{"id":1298,"date":"2013-05-01T16:07:14","date_gmt":"2013-05-01T16:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\/?p=1298"},"modified":"2022-02-17T19:12:41","modified_gmt":"2022-02-17T19:12:41","slug":"imaging-essentials-small-animal-spinal-radiography-series-thoracic-spine-radiography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/radiology-imaging\/imaging-essentials-small-animal-spinal-radiography-series-thoracic-spine-radiography\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Animal Spinal Radiography Series: Thoracic Spine Radiography"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\"><b>Imaging Essentials<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> provides comprehensive information on small animal radiography techniques. This article is the second in a 3-part series covering <\/span><span class=\"s2\"><b>cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine radiography<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The following anatomic areas have been addressed in previous columns; these articles are available at todaysveterinarypractice.com (search \u201cImaging Essentials\u201d).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Thorax<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Scapula, shoulder, and humerus<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Elbow and antebrachium<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Pelvis<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Carpus and manus<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Stifle joint and crus<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tarsus and pes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\"><b>Spinal radiographs<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> are indicated for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Evaluation of traumatic injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Neck and back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Pain or neurologic issues associated with thoracic or pelvic limb lameness isolated to these regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Each radiographic projection is a separate study and should be radiographed as such. High quality, correctly positioned and collimated radiographs are required in order to provide an accurate assessment of the area of interest, especially for surgical planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2 align=\"LEFT\">FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS<\/h2>\n<p align=\"LEFT\">As a general rule, general anesthesia or heavy sedation is necessary to evaluate the spine because, in most cases, spinal images taken in nonsedated patients are nondiagnostic. In addition, the presence or absence of disk space narrowing cannot be determined from a nonsedated animal\u2019s radiographs due to unavoidable positioning artifacts.<\/p>\n<p align=\"LEFT\">If a back injury (fracture) is suspected, DO\u00a0NOT flex or extend the spine of the injured dog or cat, and DO\u00a0NOT turn the patient for an orthogonal image. If possible, a horizontal beam image is done for the ventrodorsal projection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>ROUTINE VIEWS<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lateral and ventrodorsal views<\/b> are considered the minimum orthogonal radiographs for the spine. Due to the angled, divergent nature of the x-ray beam, the area of the spine in the center of the field of collimation will be the area that provides the correct anatomic detail and intervertebral disk space widths.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">A routine thoracic spine study includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lateral<\/b> image of the <i>thoracic<\/i> spine<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ventrodorsal<\/b> image of the <i>thoracic<\/i> spine<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lateral<\/b> image of the <i>thoracolumbar<\/i> spine<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ventrodorsal<\/b> image of the <i>thoracolumbar<\/i> spine.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lateral Projection: Thoracic Spine <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the lateral projection, position the patient in lateral recumbency (<b>Figure 1<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-1.png\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9261\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-1.png\" alt=\"050613 ie fig 1\" width=\"360\" height=\"395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-1.png 360w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-1-273x300.png 273w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tape the thoracic limbs together evenly and pull cranially, keeping the sternum and vertebrae equidistant to the table. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">A foam wedge may be placed under the cubital joints and\/or sternum in order to maintain laterality of the patient; wedges are typically needed for large-breed and\/or barrel-chested dogs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tape the pelvic limbs together evenly and pull caudally, keeping the patient in lateral position.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The thoracic spine should be aligned with the horizontal line of the collimated field of view (FOV). To accomplish this alignment, the pelvis of the dog or cat may need to be shifted ventrally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">To determine whether or not the patient is aligned in a lateral position and parallel to the table, gauge the superimposition of the iliac wings by palpating the wings to ensure they are even.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lateral Collimation<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the lateral projection, the FOV should:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Include<\/i><\/b> the dorsum just above the spinous processes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Exclude<\/i><\/b> the sternum and ventral third of the thoracic cavity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For all patients:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\">Palpate the vertebrae of the thoracic spine by following the ribs dorsally to where they meet the vertebral bodies; place the horizontal line of the FOV at this plane.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Accommodate the contour of the thoracic spine from a ventral position cranially to a more dorsal position caudally.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Place the radiographic marker to the caudal right or left of the patient to keep it from overlapping with important anatomic areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<h3 align=\"LEFT\">Measuring the Thoracic Spine<\/h3>\n<p align=\"LEFT\">Measure the thickest portion of the spine that is within the area of collimation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h3><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ventrodorsal Projection: Thoracic Spine<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">For the ventrodorsal projection, position the patient in dorsal recumbency (<b>Figure 2<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-2.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9262\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-2.png\" alt=\"050613 ie fig 2\" width=\"360\" height=\"499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-2.png 360w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-2-216x300.png 216w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">If a trough is used, place the entire thoracic spine within the trough to eliminate edge artifacts. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Extend the skull and neck and align with the manubrium; the skull and cervical spine should also be aligned in a straight line cranially.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Align the sternum over the thoracic spine; it should be superimposed onto the thoracic spine on the final image.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Tape the thoracic limbs either together or individually and pull cranially. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Tape the pelvic limbs individually and pull caudally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ventrodorsal Collimation<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">For the ventrodorsal projection, the FOV should: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Include<\/i><\/b> the thoracic vertebral bodies, with only the rib head and proximal rib bodies visualized.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Exclude<\/i><\/b> the lateral body wall and mid zone to peripheral portion of the middle and caudal lung fields.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">For all patients:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Palpate the manubrium and the xiphoid of the sternum; collimate just cranial to the manubrium and 3 finger widths caudal to the xiphoid. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Place the center of the FOV halfway in between these landmarks, with the horizontal line of the FOV placed midline.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Place the radiographic marker on the soft tissues of the ventrum at the most lateral edge of the collimated FOV.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lateral Projection: Thoracolumbar Junction <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Due to x-ray beam divergence, it is necessary to include a projection of the thoracolumbar (T-L) junction for a spinal radiographic survey that includes the thoracic and lumbar spine. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the thoracolumbar junction lateral projection, position the patient in lateral recumbency (<b>Figure 3<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-3.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9263\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-3.png\" alt=\"050613 ie fig 3\" width=\"300\" height=\"445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-3.png 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-3-202x300.png 202w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tape the thoracic limbs together evenly and pull cranially in the same manner as a lateral thoracic radiograph, keeping the sternum and vertebrae equidistant to the table.<\/li>\n<li>A foam wedge may be placed under the elbows in order to maintain laterality of the patient.<\/li>\n<li>Tape the pelvic limbs together evenly and pull caudally, keeping the patient in lateral position.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">To determine whether or not the patient is aligned in a lateral position and parallel to the table, gauge the superimposition of the iliac wings by palpating the wings to ensure eveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lateral Collimation<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the lateral projection, the FOV should <b><i>include<\/i><\/b> T10 through L3, including spinous processes of the respective vertebrae.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Palpate the junction between the last thoracic vertebral body (T13) and the first lumbar vertebra (L1) by following the caudal border of the last rib dorsally to the point where it joins the vertebral column.<\/li>\n<li>Place the center of the FOV 2 finger widths caudal to this space.<\/li>\n<li>Place the radiographic marker to the caudal right or left of the patient to keep it from overlapping with important anatomic areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ventrodorsal Projection: Thoracolumbar Junction <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the thoracolumbar junction ventrodorsal projection, position the patient in dorsal recumbency (<b>Figure 4<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-4.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9264\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-4.png\" alt=\"050613 ie fig 4\" width=\"360\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-4.png 360w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-4-269x300.png 269w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">If a trough is used, place the entire thoracic spine within the trough to eliminate edge artifacts. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Extend the skull and neck and align with the manubrium. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Align the sternum over the thoracic spine; it should be superimposed with the thoracic spine on the final image. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tape the thoracic limbs either together or individually and pull cranially. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tape the pelvic limbs individually and pull caudally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ventrodorsal Collimation<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the ventrodorsal projection, the FOV should: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Include<\/i><\/b> the thoracic vertebral bodies, with only the immediate rib heads and soft tissues visualized.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Exclude<\/i><\/b> the lateral body wall and lungs of the thoracic cavity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For all patients:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Palpate the xiphoid of the sternum and the curve of the last rib in the lateral body wall. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Place the center of the FOV halfway in between these landmarks, with the horizontal line of the FOV placed midline.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Place the radiographic marker on the soft tissues of the ventrum at the most lateral edge of the collimated FOV.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><br \/>\nADDITIONAL VIEWS<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ventrodorsal Oblique Projection: Thoracic Spine <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Subtle lesions, fractures, and intervertebral disk disease are a few of the conditions that may require a ventrodorsal oblique projection of the spine (<b>Figure 5<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-5.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9265\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-5.png\" alt=\"050613 ie fig 5\" width=\"300\" height=\"731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-5.png 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/05\/050613-ie-fig-5-123x300.png 123w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">From the straight ventrodorsal position of the thoracic spine, obliquely rotate the patient to the left approximately 10\u00b0 to 15\u00b0; then take the radiograph. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Rotate the patient to the right approximately 10\u00b0 to 15\u00b0 and take a second radiograph. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Collimate<\/b> as described for the ventrodorsal projection of the thoracic spine. The ventrodorsal oblique thoracic spine projection requires a larger collimated FOV on the lateral aspect due to the curvature of the spine in that region.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<p align=\"LEFT\">For quality control of any diagnostic image, follow a simple 3-step approach:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Is the technique adequate (appropriate exposure and development factors)?<\/li>\n<li>Is the correct anatomy present within the image?<\/li>\n<li>Is the positioning anatomically correctand straight?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>QUALITY CONTROL<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">To make certain the desired technique has been achieved, use the following guidelines to determine whether the appropriate anatomy is included in the images.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Thoracic Spine<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the <\/span><span class=\"s3\"><b>lateral projection<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> of the thoracic spine:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <b>cranial border <\/b>should include the caudal aspect of the cervical spine (C7).<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <b>caudal border<\/b> should, at least, include lumbar vertebra 1 (L1). <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the lateral position, the rib heads should be superimposed at the vertebral body level.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the <\/span><span class=\"s3\"><b>ventrodorsal projection<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> of the thoracic spine:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <b>cranial borde<\/b>r should include the caudal aspect of the cervical spine at the level of C7.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <b>caudal border<\/b> should, at least, include lumbar vertebra 1 (L1).<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The spinous processes should be superimposed over the thoracic vertebral bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Thoracolumbar Junction<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the <\/span><span class=\"s3\"><b>lateral projection<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> of the thoracolumbar junction:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <b>cranial border<\/b> should include the caudal aspect of the thoracic spine near the level of thoracic vertebra 11 (T11). <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The<b> caudal border<\/b> should, at least, include lumbar vertebra 3 (L3). <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">For a true lateral position, the rib heads should be superimposed at the vertebral body level. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the <\/span><span class=\"s3\"><b>ventrodorsal projection<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> of the thoracolumbar junction:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <b>cranial border<\/b> should include the caudal aspect of the thoracic spine at the level of T11.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <b>caudal border<\/b> should, at least, include L3. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The spinous processes should be superimposed over the thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">In a straight dorsoventral projection, the dorsal spinous processes should have a tear drop appearance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imaging Essentials provides comprehensive information on small animal radiography techniques.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"iawp_total_views":2636,"footnotes":""},"categories":[374],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-1298","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-may-june-2013","tag-peer-reviewed","clinical_topics-radiology-imaging"],"acf":{"hide_sidebar":false,"hide_sidebar_ad":false,"hide_all_ads":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Small Animal Spinal Radiography Series: Thoracic Spine Radiography | Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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