Page 26 - A Practical Guide to Equine Radiography

X-RAY EQUIPMENT AND RADIATION SAFETY IN EQUINE PRACTICE 7

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Figure 2.1 On the left there is a ceiling-mounted X-ray generator. On the right, a portable X-ray generator with
a purpose-made stand can be observed.

beam. Ideally, they are custom-built for the radiographs of a horse’s foot, the foot has to be
specific systems; however, should these not be raised in relation to the X-ray beam since the
available, one can resort to using a broomstick central X-ray beam is usually not low enough.
and duct tape. Shorter handles are helpful for This can be achieved by putting the horse on
radiographs of the stifle, where longer handles blocks. Ideally, both feet are on a block each
are too cumbersome (and dangerous) to use. since this is more comfortable for the horse and
Ceiling-mounted systems allow for using hence better tolerated. Assessment of foot con-
a ceiling-mounted plate holding system, that formation should be part of any foot study and
ideally moves in a synchronized fashion with for this it is preferable that the feet are equally
the X-ray generator and guarantees automatic weight-bearing.
perfect alignment, facilitating image acquisi- Hickman (also called Oxspring) blocks are
tion of the spine, pelvis and thorax. If such a blocks that position the horse's foot at a given
ceiling-mounted, movable plate holder is not angle and facilitate oblique views of the navicu-
available, one may consider taping plates to lar bone (see Fig. 4.14). The same views can
an available wall and positioning the horse in also be achieved in the weight-bearing horse
front of it accordingly. using a tunnel block (see Fig. 4.13).
Sedation is often advisable in achieving diag-
nostic radiographs in an acceptable time frame
Positioning aids for horses with minimum stress to horse and danger to
Several blocks are helpful to position the staff. Sedation-induced ataxia and head drop-
horse’s foot. To be able to centre correctly for ping can be limited by allowing the horse to

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