Page 52 - A Practical Guide to Equine Radiography
P. 52
VetBooks.ir CHAPTER 5
Pastern
Indications Preparation
Indications for performing radiographs of the If necessary, brush or wash the area to reduce
pastern include: artefacts caused by dirt. Sedation of the patient
is advised. In heavily feathered horses it can be
• Lameness localized to the pastern by diagnostic helpful to wet down the coat, plait the hair or
analgesia (abaxial nerve block, basisesamoid bandage it.
block, pastern ring block or proximal inter-
phalangeal joint block)
• Positive flexion test Radiographic protocol
• Soft tissue and bony swellings A standard radiographic examination of the
• Effusion of the pastern joint pastern usually includes four projections:
• Effusion of the digital flexor tendon sheath
• Pastern lacerations • Lateromedial (LM)
• As part of a pre-purchase examination. • Dorsopalmar (DPa)
• Dorso 45º lateral-palmaromedial oblique
(D45L-PaMO) and dorso 45º medial-
Equipment palmarolateral oblique (D45M-PaLO).
For a complete study of the pastern the follow-
ing equipment is required: Note: when radiographs of the hind pastern are
obtained, the term palmar should be changed
• Portable X-ray machine to plantar.
• Flat blocks to raise feet
• Plate holder
• Radiation safety equipment: lead gowns,
lead gloves and thyroid protectors.
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