“Pulling a handful of films from the processor hoping a few of them are good enough and knowing full well that most will not be diagnostic is not only frustrating, but a tremendous financial black hole for all concerned,” said Ric Redden, DVM, in the first presentation of the 15th annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium January 21-23, 2002. This presentation on developing a useful radiographic protocol for analyzing the equine foot consisted mainly of videotaped radiographic procedure at Redden’s clinic, followed by in-depth analysis of X rays from all different angles. He discussed each radiograph in terms of how well they were taken and how well different angles showed particular structures.


X rays aren’t the only important part of a diagnosis, however: “The history and a thorough exam are far more important than any radiograph,” he commented. “The radiograph is just for confirming a diagnosis.”


Redden offered several tips for taking useful radiographs of the equine foot, including the following:



  • Keep the horse’s head straight to keep his hooves loaded evenly when taking the X rays

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