Sedated patient positioned in left lateral recumbency for lateral radiographic examination of thoracolumbar spine.
Padding is required under the mid-lumbar spine in most dogs to prevent sagging of the spine towards the table.
The animal is restrained in a comfortable position with the use of sandbags around the limbs.
Padding the stifles may assist in retaining spine in lateral position.
The red dot marks the centering position (where the last rib meets the spine) for the vertical x-ray beam. Craniocaudal collimation should include the last three thoracic and three lumbar vertebrae. The yellow spot indicates the position of the arch of the last rib.
