Patient care report for a patient undergoing screening of the vertebral column
Abstract
Radiography of the spine poses various challenges that can be reduced by efficient planning and preparation. By understanding the relevant anatomy and its relationship to the primary beam as well as the aims of the study, diagnostic images can be produced. This report discusses the importance of accurate positioning and collimation, and highlights how systematic appraisal of images can identify faults and enable necessary measures to be taken to improve outcomes.
This report reviews a radiographic study of the spine that was carried out in practice using a step-by-step approach to appraise each image in an attempt to recognise where improvements are required and how future studies can be approached.
This Border Collie had trouble rising and a gradual worsening of general stiffness. Clinical examination localised his discomfort to the lumbar-sacral areas with bilateral hip and cervical pain. A short trial on meloxicam improved his comfort levels and general demeanour.
The patient was prepared for radiographic imaging of the spine (Table 1 and 2). The patient was anaesthetised, as supported by McKee (1996) and Kirberger (2006), who advise that this will allow relaxation of the spine and reduce muscle spasms; this enables accurate positioning, which is essential to achieve good radiographs. The anaesthetic protocol involved a pre-medication of 30 µg/kg acepromazine maleate (Calmivet, Vetoquinol) and 20 µg/kg buprenorphine (Vetergesic, Alstoe limited) subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol (PropoFlo plus, Abbott Animal Health) given to effect. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane (Isoflo, Abbott Animal Health) vaporised in 100% oxygen.
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