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Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.

Cost: $100 to $500

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

YOUR VET MAY PERFORM

Radiography, X-ray, Foot

Cost: $100 to $500

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

Summary

Radiographs of the equine foot or feet are a standard diagnostic used for hoof or foot related problems and in lameness exams, because a high percentage of lameness originates in this area.

Foot radiographs are usually taken after nerve or joint blocks are performed. The soles and frogs are lightly trimmed and cleaned up with a hoof knife, and any defects are packed with putty to prevent an artifact (visual misrepresentations). Typically, in this series five radiographs of each foot are taken from different angles, and more if needed.

Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic

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Related Observations

Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.

Very Common
Less Common
more observations
BENEFITS
High quality radiographs of the feet provide important information about the bones in the lower limb, the position of the coffin bone within the hoof and some helpful information regarding soft tissue structures. Even if there are no obvious issues in this area at the time, radiographs may provide a useful baseline for future comparison.

LIMITATIONS

This diagnostic only has very limited ability to show the intricate and vital soft tissue structures of the foot and support structures of the joints. Poor preparation of the sole or frog may introduce artifact (visual misrepresentations due to a variety of conditions and errors), which decreases the quality of the radiographs and their diagnostic value.

further reading & resources

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Brand Name Products

Equine health related brand name products and services.

  • Sound™ Vet Inc.
    NEXT Equine DR™
    The Evolution of Equine Digital Radiography
    Sound™ is the veterinary industry’s #1 Digital Imaging and PACS Company, with uncontested leadership positions in Ultrasound, Digital Radiography, Imaging Education, and PACS Solutions. 
    Veterinary Digital Radiography, Ultrasound, and PACS Image Management benefiting from a combined strength and synergy, driving innovation and advancing an open standard of practice integration to provide you with previously unknown levels of Quality, Efficiency, and Freedom of Choice.
    Sound™ is the veterinary industry's largest and most trusted source for X Ray, Ultrasound, Digital Radiography, Radiation Therapy Equipment, PACS - Distributed Imaging Solutions, Telemedicine, Advanced Imaging Tools, Imaging Solutions Support & Technician Training.

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP