Lameness & Pain
- Lameness or an abnormal gait
- Joint pain or swelling
- Hoof pain
- Reduced performance
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital Radiography
Portable digital X-rays to help assess bones, joints and musculoskeletal conditions in horses.
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Overview
Equine digital radiography
Digital radiography, commonly referred to as X-rays, is an important diagnostic tool used to assess bones, joints and certain areas of the horse’s musculoskeletal system.
At Racetrack Veterinary Services, our vets use portable digital radiography equipment, allowing high-quality diagnostic images to be taken at the stable, training facility, farm or competition venue where appropriate.
Digital images are available within seconds, enabling our team of veterinarians to assess the area immediately and determine whether further imaging, treatment or investigation may be required.
How digital radiography helps
Assess bones, joints and certain areas of the musculoskeletal system.
Produce diagnostic images within seconds for immediate review.
Support lameness investigations and reduced-performance assessments.
Provide portable imaging at suitable equine facilities.
When It May Help
When does a horse need X-rays?
Radiographs may be recommended when investigating a range of clinical concerns, injuries and performance issues.
Injuries & Conditions
- Suspected fractures
- Bone or joint injuries
- Developmental orthopaedic conditions
- Monitoring of an existing injury
Examinations & Sales
- Pre-purchase examinations
- Yearling and bloodstock assessments
Radiographs are often used alongside a clinical examination, flexion tests, diagnostic nerve or joint blocks, ultrasound and other diagnostic procedures to help identify the source of pain or poor performance.
Mobile Diagnostic Imaging
Portable digital radiography
Our portable digital X-ray equipment allows many radiographic examinations to be performed at your horse’s usual location.
Images are produced almost immediately, giving our vets the opportunity to review image quality and obtain additional views during the same examination where required.
This is particularly useful for racehorses and performance horses where timely investigation can assist trainers, owners and riders with decisions regarding treatment, rehabilitation and return to work.
Imaging at your horse’s location
Where appropriate, portable digital radiography can be performed at:
- Your horse’s stable
- Training facilities
- Farms
- Competition venues
Lameness & Performance
Lameness investigations
Radiography is commonly used during a lameness investigation when our team of veterinarians suspect that pain may be associated with a bone or joint.
Depending on the findings of the clinical examination, diagnostic analgesia such as nerve blocks or joint blocks may first be used to help localise the source of pain.
Once a particular region has been identified, radiographs may help detect changes such as:
- Fractures or bone injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone remodelling
- Joint abnormalities
- Osteochondral fragments
- Changes within the hoof
- Developmental abnormalities
Radiographs represent one part of the overall diagnostic picture and are always interpreted alongside the horse’s clinical examination, history and intended use.
Pre-Purchase Examinations
Pre-purchase radiographs
Radiographs are frequently included as part of a Pre-Purchase Examination, particularly for racehorses, performance horses and higher-value horses.
The number and type of radiographic views required will depend on the horse’s age, discipline, intended use, clinical findings and the purchaser’s individual requirements.
Our team of veterinarians can discuss an appropriate radiographic protocol before the examination.
Where required, radiographs can also be reviewed in conjunction with previous imaging or provided to specialist surgeons or diagnostic imaging veterinarians for further interpretation.
PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATIONSRadiographs as part of a PPE
The number and type of views are tailored to the individual horse and the purchaser’s requirements. Our team of veterinarians can discuss the proposed protocol before the examination.
Racing & Bloodstock
Racehorse & yearling radiography
Racetrack Veterinary Services has extensive experience performing radiographic examinations for thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses, yearlings and bloodstock.
Yearling & Sales Assessments
Radiography for yearling sales assessments and pre-sale examinations.
Purchaser Support
Pre-purchase examinations, veterinary reports for prospective purchasers, and interstate or international purchases.
Ongoing Assessment
Lameness investigations and monitoring of bone or joint conditions.
Our experience working within the racing industry allows us to interpret findings in the context of the horse’s age, workload, racing history and intended athletic use.
What to Expect
What happens during a radiographic examination?
Our team of veterinarians will first assess the horse and determine which anatomical area and radiographic views are required.
The horse will generally need to stand quietly while the X-ray equipment and digital detector are positioned around the area being examined.
Sedation may sometimes be recommended to help the horse remain still and ensure accurate images. Our team of veterinarians will discuss this with you if it is considered appropriate.
Book an Appointment
Arrange digital radiography for your horse
If your horse requires X-rays for a lameness investigation, injury assessment, pre-purchase examination or bloodstock assessment, contact Racetrack Veterinary Services to discuss the most appropriate diagnostic approach.
BOOK A VET 03 5975 6586