A COMPARISON OF NORMAL FELINE THORACIC RADIOGRAPHS MADE IN DORSAL <i>VERSUS</i> VENTRAL RECUMBENCY

Abstract

Thoracic radiographs of 11 normal cats were made in dorsal (VD) and ventral (DV) recumbency with a vertically directed x‐ray beam. These radiographs were compared subjectively and objectively with each other and with an additional pair of radiographs made with the cats in dorsal and ventral recumbency using a horizontally directed x‐ray beam. Differences were found between VD and DV thoracic radiographs but they were minimal. In VD radiographs the caudal mediastinum and accessory lobe regïon of the lung were more clearly seen but cardiac shape varied somewhat. In DV radiographs, the appearance of the heart was more constant and caudal lobar pulmonary arteries more clearly seen. The results of this study indicated that both VD and DV radiographs are satisfactory for radiographic examination of the feline thorax