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Step by Step for the Breeder

Below is a general guideline to having your dachshund backscored.

1. Print or email a copy of pages 2-4 of this document titled “Intervertebral disc disease (IDD): Instructions for radiography according to the Finnish Kennel Club protocol” to provide you with a quote for 5 Radiographs (x-rays) which you will require in the digital format (DICOM). Please note your dachshund will require sedation.
2. Book your dachshund in for scoring at your chosen veterinary clinic. Due to sedation don’t feed your dachshund that day until after the procedure.
3. Collect the digital DICOM files from your clinic and
   a) Supply a brand new (in packaging) USB 8GB or higher, or
   b) Create a new dropbox account (free/basic with 2GB storage) provide the login and password to the clinic to upload the files on the account, or (recommended)
   c) Supply a brand new (in packaging) USB 8GB or higher. Then upload the DICOM files from the USB to your Dropbox account yourself (recommended)

4. Upload a clear scanned copy or photo of your dachshunds pedigree onto the USB or in the folder of the Dropbox account, ensure all folders are clearly named.
5. Send the DICOM x-ray files to Dr. Alana Rosenblatt for scoring by:
   a) Post the USB to:
   Dr. Alana Rosenblatt,
   The University of Queensland,
   Gatton, QLD, 4343
   b) Share a link to the dropbox file via email containing the DICOM x-ray files and the dachshunds pedigree. (recommended)
6. Email Dr. Alana Rosenblatt (rosenblatt.dacvr@gmail.com) advising the Dropbox link or the anticipation of the USB in the mail. Alana will check the files and email you an invoice for payment to analyse once received. Once payment is made, your x-ray will go in a queue for Alana to review and analyse your results. She will email you the dachshund’s test certificate/result once completed.
7. Submit your results to the National Dachshund Council’s database to Colin Lewington. Email colin.lewington@live.com.au you must include the test certificate and mating pedigree. Best to review the claim process for the rebate beyond these steps, your results will be published on the database via the NDC’s website.

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Step by Step for the Veterinarian performing the Radiography

Intervertebral disc disease (IDD): Instructions for radiography according to the Finnish Kennel Club protocol

Anu Lappalainen / 13.6.2015

General instructions:

The dog must be sedated for the radiography and the microchip must be checked. The radiographs must be marked permanently (e.g. lead tape) with the dog’s registration number or microchip number and the date of the radiography. The side marking is mandatory in the ventrodorsal projection.

Radiographs:

In all images, the spine must be parallel to the table without rotation of the spine. Use foam rubber supports (Figure 1). All disc spaces must be clearly visible.

At least 5 radiographs are needed:

1) Lateral cervical spine (C1-C7) (Figure 2). The front limbs are pulled back. Centering in the mid cervical spine.
2) Lateral cervico – thoracic junction (Figure 3). Centering int the C-T junction.
3) Lateral thoracic spine = C7 – L1 covered preferably in one image (Figure 4).
4) Lateral thoracic-lumbar junction (Figure 5). Centering int the T-L junction.
5) Lateral lumbar spine = T13 – Cd1 covered preferably in one image (Figure 6). If this is not possible, two radiographs are made (T13 – L7 and L5 – Cd 1). The cranial border of the iliac bones can be used as a landmark for identification of the vertebrae.

Figure 1.

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