Diagnostic Imaging

X-rays form a common part of any lameness work-up. They are used to detect disease relating to bone. Common things that we look for are issues relating to the balance of the horse’s feet, arthritis, laminitis and fractures. X-rays cannot detect soft tissue injuries – involving tendons and ligaments– so other forms of imaging are needed. We can also x-ray your horse’s neck and back if these appear to be a source of pain and a condition such as kissing spine is suspected. Sometimes horses require head x-rays to look for disease relating to the tooth roots and sinuses.

Field Equine Vets are able to take X-rays of your horse at our purpose-built clinic or on your yard, if that is more convenient. Your horse may need to be sedated, depending on their temperament, to ensure the best quality image. Our digital system allows your horse’s x-rays to be emailed to yourself or your farrier if required ort other specialists as required.
We have a number of different x ray machines which are fully portable, allowing us to take x rays even in the middle of a field if necessary. As they are all digital systems it allows us to see the images instantly, allowing us to make an on the spot assessment of them- especially useful in the case of an acutely lame horse for example.

Another piece of equipment we use extensively is our ultrasound machines. These allow us to assess the soft tissues within the body- for example, eyes, tendons, ligaments, as well as other organs sucg as the intesines and liver. We frequenty use ultrasound to assess colic patients, as well as in the investigation of orthopaedic disorders. These machines are also fully portable, so we are able to use them on your premises, even if you don’t have electricity. Occasionally we will use some sedation to enable us to perform a thorough examination though in the majority of cases it is possible to do without.