1. Before the Patient Arrives
PHONE:
- Video quality: minimum 1080p resolution – use the highest possible resolution; 4K is ideal
- Make sure the camera lens is clean (no smudges or streaks)
- Use the phone’s standard camera app
- Disable any video filters or enhancement modes (e.g., beauty mode, AI optimization, HDR, stabilization)
- Do not use wide-angle lenses or any lens that may cause distortion at the frame edges
ROOM:
- Lighting: ensure the scanned limb is neither overexposed nor underexposed
- Background: avoid objects the same color as the Vet Wrap on the scanned limb
- Space: enough room for the mat, the standing dog, and the staff
WIMBA Scan Tools: prepare before the patient arrives
- Place the mat flat on a hard and even surface
- Ensure the WIMBA AutoDolly is charged
- Mount the phone on the AutoDolly and estimate the scanning trajectory based on the patient's size
- Prepare with staff and appropriate support for the patient:
- Wimba Vet Wrap
- Harnesses or other supports to hold the dog under the abdomen, if necessary
2. Prepare the Patient for Scanning
- Support the patient’s comfort and reduce anxiety
- Apply the bandage properly: it should be smooth and cover the affected area as shown in the graphics
- Correctly place the Patella Marker at the most cranial point of the patella
For long-haired dogs (to keep the fur in place):
- Limbs: use hair clips or additional Vet Wrap (plain or with a different pattern than the one used for the affected limb)
- Abdomen: use a towel or clothing (e.g., post-surgical suit)
3. Scanning
- You will be scanning only the affected limb
- Use help if needed: extra people holding the dog, harnesses, etc.
- Ensure the patient is in the correct position:
- The scanned limb should not be in hyperextension or leaning far forward
- The dog should naturally load the affected limb (if scanning while standing on all limbs)
- If the dog’s front or other limbs are lifted, make sure the scanned limb remains loaded and does not hang passively without muscle tension
The dog can stand:
- On all limbs
- On both hind limbs – only if safety and stable support of the front of the body can be ensured, and the scanned limb is loaded without being overloaded or causing pain
- Only on the affected limb – only if the entire body can be safely and stably supported, and the scanned limb is loaded but not overloaded; recommended only for small dogs
Scanning Methods
There are two possible methods of scanning. The first one is using Autodolly.
Large dogs (when AutoDolly can pass under the abdomen):
- Option 1: Front paws and scanned one on the ground, contralateral limb bent and lifted
- Option 2: All limbs on the ground – the contralateral limb should be slightly positioned to the side and either forward or backward to avoid blocking the view of the scanned limb
- Make sure the limbs are spaced apart to provide clear visibility of the inner thigh
Small dogs (when AutoDolly cannot pass under the abdomen):
- Lift and support the entire dog, allowing only the scanned limb to touch the mat
Note: Since the limb must not float freely in the air and needs to be loaded, be careful not to overload it or cause pain You can use double-sided tape to gently secure the bandaged limb to the mat to minimize movement, even if the limb is not fully weight-bearing
The second method is a hand-hold scan.
- We recommend performing this scan with the dog standing on all four limbs
- Start from the inner side of the limb and record a full 360-degree view, rotating around the leg in the following order: inner side → front → outer side → back, and gently include a view from between the hind limbs if needed to complete the 360-degree coverage
- You do not need to switch the phone from hand to hand – the entire scan can be done while holding the phone in one hand
Important: - The scanned limb must remain visible throughout the entire scan
- The mat must be visible at all times
Remember: You can choose one of two scanning methods, or try both.
4. Review the Scan (Let the Patient Rest)
Check the following:
- Video resolution on the phone is 1080p or higher
Bandage:
- Has not slid down
- Is smooth and wrinkle-free
- Patella Marker is present and in the correct position
The scanned limb is not covered by:
- Fur from the limbs or abdomen
- The dog’s tail
- Hands holding the dog
Mat colors (blue/green) are visible
The entire wrapped limb is visible throughout the video:
- There is at least one full 360-degree pass
- The limb must be continuously visible (all wrapped area)
- Camera stays focused on the wrapped area throughout the scan
- The dog remains still during at least one full 360-degree pass
Especially for hand-held scans:
- Is the metatarsus visible from the back?
- Is the mat visible throughout the scan?
- Is the whole wrapped area visible throughout the scan?