sedation recommended for hip x-rays?

This is a placeholder text
Group text

by triodegirl on 21 January 2009 - 22:01

It's been a month since Trigger injured himself and things haven't improved much (today he seems worse) so I've been calling around to get him in for hip x-rays. I'm finding that most vets in town don't sedate for x-rays and won't even sedate the dog if requested. Trigger is a big boy (116 lbs) and I'd like to have him sedated so had to make an appointment at a vet 2 hours away. How important is sedation? Not only am I concerned about Trigger's comfort but I'd like to have good x-rays done.

by Rezkat5 on 21 January 2009 - 22:01

Wow, it's usually the opposite around here. Hard pressed to find a vet that won't sedate. Having experience in taking hip xrays. It's much better for all involved to have the dog sedated. I just think that you get a better picture overall.

We'd for sure want a 116 pound dog sedated for hip xrays. Just far less of a struggle for all involved. Plus a far better xray. The dog has to be on his back, perfectly straight and perfectly still. Then have his hind legs cranked on to get the best view.

by DebiSue on 21 January 2009 - 22:01

Hmmm...our vet usually insists on the dog being sedated so they can get a clear X-ray. Since our previous female was exceptionally cooperative we did not have to sedate her. Trigger will not have any discomfort but if he won't lay still - it may be the only option. We are against any unnecessary sedation as you never know when it can go wrong. My brother didn't like the look of a cyst on his Brittney spaniel's head and wanted it lanced. She died as soon as she was sedated. This was a trusted vet with no previous problems. Sometimes things just happen no matter how you prepare against them.

Deb

by eichenluft on 21 January 2009 - 22:01

ditto - sedated is best. Not only is the dog not going to be stressed and fighting the unnatural positioning and restraint - the x-rays will be clearer, better chance of correct positioning - so in the end you can see how good OR BAD the hips are. No "probably" or guessing if the positioning sucks. You know the deal, good or bad.

molly

by Sue Worley on 21 January 2009 - 23:01

Sedation is fine, BUT if you want good pictures a general anaesthetic is much better

by triodegirl on 21 January 2009 - 23:01

I'm also wondering if I should ask for a digital copy of the x-rays? Or do I have to scan them if anyone wants to see a copy? I'll be bringing Trigger in early Friday morning and keeping my fingers crossed. Breaks my heart to see him (or any animal) looking so sad.

I actually argued with his regular vet about sedating him for x-rays. Finally they said bring him in and they would just take a look at him. What, and then charge me $100 to tell me they need to take x-rays to know what's going on? And then I'll still have to make an appointment some place else. The vet I'm bringing him to is going to look at him first, then sedate him if x-rays are needed.

by Rezkat5 on 22 January 2009 - 03:01

I don't particularly think that a general anesthetic is neccessary. We use a Domitor/Torb combo which works real well. And the Domitor will be reversed. The torb can be reversed also, but keep in mind to get a good xray the hips are being cranked on so some torb on board is not a bad thing. I can only think of a couple of dogs that we've been able to do without sedation. I tried on my Lexie and she just tensed up too much, was not worth the fight. I was able to do Ike's elbows without sedation. Also if the dog is that big, position is even harder to get with such a long body. Ike was so long and lanky that his upper body had to be put in a trough type thingy to keep him straight.

We've also used just injectable Propofol IV, but without some sort of gas it usually doesn't last long enough.

Yes anesthetic is always a risk, however I do think that the anesthetics out there these days are a lot safer. Ike just had some "minor" surgery to remove a benign (thank god) skin tumor. He did well, with Torb/Domitor as a pre med and injectable propofol, he did not need any gas since it didn't take very long. Definitely always a little nerve wracking monitoring your own dog!

Kathy

by Sam1427 on 22 January 2009 - 03:01

Nobody where I live will Xray a dog's hips, especially a male GSD, without sedation. The dogs tense up too much and trying to keep them still and lying on their backs in a good position while also getting a clear Xray is too difficult.

by 4pack on 22 January 2009 - 03:01

I wanna know how many dogs actually will lay belly up with a bunch of strangers around? Mine sure wont. I suggest you have his back x-rayed while you are there and he is out. It's the dog that played in the snow and hurt himself correct?

by Rezkat5 on 22 January 2009 - 03:01

My dogs were uncomfortable with it and their owner was with them.

Laying on their backs in the comfort of their own home vs. on a xray table are a lot different.

Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top

sedation recommended for hip x-rays? - Page 1

Pedigree Database