Use of Craniodorsal-Caudoventral 45° Oblique Radiographs for Diagnosis and Treatment of Coxofemoral Luxation in Two Mohave Desert Tortoises, Gopherus agassizii

Abstract

Two injured wild Mohave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) presented with hind leg lameness. A contaminated and infected bite wound exposed the coxofemoral joint in one individual. Dorsoventral, lateral, and craniocaudal radiographs produced less detail of the affected coxofemoral joint in each tortoise due to superimposition of soft tissue, the bones of the shell, pelvis and femur. Radio tracking devices that had been epoxied to the shell also complicated diagnosis with traditional radiographic views. Based on a view described in birds, a craniodorsal-caudoventral 45° oblique image offered a superior view of the coxofemoral joint. This image was used to prescribe a femoral head ostectomy and verify successful completion following surgery.