Page 172 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• introduction of infection into a joint; this is an uncommon but potentially serious

complication.
VetBooks.ir Contraindications for nerve blocks

• The horse may be intolerant of the procedure making it too dangerous.

• Nerve blocks are not used if a fracture is suspected as it may cause the horse to take
weight on the limb with catastrophic results.

• There is no point in performing nerve blocks if the horse is not lame enough for a

difference to be appreciated after the block has been performed.

RADIOGRAPHY

Radiography is routinely used as part of an equine lameness investigation. X-rays are usually

taken if bony changes are suspected. The types of changes that show up on radiographs
include:

• new bone production

• increase or decrease in bone density
• fractures.

They also show up:
• soft tissue swelling

• mineralization of soft tissues

• the presence of gas within tissues.

Different injuries have a characteristic appearance on radiographs. Careful examination of

the radiograph provides the vet with information on the cause of lameness and the stage of
the disease. Radiographs are helpful with the diagnosis of many conditions including:

• degenerative joint disease
• traumatic injuries to bone

• infection of joints and bone

• fractures

• bone cysts

• osteochondrosis