Opinion on these hip x-ray - Page 3

Good Post Pia .. ya the results will be interesting.

Preston, my being "smart" has nothing to do with my conclusions. Yes, I have taken a required course in radiology (where the vet tech and radiology techs shared the same instruction) as well as continuing education courses in radiology. There, one either learns or you doesn't learn--much like being a student of the physics and mechanics of correct GSD structure/movement. IOW, one has to be a "sponge" when learning.

In the real world, it is vet techs who teach veterinary students their practical skills in radiology. Highly skilled vet techs often travel to veterinary clinics to help them set up their "technique charts". In most veterinary practices, the licensed vet techs are responsible for taking radiographs and for optimal positioning. It's not rocket science.

In the above digital radiograph (taken of a friend's in-heat bitch at my vet's), when noting the visual asymmetry, the vet said something to this effect: "You know, Louise, these x-rays may not pass OFA"--because of the distinct differences in the apparent sizes of the femoral heads and necks.

I told him that my boys have never produced bad hips (or elbows) and to send in thees x-rays anyway because I believed that they would pass. I felt that these differences were essentially "artifact".

On this board alone we have seen 3 or 4 hip xrays where one side appeared to be of a different size than the other in spite of correct positioning; I believe all received OFA clearances. It just doesn't seem to make a difference and I agree with Louise, that finding must be  an artifact. Obviously OFA allows for that and grades xrays accordingly.  Dogs are not symetrical and neither are we

Yes but an xray that is very well positioned gives the dog his best presentation of what is actually there.  I know from my experience with slight changes in position (rotation of the pelvis against the back as the rotational axis), would increase or decrease penetration of the ball into the socket reciprocally between the joints and in dogs with shallow but good joints, rotation could make the xray look bad when the dog was really an OFA fair. I also found that moving a leg out of parallel to the spine/pelvis cnterline would generate or reduce laxity and/or penetration of the ball into the socket.  I am a big believer in very careful, proper and optimal positioning and if necessary taking afew xrays to get there.  Why not give the dog his best shot?

With most hip x-rays, if I assume the person positioning the rear is right-handed, I note that the dog's right hip (handled by the positioner's weaker left hand/arm) is not stretched as well as the left (stretched with the stronger right arm). I have observed that time and time again, this inequity accounts for asymmetry and slight pelvic/spinal rotation. There is little variance whether the dog is totally anesthetized or lightly sedated.

No--there is still an asymmetry due to poor positioning--rotation. Now, the right femoral head appears larger than the left.

Neverthless, the dog is very likely to pass OFA. When your bitch is 2 years old, I suggest you take her to a different vet for OFA x-rays.

Hey, now there's an xray....

I think they look like they will pass in the last xray...

Thanks Mirasmom

Louise , Molly,Preston, Blitzen or any one else want to comment on the last x-ray?

It was taken at the same time, tell me what you think.

Thanks