Radiographic anatomy of the canine liver: simple measurements determined from the lateral radiograph

The literature on plain film evaluation of the canine liver is reviewed and the problems associated with radiographic hepatometry in this species and in man are outlined. Methods used to determine liver size in man are briefly described. Liver measurements obtained from lateral recumbent radiographs of 20 German Shepherd Dogs were examined statistically. The ratio of a measurement of liver length to second lumbar vertebra body length was found to be of statistical value, as was the relative position of the junction separating left medial, right medial and quadrate lobes from a further part of the right medial and left lateral lobes. The extrapolation of these results to other breeds is discussed.