We are requesting 5 x-rays.

In addition to a standard ventral-dorsal x-ray of the hip region, we are requesting four other pictures be made: two images of the head and one image of both the fore and hind limbs. In order for these images to provide accurate data, alignment of the head and neck, and limbs must be parallel to the table. If the head or a limb is positioned at an oblique angle to table, the skeletal elements that we wish to measure will be fore-shortened. The images should be shot with the X-ray plate (film) placed directly under the dog, not in a drawer of the X-ray table. In each image, we also need a quarter (25 cent piece) placed in the field to serve as metric scale. Examples of the X-ray images and photos of the position of the dog are shown in the accompanying figures. These are "inside" and "outside" views of my dog, Mopsa, who graciously agreed to pose for these pictures. The x-rays were taken by my veterinarian, Dr. Gary Peterson, the "outside" views by his assistant Lori Olsen (who is a well recognized animal photographer).

Care needs to be taken to avoid covering the skeletal elements with lead gloves or metal plate markers. We need you to record as much anatomical detail of the skeletal elements as is possible, so proper exposure of the film is critical.

A. Ventral-dorsal view of the pelvic region

This is a standard "OFA" view of the pelvic region. To obtain maximum resolution, please place the film cassette directly under the dog. Use a quarter (25 cent piece) as a metric marker. We request this x-ray because available OFA x-rays have not been standardized to a common metric unit. For research purposes that will be necessary.

B. Head
(click for figures 1 & 2)

We are requesting both a lateral and ventral-dorsal view of the head.

Lateral view - For this view the dog should be lying on its side so that its head is positioned in the center of the imaging field. This is shown in the top image of the figure. Use a rolled-up towel, or some other radio-transparent material, to elevate the snout so that the sagittal plane of the head is parallel to the table, as shown in the top photo. Place a quarter on the table, next to the head. Notice that the film is placed directly under the dog (photo), and the quarter is visible in both the X-ray and the associated photo.

Notice the thin line of the palate in the X-ray. This indicates that the head is aligned correctly along its long axis for a proper lateral image. A thicker image of the palate would indicate an oblique view.

Ventral-dorsal view - For this image, care must be taken to orient the long axis of the head parallel to the table, as shown in the second X-ray image. Position the dog so that it is lying on its back and the head is in the center of the imaging field (as in the photos). In this position the head of the dog will be angled up such that the nose is pointing up off of the table. We need you to reposition the head so that it lies parallel to the table. To do this, place a rolled towel under the neck to elevate it in a small arch (photos). This helps to lower the snout. It may also be necessary to pull the snout closer to the table with a piece of string or tape (photo). This can be done by wearing lead gloves, draping the string or tape over the lower jaws and pulling the snout down in line with the table as the image is taken. Place the quarter on the table, next to the head, as shown in the X-ray and photos.

C. Hind and forelimb
(click for figures 3 & 4)

We are requesting a lateral view of one fore and one hind limb. For these images, the dog is positioned on its side so that the limb of interest lies on the table and in the center of the imaging field, as shown in the third and fourth X-rays and photos. The upper limb is lifted up and out of the way of the X-ray field. This puts the dog in a somewhat splayed posture. When lifting the upper limb, care must be taken not to lift the limb that is to be X-rayed off of the table. The limb on the table will need to be flexed so that the humerus (femur), ulna and radius (tibia), and foot are all included in the image. Place the quarter on the table, next to the limb. Notice that the X-ray plate (film) is directly under the dog (photos).

Notice that the toes of the dog are blocked by a metal marker in the fourth X-ray. This should be avoided. Also avoid blocking the image with lead gloves.

In these views of the fore and hind limbs, the goal is to get quality images of the main limb bones: humerus / femur, ulna / tibia, and feet. It will not be possible to obtain clear pictures of both the girdle bones and the limb bones. So focus on keeping the limb bones aligned parallel to the X-ray film and the exposure such that the detail of the bone tissue is as clear as possible.

Please return all 5 x-rays to:
The Georgie Project
University of Utah
Department of Biology
257 South, 1400 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0840
 

Make sure each dog's blood/hip number is attached to his/her x-rays. We have attached 5 labels for this purpose. If you have multiple dogs please make certain the labels are affixed to the correct x-rays.

Thank you