
Obtuse margin of left lung
Trachea

Cranial part of
cranial lobe of
left lung

Interlobar fissure Caudal interlobar

of cranial lobe of fissure of left lung
left lung
Cardiac notch

Right Acute margin

ventricle of
heart Left ventricle
of heart Caudal part of cranial
lobe of left lung
 Trachea
Right cranial lobes

Left cranial lobe

Bifurcation of
the trachea

Primary bronchus

Bronchioles
Caudal lobes
The Ribs

Crusty Ribs: Lateral view

Crusty Ribs: It is common to observe large irregular
exostoses at the costochondral junctions
Lateral view of old dogs. This appearance is
considered an age-related change and
should not be confused with disease.

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Full screen Labels
Labels
 Caudal vena
cava

Left ventricle
Exostoses at
costochondral Liver
junctions

Heart apex
Right ventricle

No Labels
 Cervicothoracic
Middle cervical ganglion Dorsal Thoracic Vagus n.: dorsal &
ganglion Sympathetic trunk intercostal a.v. aorta ventral branches
(sympathetic)
Subclavian a. Oesophagus

Vago-
sympathetic
trunk

Internal
thoracic a.v.
Diaphragm
Phrenic n.
Mediastinum: over the right
Left ventricle accesssory lung lobe
Right auricle Mediastiinum:over right
Left auricle Right ventricle Left principal middle lung lobe
Right cranial lung lobe bronchus
Paraconal a.v.
The Oesophagus

Oesophagram: lateral view

 Oesophagram:
lateral view
The oesophagus is not normally visible
radiographically, although it might be if it is dilated or
has abnormal contents. To make the oesophagus
visible and to assess its function, we perform contrast
radiography. This series of radiographs made at 1
second intervals shows a bolus of food/barium mixture
passing through the thoracic oesophagus, leaving a
slight mucosal coating behind. This is a normal
appearance.

View in sequence Pot

Finish Sequence Labels
 Superimposed caudal lobar branches of
Oesophageal bolus Thoracic aorta pulmonary arteries & veins

Bronchiole Caudal Vena Cava

View in sequence
Labels
 Oesophageal
Thoracic aorta bolus

Bronchiole
Caudal Vena Cava
View in sequence
Labels
 Oesophageal
Thoracic aorta bolus

Caudal Vena Cava

View in sequence
Labels Finish Sequence
 Superimposed caudal lobar branches of
Oesophagus pulmonary arteries & veins
Thoracic aorta

Caudal Vena Cava

View in sequence
 Cervicothoracic
Middle cervical ganglion Dorsal Thoracic Vagus n.: dorsal &
ganglion Sympathetic trunk intercostal a.v. aorta ventral branches
(sympathetic)
Subclavian a. Oesophagus

Vago-
sympathetic
trunk

Internal
thoracic a.v.
Diaphragm
Phrenic n.
Mediastinum: over the right
Left ventricle accesssory lung lobe
Right auricle Mediastiinum:over right
Left auricle Right ventricle Left principal middle lung lobe
Right cranial lung lobe bronchus
Paraconal a.v.
The Thymus

Thymus: DV view

Thymus: Lateral view

 Thymus:
DV view
A dorsoventral radiograph of a
3-month-old pup shows a broad
curved soft tissue structure on
the left cranial aspect of the
heart. This is the thymus,
which will shortly involute and
cease to be visible
radiographically.

Full screen Labels

Labels
 Thymus

Lt. atrium

Rt. atrium Lt. Ventricle

Rt. Ventricle

No Labels
 This radiograph of a 3-month-old pup shows a
Thymus: lack of ossification of the distal part of the rib
Lateral view which is therefore not visible radiographically.
Notice how the thymus is virtually invisible on
a lateral view.

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Full screen Labels
Common
carotid a.

Lung (left)

Oesophagus

Thymus Diaphragm

Heart
Labels
 Thoracic
aorta

Right crus
Left crus

Trachea

Liver
Left ventricle

Non-ossified Right ventricle Heart apex

costochondral
junction
No Labels
 The Abdomen General Abdomen views

The Gastrointestinal System

The Spleen

The Liver
The Bladder
The Kidneys and Ureters
and Urethra

The Reproductive System

The Gastrointestinal System
Caecum detail: VD view

Gastric Antrum: Left lateral view

Gastric Antrum: Right lateral view

Gastric Rugae: Lateral view

Pneumogastrogram: VD view

Pneumogastrogram: Lateral view

 Caecum detail:
VD view
This close up view of part of the
ventrodorsal abdominal radiograph
of the dog shows gas filling the
caecum, which lies just right of the
mid-line at the level of L3 to L5.
This is a normal appearance.

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Full Screen Labels
 Stomach

Greater
omentum

Descending Enlarged
duodenum spleen
Labels
 L3

Gas filled caecum

L4

L5

No Labels
 This lateral radiograph of a large dog was made
Gastric Antrum: with the dog lying in right recumbency. Gas is
Right lateral view visible in the gastric fundus, but the antrum and
body of the stomach are predominantly fluid-filled
and appear as a regular rounded structure in the
cranioventral part of the abdomen. This
appearance can be mistaken for a ball in the
stomach.

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Full Screen Labels
 Enlarged spleen Descending colon

Reflected
abdominal
muscles & skin

Left lateral lobe Greater

of liver omentum
 Longissimus
Caudal division of Caudal lobe thoracis m Diaphragm
cranial lobe of left of left lung Iliocostalis m
lung

Left kidney

Stomach;
fundus

Pericardial
fat

Left auricle Left Left medial Left lateral lobe Stomach; body
ventricle lobe
Labels
 Right kidney Gas filled colon

Gas filled
gastric
fundus

Fluid filled gastric Small intestines

Liver body and antrum
No Labels
 By repositioning the dog into left recumbency, gas
Gastric Antrum: can be redistributed in the stomach and now fills the
Left lateral view gastric antrum. The fluid that was in the antrum and
body has now moved into the fundus, so the
appearance of the stomach is now the opposite of
what it was in right lateral recumbency. The
presence of gas in the antrum makes a gastric
foreign body unlikely.

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Full Screen Labels
Descending
duodenum

Greater omentum
 Caudate lobe Caudal, middle & cranial
Right lateral lobe lobes of the right lung
Right kidney of liver of liver

Stomach; antrum
Diaphragm

Left lateral lobe Right medial lobe Quadrate

lobe
Labels
 Right kidney Gas filled colon

Gas filled
gastric
fundus

Fluid filled gastric Small intestines

Liver body and antrum
No Labels
 Gastric Rugae:
Lateral view
This close-up view of part of the lateral
abdominal radiograph of a dog shows
the appearance of the gastric rugae,
which in this instance are well outlined
by gas. They have fairly uniform
thickness and an undulating course. As
the stomach distends, gastric rugae are
stretched out and flattened and are less
visible radiographically.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
Gastric rugae

No Labels
 The ventrodorsal radiograph a dog
Pneumogastrogram: with an air filled stomach shows the
relatively large rounded fundus of
VD view the stomach, which lies to the left of
midline, and the more oblong gastric
body extending across the mid-line
to the right where the pyloric canal
connects the gastric antrum with the
duodenum. The duodenum is the
most lateral of the gas-filled
intestinal loops visible in this
radiograph.

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Full Screen Labels
 Right medial Left lateral lobe
lobe of liver

Stomach;
antrum
Cranial duodenal
flexure

Stomach; fundus

Right lobe of
pancreas

Left lobe of
Descending pancreas
duodenum

Caudal duodenal
flexure
 Sternum

Left medial lobe

Diaphragm

Quadrate lobe
Left lateral lobe
Xiphoid process

Right medial
lobe

Stomach; fundus

Left kidney
Right
kidney Caudal
vena cava
 Stomach

Greater
omentum

Descending Enlarged
duodenum spleen
Labels
 Caudal lobar
branches of
pulmonary
vessels
superimposed on
Liver the liver

Gas in gastric
fundus

Gas in duodenum

Gas in gastric
antrum

No Labels
 Pneumogastrogram:
Lateral view
For this radiograph a large bore
gastric tube has been passed
and the stomach inflated to
more clearly demonstrate its
size, position and shape.

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Full Screen Labels
Serratus Serratus dorsalis pars
dorsalis pars caudalis Cut edge of internal
cranialis Perirenal fat abdominal oblique m.

External intercostal m Stomach; fundus Left lobe of pancreas

 Serratus dorsalis pars
cranialis

Right lobe of
pancreas

Descending duodenum

Stomach; Left lateral lobe

antrum
Labels
Large bore
gastric tube

Air filled gastric

body and fundus

Liver

No Labels
The Kidneys and Ureters
Intra-venous Ureterogram (IVU): VD view

Nephrogram: VD view, DSA

Renal non-selective angiogram: VD view

 Intra-venous
Ureterogram (IVU):
VD view
This ventrodorsal radiograph was made several
minutes after injection of contrast medium into a
peripheral vein. Circulation of the contrast through
the heart and lungs is followed by systemic
distribution to all organs, including the kidneys.
The kidneys filter contrast and excrete it into the
renal pelvis and ureters which are visible clearly in
this instance. This procedure is called an
intravenous urogram (IVU). Opacification of the
renal collecting system, pelvis and ureters is also
known as a pyelogram. Note that the urinary
bladder has been filled with air (pneumocystogram)
to help identify it and to improve visualisation of the
ureters as they pass over the urinary bladder in this
view. Each ureter in this dog passes in a caudal
direction and then makes an approximately 180º
turn before draining into the bladder. This is a
completely normal appearance.

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Full Screen Labels
 Medulla

Cortex
Renal artery

Arcuate aa

Renal vein

Renal sinus

Ureter
Interlobular artery

Pelvic recess

Impression of renal crest

Interlobar artery

Ureter

Renal artery
 Vena cava
Aorta

Oesophagus

Quadrate lobe of
liver

Left medial
lobe of liver

Gall bladder Left lateral

lobe of liver

Right medial lobe

Adrenal gland

Right kidney

Left kidney
Renal a&v
Caudal vena cava
Labels
 Renal pelvis

Ureter

Bladder

No Labels
 Nephrogram:
VD view, DSA
This radiograph was made in a similar
way to the renal non-selective
angiogram, but the technique of digital
subtraction has enabled other
abdominal structures not containing
contrast medium to be removed from
the image, leaving a particularly clear
depiction of the contrast within the
aorta and its various branches.
Contrast medium arriving in the
kidneys is quickly distributed evenly
through the cortex where it is filtered
by the glomerulus. Opacification of the
renal parenchyma is known as a
nephrogram.

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Full Screen Labels
 Medulla

Cortex
Renal artery

Arcuate aa

Renal vein

Renal sinus

Ureter
Interlobular artery

Pelvic recess

Impression of renal crest

Interlobar artery

Ureter

Renal artery
 Vena cava
Aorta

Oesophagus

Quadrate lobe of
liver

Left medial
lobe of liver

Gall bladder Left lateral

lobe of liver

Right medial lobe

Adrenal gland

Right kidney

Left kidney
Renal a&v
Caudal vena cava
Labels
 Celiac a

Cr. Mesenteric a

Interlobar aa

Renal aa

External iliac a

Internal iliac a

Median sacral a
No Labels
 Renal non-selective
angiogram:
VD view
This radiograph was made
during injection of contrast
medium into the mid-abdominal
aorta via a catheter and shows
contrast predominantly filling the
renal arteries and the interlobar
arteries of the kidneys. In many
dogs, each kidney has two renal
arteries.

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Full Screen Labels
 Medulla

Cortex
Renal artery

Arcuate aa

Renal vein

Renal sinus

Ureter
Interlobular artery

Pelvic recess

Impression of renal crest

Interlobar artery

Ureter

Renal artery
 Vena cava
Aorta

Oesophagus

Quadrate lobe of
liver

Left medial
lobe of liver

Gall bladder Left lateral

lobe of liver

Right medial lobe

Adrenal gland

Right kidney

Left kidney
Renal a&v
Caudal vena cava
Labels
 Interlobar aa

Renal aa

Deep circumflex a

External iliac a

Internal iliac a

Median sacral a
No Labels
The Bladder and Urethra
Male Urethrogram: Lateral view

Bladder: Lateral view, Pelvic

 This radiograph was made during injection of
Male Urethrogram: contrast medium into a urethral catheter and shows
the contrast within the penile and pelvic urethra, the
Lateral view bladder and a small amount of contrast refluxing up
one of the ureters. Note the uniform calibre of the
urethra as it bends around the caudal aspect of the
ischium before becoming wider within the pelvis. An
elongated gas bubble is present in the caudal part of
the pelvic urethra and could be confused with a
lesion.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Slight dorsal dip Isthmus
Bladder Ureter Preprostatic marks the seminal Penile (narrowing of No Labels
urethra colliculus urethra lumen)
 This radiograph of a small breed female dog shows
Bladder: contrast medium (and a large air bubble) in the
vagina and uterus. The oblique filling defect in the
Lateral view, Pelvic uterus dorsal to the bladder represents the site of
the cervix. In this dog the urinary bladder has a very
wide neck, which is located within the pelvis. Dogs
(male or female) with this conformation often have
urinary incontinence.

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 Spinal cord Sacrum
Rectum Urethra
7th Lumbar vertebra Vestibule

Anus

Rectus abdominis m.
Bladder Adductor m. Lips of vulva
Intervertebral disc
Symphyseal surface
of os coxae
Labels
 Vagina

Uterine horns Bladder Cervix Urethra Pubis Vestibule

Bladder neck
No Labels
The Reproductive System
Vaginogram: Lateral view, Oestrus

Uterus: Lateral view, Metoestrus

Prostate: Lateral view

 This radiograph was made by injection of
Vaginogram: contrast medium into the vagina and
Lateral view, Oestrus urethra of an entire female dog. Contrast
opacifies the urethra, bladder, vagina and
the two horns of the uterus, which are
visible as narrow coiled structures
superimposed on the craniodorsal aspect
of the bladder. The large diameter of the
vagina and the open cervix are compatible
with oestrus.

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Full Screen Labels
 Right ovary

Broad ligament Right uterine horn

Cervix Bladder
Dorsomedian fold
continuing the cervix

Vagina

External urethral orifice

Vestibule

Clitoris
Labels
 L5

Uterine horns Bladder Cervix Urethra Pubis Vagina Vestibule

Vaginal fornix

No Labels
 In this lateral abdominal radiograph
Uterus: the uterus can be faintly seen as a
Lateral view, Metoestrus curved elongated, faintly lumpy-
appearing structure superimposed
over the bladder. This appearance
is normal, although the uterus in
many dogs is too small to be seen
radiographically.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Right ovary

Broad ligament Right uterine horn

Cervix Bladder
Dorsomedian fold
continuing the cervix

Vagina

External urethral orifice

Vestibule

Clitoris
Labels
 L5
Left kidney
Faeces in
descending
colon

Uterus

Bladder Ventral abdominal wall

Small
intestines No Labels
 In this radiograph of a male dog a rounded soft tissue structure is visible just
Prostate: caudal to the bladder and ventral to the faeces-filled colon at the pelvic inlet.
This is the prostate. It is often difficult to see the prostate because it is usually
Lateral view within the pelvis, so is obscured by the surrounding bones. In entire male dogs
the prostate gradually enlarges with increasing age and moves cranially so that
it becomes visible cranial to the pelvic inlet, as in this instance. Note the
triangular lucency that occupies the angle formed by the ventral abdominal wall,
the ventral wall of the bladder and the cranioventral aspect of the prostate; this
is abdominal fat and it is the fact that it is less opaque than soft tissues that
enables visualisation of the prostate.

Pot 1
Pot 2
Full Screen Labels
 Rectum

Anus

Deferent
duct
Pelvic
urethra

Bladder Prostate
gland

Bulbospongiosus
m.

Ischiocavernosus m.
over left crus
 Anus

Urethra
Bulbospongiosus
m. Descending
colon
Ureter (right)
Bladder
Right crus Kidney (left)

Deferent duct
(right) Testicular
vessels
Retractor
penis m.
Dorsal a. and v.
of penis Bulbus
glandis
Spermatic cord
Pars longa
Testis (right) glandis

Prepuce
Labels
L5

Ilium

Hip joint

Femoral
head
Prostate

Fat
between
bladder
neck &
abdominal
wall

Bladder Ventral abdominal wall

No Labels
General Abdomen views
Abdominal Aortogram: Lateral view

Abdomen: Lateral view

Abdomen: VD view

Pup Abdomen: Lateral view

Abdominal Aortogram: This lateral radiograph was made
immediately after injection of
Lateral view positive contrast medium into the
left ventricle and shows
opacification of the abdominal aorta
and its major branches.

Muscle layers
Pot 1
Pot 2
Pot 3
Full Screen Labels
 Enlarged spleen Descending colon

Reflected
abdominal
muscles & skin

Left lateral lobe Greater

of liver omentum
Caudal division of cranial Longissimus thoracis m
Diaphragm
lobe of left lung Caudal lobe
of left lung Iliocostalis m

Left kidney

Stomach; fundus

Pericardial fat

Left ventricle

Left auricle Left medial lobe Left lateral lobe Stomach; body
Serratus dorsalis Serratus dorsalis pars caudalis
Cut edge of internal
pars cranialis Perirenal fat abdominal oblique

External intercostal m Stomach; fundus Left lobe of pancreas

 Transverse abdominal m
Internal abdominal oblique m

External abdominal oblique m External abdominal oblique m

Internal abdominal oblique m
Labels
 Right kidney Left kidney L4

Renal aa

Celiac a Internal iliac aa

Aorta Cr. Mesenteric a

External iliac aa

Deep femoral aa

Small Bladder
intestines No Labels
Abdomen: This is a typical lateral abdominal radiograph of a dog, in which the abdominal
viscera are visible but are difficult to discern because of superimposition and
because of the similar opacity of the organs and surrounding tissues. The liver is
Lateral present on the cranioventral aspect of the abdomen between the stomach, which
is gas-filled, and the diaphragm. In this instance the caudal part of the liver
view extends several centimetres caudal to the last ribs and some would interpret this
as enlarged. Just caudal to the liver is an oblong soft tissue structure that
corresponds to the tail of the spleen. Dorsal to this there are numerous loops of
small intestine, some containing gas which makes them easier to see and others
contain a small amount of fluid. Dorsal to the small intestinal loops and bladder is
the colon. This is recognisable because of its speckled content, which represents
faeces. The kidneys are relatively difficult to see in many dogs and this is no
exception. The left kidney is present in the mid-dorsal abdomen from the level of
L2 to L4. The right kidney overlaps with the left and occupies the region from
approximately T13 to L2.

Pot 1 Muscle layers

Pot 2 Pot 3
Full Screen Labels
 Enlarged spleen Descending colon

Reflected
abdominal
muscles & skin

Left lateral lobe Greater

of liver omentum
Caudal division of cranial Longissimus thoracis m
Diaphragm
lobe of left lung Caudal lobe
of left lung Iliocostalis m

Left kidney

Stomach; fundus

Pericardial fat

Left ventricle

Left auricle Left medial lobe Left lateral lobe Stomach; body
Serratus Serratus dorsalis pars
dorsalis pars caudalis Cut edge of internal
cranialis Perirenal fat abdominal oblique

External intercostal m Stomach; fundus Left lobe of pancreas

Internal abdominal Transverse abdominal m
oblique m

External External
abdominal Internal abdominal abdominal
oblique m oblique m oblique m
Labels
Gas in body of Faeces in
stomach Right kidney Left kidney L4 descending colon

Caudal extremity Tail Small Bladder

of liver end of intestines No Labels
spleen
 Abdomen:
VD view
This is the corresponding ventrodorsal view to the
previous lateral. Again it is difficult to discern the
individual abdominal organs in this typical dog. The
left kidney is visible from approximately L1 to L3 with
the elongated curvilinear spleen lateral to it and
overlapping its caudal pole. The right kidney is virtually
invisible. In this dog most of the small intestine
appears to lie to the right of midline; this is not
abnormal. The stomach is gas-filled, as it was in the
lateral view, and has a rounded fundus to the left of
midline and a narrower, more elongated body that
crosses the midline towards the antrum, which lies on
the right. The gas-filled piece of small intestine seen
superimposed over the right 12th and 13th ribs is
probably the duodenum, although its connection to the
stomach is not visible. An incidental finding in this dog
is the unusual left rib at T13, which is shorter and
thicker than the other ribs. This represents transitional
anatomy, having some of the features of a normal rib
and some of the features of a normal lumbar
transverse process. Transitional thoracolumbar
vertebrae or lumbosacral vertebrae are commonly
seen in dogs but are usually of no clinical significance.

Pot 1 Pot 2
Pot 3 Pot 4
Full Screen Labels
 Vena cava
Aorta

Oesophagus

Quadrate lobe of
liver

Left medial
lobe of liver

Gall bladder Left lateral

lobe of liver

Right medial lobe

Adrenal gland

Right kidney

Left kidney
Renal a&v
Caudal vena cava
 Right medial Left lateral lobe
lobe of liver

Stomach;
antrum
Cranial duodenal
flexure

Stomach; fundus

Right lobe of
pancreas

Left lobe of
Descending pancreas
duodenum

Caudal duodenal
flexure
 Sternum

Left medial lobe

Diaphragm

Quadrate lobe
Left lateral lobe
Xiphoid process

Right medial
lobe

Stomach; fundus

Left kidney
Right
kidney Caudal
vena cava
 Stomach

Greater
omentum

Descending Enlarged
duodenum spleen
Labels
Gas filled antrum of Gas within fundus of
stomach stomach

Duodenum Transitional left rib

of T13

Body of spleen

Left kidney

Faeces within
descending colon

Vertebrae L5

No Labels
 This lateral abdominal radiograph of a very young puppy shows
Pup Abdomen: open growth plates in the vertebrae, the pelvis and distal
femurs. The abdomen has a virtually featureless, uniform
Lateral view opacity except for a few gas shadows in the stomach and parts
of the intestine. Other abdominal organs are invisible. This is a
normal appearance that occurs because in neonatal puppies
and kittens there is very little abdominal fat, and in the absence
of fat there is no contrast (difference) between the opacity of the
different abdominal structures which therefore merge into one
uniform grey.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Physes

Ilium Pubis

Ischium

Liver No Labels
The Spleen

Spleen: Lateral view

 Another lateral abdominal radiograph of a dog shows the spleen
Spleen: having a more elongated and sharpely demarcated appearance than
in the previous dog. The appearance of the spleen depends greatly
Lateral view on its position in the abdomen and as it is somewhat mobile it can
vary from dog to dog and even from minute to minute. It is very
easy to over-interpret the appearance of the spleen because of
these variations. Dorsal to the spleen in the mid-abdomen there are
a few small intestinal loops which are non-dilated and dorsal to that
there is gas outlining the large intestine and caecum. The bladder
occupies the caudoventral part of the abdomen and has the large
intestine and rectum draped over its dorsal aspect.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Enlarged spleen Descending colon

Reflected
abdominal
muscles & skin

Left lateral lobe Greater

of liver omentum
Labels
 Ascending colon Lumbar vertebrae 5 Faeces within
descending colon

Ventral extremity Caecum Bladder

Non dilated No Labels
of spleen
small intestine
The Liver

Liver: Portogram
 This ventrodorsal radiograph is made
Liver: immediately following injection of contrast
medium into a mesenteric vein at laparotomy.
Portogram Contrast within the vein flows cranially into the
hepatic portal vein and into the intrahepatic
branches of the portal vein. This is a normal
study.
In this image, the blood vessels appear as
black structures, which is the opposite of what
you might have been expecting based on
experience of other angiograms. This is a digital
subtraction angiogram in which the other parts
of the body such as the bones and the other
abdominal organs do not contribute to the
image, and the contrast medium appears as
black on a uniform grey background. This
technique makes it possible to see clearly the
tiny portal branches extending out into the
periphery of the liver.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Intrahepatic
portal veins

Splenic vein

Hepatic Portal
vein

No Labels
The Spine

Cervical region Lumbar region

Thoracic region Sacral region

Coccygeal vertebrae

The Vertebrae;
Atlas Axis Cervical, thoracic & lumbar
1= Dorsal Tubercle
2= Cranial articular fovea 1
3= Transverse process
4= Body 5
5= Dorsal arch Cranial aspect
3
6= Arch
7= Caudal articular fovea 4
8= Odontoid process (fovea dentis) 2
9= Ventral tubercle
10= Lateral vertebral foramen
11= Transverse foramen
1

6
10 11
Lateral aspect

ATLAS
9

7
3 Caudal aspect
8

9
1= Transverse process
2= Body 3
3= Spinous process 4
4= Caudal articular process
5= Cranial articular process 7 Cranial aspect
6= Dens (Odontoid process)
7= Transverse canal 1
8= Body of axis 6 5
9= Arch 2

4 9 Lateral aspect

10

AXIS
6 6
5
1

4
Caudal aspect
7

8 1
1
 Cranial Lateral Caudal
1 1
5 1
6
Cervical v. 3
4
3
7 6

2 2 2 3

1 1
1
Thoracic v. 8 6
1= Spinous process 6 7
2= Body 5
4 9 11
3= Transverse process 3
4= Vertebral foramen 2 10
9
5= Lamina 2
6= Cranial articular surface 2
7= Caudal articular surface
8= Mamillary process 1
6 12
9= Caudal costal fovea 1 1
10= Cranial costal fovea 8 8
11= Cranial articular process 12 8
12= Caudal articular process 4 11 12
4

2 3 3 2
2
Lumbar v.
Cervical region

Yorkshire Terrier cervical spine: Lateral view, neutral position

Yorkshire Terrier cervical spine: Lateral view, flexed position

Puppy cervical spine: Lateral view

Cervical spine survey: Lateral view

Cervical myelogram: Lateral view

Yorkshire Terrier cervical spine:
Lateral view, neutral position
In small and toy breeds of dogs the vertebral canal is relatively wider than in large
breeds. This lateral radiograph of a Yorkshire terrier shows the wide gap between
the vertebral bodies and the corresponding dorsal laminae, which are projected
dorsal to the articular facets. C1 looks tall and narrow compared with its
appearance in large breed dogs.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Atlas
Axis

1 3
6
3 3rd Ce

4 3 4th Ce
2 8
7
5th Ce
4 3
1= Lateral vertebral foramen
2= Wing of atlas 4 3
3= Spinous processes
4= Transverse processes
5= Extended plate of 4
transverse process of Ce 6
6= Vertebral foramen
7= Cranial articular process 4
8= Caudal articular process 5
Labels
 Spinous Dorsal & ventral Caudal
Dorsal process of borders of Cranial
tubercle of articular articular
axis (C2) vertebral canal process of C3
atlas (C1) process of C4

Intervertebral Extended plate of

Intervertebral disc space transverse process
Tympanic Ventral foramen between between C4
Transvese process of C6
bulla tubercle of C4 &C5 &C5
atlas (wings) of atlas Endotracheal tube
No Labels
within trachea
Yorkshire Terrier cervical spine:
Lateral view, flexed position
Another radiograph of the same
Yorkshire terrier made with the head
ventroflexed shows that flexion
occurs at the occipitoatlantal joint
(“yes” joint) but not at the
atlantoaxial joint (“no” joint). This
appearance is normal. In dogs
suspected of having atlantoaxial
subluxation, abnormal displacement
of C1 may occur when the neck is
manipulated, typically producing a
widened gap between C1 and C2 in
a ventroflexed lateral radiograph
like this.

Full Screen Labels Pot

 Atlas
Axis

1 3
6
3 3rd Ce

4 3 4th Ce
2 8
7
5th Ce
4 3
1= Lateral vertebral foramen
2= Wing of atlas 4 3
3= Spinous processes
4= Transverse processes
5= Extended plate of 4
transverse process of Ce 6
6= Vertebral foramen
7= Cranial articular process 4
8= Caudal articular process 5
Labels
External Spinous
occiptal process of
protruberance axis (C2)

Dorsal
tubercle of
atlas (C1)

Atlanto -
occipital
articulation

Transverse
Tympanic process
bullae (wings) of
atlas

Endotracheal
tube within
trachea

No Labels
Puppy cervical spine:
Lateral view
Just as in the limb bones, open physes are normally visible in the vertebral bodies
in dogs less than 9 months old. Each vertebral body (except C1) has two physes.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Atlas
Axis

1 3
6
3 3rd Ce

4 3 4th Ce
2 8
7
5th Ce
4 3
1= Lateral vertebral foramen
2= Wing of atlas 4 3
3= Spinous processes
4= Transverse processes
5= Extended plate of 4
transverse process of Ce 6
6= Vertebral foramen
7= Cranial articular process 4
8= Caudal articular process 5
Labels
 Atlas Spinous
(cervical process of Dorsal & ventral
vertebrae 1) axis (C2) borders of
vertebral canal Dorsal spinous
process of C7

Endotracheal tube Intervertebral

within trachea Open physes disc space
of C3 between C4
&C5 No Labels
Cervical spine survey:
Lateral view
This lateral radiograph of the cervical spine shows the normal features of the 7
cervical vertebrae. C2 (axis) is the easiest to recognise because of its large dorsal
spine. Immediately cranial to it is the spineless dorsal lamina of C1 (atlas). The
wings of the atlas are superimposed over the cranial aspect of the body of C2. The
cervical vertebrae are well aligned and the intervertebral spaces are regular in
width. C6 is recognisable because of the large bent transverse processes, which
project ventral to the vertebral body in a lateral radiograph.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Atlas
Axis

1 3
6
3 3rd Ce

4 3 4th Ce
2 8
7
5th Ce
4 3
1= Lateral vertebral foramen
2= Wing of atlas 4 3
3= Spinous processes
4= Transverse processes
5= Extended plate of 4
transverse process of Ce 6
6= Vertebral foramen
7= Cranial articular process 4
8= Caudal articular process 5
Labels
 Dorsal & ventral
Dorsal borders of
tubercle vertebral canal
Lateral Cranial
vertebral Caudal
articular articular
foramen Spinous process of C4 Dorsal spinous
process of process of C3 process of C7
axis (C2)

Atlas
(cervical
vertebrae 1)

Ventral
tubercle of Transvese Intervertebral Intervertebral Extended plate of
atlas process axis foramina disc space transverse process of
Occipital condyle (C2) between C4 between C4 C6
Tympanic bulla Cr. & Cd. &C5 &C5
Transvese process Transverse
(wings) of atlas processes Endotracheal tube in trachea No Labels
Stylohyoid bone
Cervical myelogram:
Lateral view
Injection of contrast medium into the subarachnoid space of the same dog as in the
cervical spine survey image outlines the spinal cord, which is now visible as a lucent
space between the two thin contrast lines. The ventral contrast line bends slightly
dorsal above the intervertebral spaces, most noticeable at C2-3 and C6-7; this
appearance is normal.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Atlas
Axis

1 3
6
3 3rd Ce

4 3 4th Ce
2 8
7
5th Ce
4 3
1= Lateral vertebral foramen
2= Wing of atlas 4 3
3= Spinous processes
4= Transverse processes
5= Extended plate of 4
transverse process of Ce 6
6= Vertebral foramen
7= Cranial articular process 4
8= Caudal articular process 5
Labels
 Dorsal & ventral
borders of
vertebral canal

Spinous Dorsal spinous

process of Contrast media within
Atlas subarachnoid space process of C7
(cervical axis (C2)
vertebrae 1)

Transvese Intervertebral Extended plate of

process axis disc space transverse process of
(C2) between C4 C6
Transvese process &C5
Endotracheal tube (wings) of atlas No Labels
within trachea
Thoracic region

Thoraco-lumbar myelogram: Lateral view, large dog

Thoraco-lumbar spondylosis: Lateral view

 Thoraco-lumbar myelogram:
Lateral view, large dog
The thoracolumbar region (T11-L2) is a frequent site of disc prolapse in dogs. This
radiograph show the normal appearance of a thoracolumbar myelogram in a large
breed dog. The contrast lines are regular and gently curved, with no sign of
deviation over the intervertebral spaces. It is normal for the dorsal contrast line to be
thicker than the ventral. This radiograph is slightly oblique - as you can see from the
lack of superimposition of the ribs (ribs on one side projected dorsal to contralateral
ribs) - but this is not a major problem; in a perfect lateral view both sets of ribs may be
superimposed over the myelogram, making it hard to see clearly. It is sometimes
easier to see the myelogram in a slightly oblique radiograph like this.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Caudal articular
Tubercle process
Spinous process

Head Neck Angle Body Vertebral

body
Labels
Caudal articular Cranial articular Dorsal spinous Intervertebral
process process process foramina

Dorsal & ventral Thoracic Contrast medium within Transverse

borders of vertebral vertebrae 13 the subarachnoid space process of L3
foramen No Labels
Thoraco-lumbar spondylosis:
Lateral view
In middle aged or old dogs (and cats), exostoses are frequently observed arising
from the ventral and lateral aspects of the vertebral bodies adjacent to the end-
plates. These exostoses can be quite large and pointed and extend ventral to the
intervertebral space, sometimes bridging the space with solid bone. This condition is
called spondylosis deformans. It is not a cause of clinical signs.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
Caudal articular Cranial articular Dorsal spinous
process process process Intervertebral
foramina

Dorsal & ventral

Thoracic Exostoses Transverse borders of vertebral
vertebrae 13 process of L3 foramen No Labels
Lumbar region

Lumbar spine: Lateral view

Lumbar myelogram: Lateral view

Lumbar epidurogram: Lateral view

Lumbar spine:
Lateral view
This lateral radiograph of the lumbar spine shows the normal features of the 7
lumbar vertebrae, which are well aligned and the intervertebral spaces are
regular in width. L7 is often a bit shorter than the others, although that is not very
noticeable in this dog.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Mamillary Accessory Spinous process
process process

Transverse process Vertebral body

Labels
Caudal articular Cranial articular Dorsal spinous Intervertebral Wings of the
process process process foramina ilium

1st Lumbar Vertebral body Transverse Dorsal & ventral

vertebrae process of L4 L7 Sacrum
borders of
vertebral
foramen

No Labels
Lumbar myelogram:
Lateral view
This lumbar myelogram shows the very regular, almost straight, contrast
lines that we see in large breed dogs. Note that the ventral contrast line
goes over each intervertebral space (i.e. over each disc) without any dorsal
deviation. Also note the gradually tapered thecal sac, which contains the
cauda equina. In this dog the spinal cord terminates at the cranial aspect of
the sacrum.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Mamillary Accessory Spinous process
process process

Transverse process Vertebral body

Labels
Caudal articular Cranial articular Dorsal spinous Contrast medium within Wings of the
process process process the subarachnoid space ilium

1st Lumbar Vertebral body Transverse Dorsal & ventral

vertebrae process of L4 Sacrum
borders of
vertebral
foramen

No Labels
Lumbar epidurogram:
Lateral view
A myelogram is a radiograph made after contrast medium has been injected into the
subarachnoid space. To do this a needle is inserted through the dura, the thick outer layer of
the meninges. Sometimes it is difficult to place the needle accurately, and if the tip fails to
penetrate the dura there is the possibility that injected contrast will be deposited in the tissues
around the dura instead (i.e. in the epidural space). This lateral radiograph of the lumbar spine
shows epidural deposition of contrast medium. Compared to a myelogram, the contrast has
an uneven wavy appearance with focal accumulations at each of the intervertebral foramina
because epidural contrast ends to spread along the spinal nerves. An epidurogram is not as
satisfactory for diagnosis as a myelogram.

Pot
Full Screen Labels
 Mamillary Accessory Spinous process
process process

Transverse process Vertebral body

Labels
 Caudal articular Cranial articular Dorsal spinous Intervertebral
process process process foramina

1st Lumbar Vertebral body Transverse Dorsal & ventral Contrast medium within
vertebrae process borders of the epidural space
vertebral
foramen
No Labels
Sacral region
Thecal sac myelogram: VD view, normal appearance

Thecal sac myelogram: Lateral view, normal appearance

Lumbosacral joint: Lateral view

 Thecal sac myelogram:
VD view,
normal appearance
This is a ventrodorsal radiograph of the
lumbosacral region of a dog. What surgical
procedure has been performed on this dog?

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Lumbar
vertebrae 7

Cranial ventral
iliac spine
Lumbosacral
joint

Body of ilium Faeces in rectum

1st caudal
vertebrae

Hip joints

Hip prosthesis Hip prosthesis

No Labels
Thecal sac myelogram:
Lateral view, normal appearance
In large breed dogs, the thecal sac is frequently wide in the lumbosacral region period. In this
instance it has a blunted termination well within the sacrum. This is a normal anatomical
variation.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Cranial dorsal 1st caudal
Dura mater & arachnoid mater: Iliac crest iliac spine vertebrae
the thecal sac.

Lumbar Body of ilium

vertebrae 7
No Labels
 This lateral radiograph shows the lumbosacral joint
Lumbosacral joint: in a large dog. Note that in a lateral radiograph the
lumbosacral joint and L7 must be viewed through
Lateral view the wings of the ilium This is a common site of disc
disease. This dog has spondylosis at the
lumbosacral joint.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Cranial dorsal
iliac spine

Iliac crest Sacrum

Lumbar
vertebrae 7 End plates of L7 and sacrum

No Labels
Caudal (coccygeal) vertebrae
“Screw-tail”: Lateral view

Tail: Lateral view

“Screw-tail”:
Lateral view
Congenital anomalies affecting the vertebrae are common in brachycephalic breeds such as
the bulldog and pug. This lateral radiograph shows a short, bent tail in an English bulldog.
This malformation is known as a screw tail.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Short, bent
screw tail

Body of ilium Hip joint

No Labels
 This lateral radiograph of the pelvis includes the
Tail: sacrum and first few caudal vertebrae. The remainder
of the tail is thin and hence overexposed in this
Lateral view radiograph. The vertebral canal through the lumbar
vertebrae, sacrum and tail is fairly straight.

Full Screen Labels

Labels
 Cranial dorsal Caudal dorsal
Iliac crest iliac spine iliac spine 1st caudal
vertebrae

Lumbar
vertebrae 7 Faeces in rectum
Cranial ventral Lesser ischiatic
iliac spine notch
Ischiatic
Body of ilium tuberosity
Obturator
Hip joints foramen

Head of femur

Femur Pubis

No Labels
 What do I need to
know?
Pre-clinical students:

This is a reference resource for you to use to improve your gross anatomical
knowledge whilst becoming familiar with normal radiographic anatomy.
Each image is labelled in great detail; each detail is NOT ESSENTIAL knowledge.
This resource is designed as a comprehensible reference tool.

Clinical students:

This programme is designed to allow you to familiarise yourself with normal

radiographic anatomy whilst providing you with a chance to revise and integrate
your anatomical knowledge. Each radiograph is accompanied by informative
text and an image of the animal in position for that radiograph to help you
understand how the picture was taken. It is designed for you to use throughout
your IMR, EMS and revision.
 Useful resources:

1. Useful background knowledge for pre-clinical students.

2. Clinical skills – Digital imaging skill sheets and videos.
BLE > Clinical skills centre > further resources