Reading Radiographs

Last Updated on Friday, 20 November 2009 23:03 Written by Kim

I have been getting more interested in radiographs both as a diagnostic and a learning tool. I am embarrassed to say that I used to tell people we didn't need xrays to trim correctly. I believe that for pathologies we should have a good set of baseline radiographs as well as periodic follow ups so that we can know exactly what we are working on. Now, let me make the disclaimer that I am NOT a vet, I can only read them based on my skill set that I've learned from a few vets, Jaye Perry (GA Farrier) and experience.

These xrays are from a number of my clients and my own horse Finnegan. Radiographs are excellent tools to help us determine joint spacing, bony alignment, sole depth, health of the bones, breakover and pathologies. But as with anything else, they are a TOOL and you still need to balance the information you see on the Rads, with the information you see and feel in your hand when working on the hoof.

This first set of photos shows how we are looking at the foot and some basic things we can make note of. I tried to include some photos of actual feet so you could orient yourself to what you are looking at in the radiographs. I hope this helps you visualize better what you are looking at.

For all of the slideshow pictures click on the first picture and it will start the program, to move to the next picture just click on the photo or point your mouse on the right or left side of the picture. That will give you Next and Previous options.

In this next gallery of photos, I'm including radiographs of pathological feet, descriptions are included with the photos. The second gallery is of a horse with very crooked feet, thought it would be interesting to see.