Tuber coxae | Dorsomedial 45 ° – ventrolateral oblique
To radiograph the tuber coxae ( Figure 3 ), the author ' s preference is to have the patient restrained in stocks , where possible , to prevent the patient from moving away from the generator above its body . The generator is positioned on the opposite side of the affected limb , perpendicular to the patient . The generator is angled 45 – 50 ° ventrally , and the plate should be parallel to the tube-head angle , using the anti-scatter grid with lead behind the plate . The beam is centred midway between the tuber sacrale and the tuber coxae of the affected limb , with wide collimation ( Figure 4 ). In these cases , ultrasonography may be used as it is a safer method , especially if there is displacement .
Figure 3 . Radiographic image of a tuber coxae .
Generator
Figure 4 . Positioning of the plate and generator .
Plate
Ilial shaft | Lateral 30 ° – dorsal – lateroventral oblique
To obtain good diagnostic images of the ilial shaft ( Figure 5 ) it is necessary for the horse to be weight-bearing , standing as squarely as possible and ideally in a set of stocks to ensure its body is straight . The rectum should be emptied and then filled with air to improve contrast . For this view , the generator head needs to be angled 25 – 30 ° ventrally and positioned on the opposite side of the affected limb . The beam is centred halfway between the tuber coxae and the tailhead , just lateral to the midline . The plate with a scatter grid in front and lead behind should be positioned on the side of the affected limb , perpendicular to the angle of the tube head ( Figure 6 ).
Figure 5 . Radiographic image of an ilial shaft .
Generator
Plate
Figure 6 . Positioning of the plate and generator .
38 Veterinary Nursing Journal