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| Radiography (X-rays) |
X-rays are a vital tool for the investigation of lameness in particular, although we also use them for investigating a number of other conditions. It provides a huge range of information on bone and joint damage from evidence of osteo-arthritis to acute bone fractures. We have recently invested in a state of the art digital radiography system to enable us to obtain the most accurate, detailed radiographic images available. This system also has the advantage of easier sharing of X-ray images with clients, farriers and referring veterinary surgeons.
Radiography is invaluable for diagnosing bony problems such as this sesamoidean fracture.
We chose a Kodak system, identical to that used in human hospitals, due to its reliability, ease of use and superb image quality. This digital processing system combined with the power of our fixed X-ray machine; one of the most modern and powerful available in veterinary practice, allows us to produce the highest quality images of most areas of the horse.
The fixed machine moves around the room on a gantry allowing us to image various parts of the horse without constant repositioning. It drops right to the floor to enable foot radiographs to be taken. The machine is powerful enough to X-ray a large number of different areas of the horse including upper limbs joints such as the stifle and the shoulder as well as the chest, neck and back.
We also use a portable machine which is very useful for taking X-rays at clients premises, usually in situations where the horse should not be transported such as suspected fractures. |
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