Page 173 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• tumours.

VetBooks.ir Radiation safety

When radiographs are taken, it is essential that no one is exposed to the primary beam. X-ray
machines are fitted with a device called a light beam diaphragm so a beam of light shows

exactly where the X-rays are going. This is an important safety feature and it also aids
accurate positioning of the horse.

Lead aprons and gloves must be worn to protect the body from small amounts of scatter
radiation. Anyone not directly involved in assisting the vet should move out of the area.

Pregnant women and those under eighteen years of age must not assist with the procedure.

The procedure

Radiographs may be taken with a portable machine brought to your yard, or at a veterinary
hospital. Most practices now use digital equipment so the image can be viewed on a screen

within seconds rather than requiring chemical processing. This uses less radiation and the
images can be stored on a database for future use. The images can also be enhanced by

applying special processing techniques.

Requirements for taking radiographs

If the X-ray machine is brought to your yard, the vet will require the following.

• A power point.

• A darkened stable so that the light beam can be seen.
• A smooth, flat surface with plenty of room available for manoeuvring the X-ray machine

around the patient.

• An experienced handler.
• A second assistant to position the limb and the X-ray plate.

• The part of the horse being examined must be clean and dry. Mud, kaolin and water all

show up on radiographs and may render the images useless.
• Foot X-rays require special preparation. It is usually necessary for the shoes to be

removed. The feet must be picked out and scrubbed with a stiff brush to remove every
trace of dirt.

The above preparations should be made before the vet arrives. Sometimes the horse will be