Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

Chapter Five The Skull 615
A
B
Fig. 5-9 A, Normal frontal view of the canine skull. B, Normal frontal view of the feline skull.
sinuses. Alignment of the frontal sinuses relative to the x-ray beam should not result in
their superimposition over the other structures (Fig. 5-9). This may not be possible in some
breeds (e.g., Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier) with very small frontal sinuses. This view is particularly
useful in evaluating the frontal sinuses and foramen magnum. If properly positioned,
this view permits comparison of the right and left sides.
O P E N -MOUTH F R O N TA L V I E W
The open-mouth frontal view is obtained in a manner similar to the standard frontal
view. The difference is that the mouth is held open as widely as possible and aligned so
that the central ray of the x-ray beam bisects the angle between the mandible and
maxilla (Fig. 5-10). The tongue and endotracheal tube should be secured on the midline
between the mandibles. This view is particularly useful in evaluating the osseous bullae
and odontoid process (dens) of C2.
M O D I F I E D O C C I P I TA L V I E W
The modified occipital view is obtained by placing the animal in dorsal recumbency, tipping
the patient’s nose 10 degrees down (toward the sternum) from the vertical, and