Page 36 - A Practical Guide to Equine Radiography

VetBooks.ir CHAPTER 4

Foot

Indications • Flat blocks to raise feet for the weight-bearing
Foot diseases are the most common cause of projections
forelimb lameness in the horse, hence radiog- • Tunnel and Hickman blocks
raphy of this region is commonly performed in • Plate holder
clinical practice. • Radiation safety equipment: lead gowns,
Indications for performing radiographs of lead gloves and thyroid protectors.
the foot include:

• Lameness localized to the foot by diagnostic Preparation
analgesia (palmar digital nerve block, basi- Shoes are best removed for foot radiographs,
sesamoid block, pastern ring block, distal unless:
interphalangeal joint block or navicular bursa
block) • The purpose of the radiographs is to assess
• Positive response to hoof testers shoe fit
• Effusion of the distal interphalangeal joint • The shoes do not interfere with assessment
• Increased digital pulses of structures, e.g. conformation assessment
• Penetrating injuries to the sole • It is clinically contraindicated to remove
• Clinical signs of laminitis shoes, for example in a laminitic horse.
• Assessment of foot conformation
• As part of a pre-purchase examination. The foot requires cleaning and trimming to
reduce artefacts caused by loose horn and dirt.
Packing the frog grooves with a substance
Equipment of similar opacity to horn (e.g. Play-Doh) will
For a complete study of the foot, specific equip- help to eliminate artefacts caused by gas within
ment is required, including: the grooves (Fig. 4.1). In order to keep the pack-
ing in, it is useful to cover the sole with paper
• Portable X-ray machine or cling film.
• Farriery kit for shoe removal and hoof Sedation of the patient is advised.
preparation
• Play-Doh or similar to pack frog grooves

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