Imaging the equine patient- technical skills and approach

3 main areas covered in equine radiography

Forelimb, hindlimb, and hoof.

Key virtue required when radiographing large animals

Patience.

3 key elements for a successful radiographic study

Patience, plan, and teamwork.

Why allow an animal to acclimate before radiography?

Equipment and environment may startle the animal.

What to avoid around an animal during radiography

Sudden movements and loud noises.

Main cause of higher personal injury risk in large animal radiography

The animal's large size and risk of equipment damage.

Restraint techniques combined for large animal imaging

Twitch, stocks, and sedation.

Recommended type of restraint in large animal radiography

Sedation.

What limb should be lifted when radiographing an equine limb?

The limb opposite the one being radiographed.

Common setting for portable radiographic units

Field setting.

Key advantages of portable radiographic units

Small, light, and easily transported.

Maximum mA setting of a portable unit

20 mA

Maximum kVp setting of a portable unit

90 kVp

Why portable units require longer exposure times

Lower mA capabilities.

Main risk of longer exposure times in radiography

Greater chance of motion artifact.

Do portable unit collimators always have a visual light?

No, they may or may not have a visual light.

Major concern with portable radiographic units

Risk to personnel safety.

Advantage of mobile radiographic units

Higher mA and kVp capabilities.

Disadvantage of mobile radiographic units

Less maneuverability.

Main benefit of shorter exposure times

Reduces movement artifact.

Common location for mounted radiographic units

Referral and specialty practices.

Characteristics of mounted radiographic units

Large and permanently fixed in place.

Maximum mA setting for mounted radiographic units

Greater than 1000 mA

Why mounted units can startle animals

They are noisy and large when moving.

Anatomical region mounted units are often unable to image

The hoof, because of their size.

What should be done to the hair coat before imaging?

Brush or wash the hair coat over the body, limbs, and hooves.

Why should the hair coat be brushed or washed?

To prevent surface artifacts.

What must be done to the hoof before imaging?

Remove shoes, trim overgrown portions, clean the hoof, and pack it with radiolucent material.

Why should horseshoes be removed?

Metal absorbs much of the primary beam and results in poor detail.

What happens if the shoes cannot be removed?

Higher exposure settings are required.

What should be done to an overgrown hoof before imaging?

Trim the overgrown portion.

What should be done after trimming the hoof?

Clean the hoof.

What should the hoof be packed with?

A radiolucent material, such as Play-Doh.

Why is radiolucent material used in the hoof?

It allows the x-rays to pass through without interfering with the image.

Do normal radiology safety rules still apply to large animals?

Yes.

Why are additional safety measures needed with large animals?

Because of the patient's size and standing posture.

Who is responsible for ensuring all personnel are clear of the x-ray beam?

The radiographer (person taking the exposure).

Where should another person stand during the procedure?

At the animal's head to provide restraint and control.

What is the role of the third person?

To hold the cassette in a holder against the anatomy of interest.

How many people are described as being needed for this setup?

Three people: radiographer, person at the head, and person holding the cassette.

What are positioning blocks used for?

To elevate the foot off the floor.

What are positioning blocks usually made of?

Sturdy wood.

What can positioning blocks be designed to hold?

A cassette.

What is a cassette tunnel?

A space in the positioning block that allows the cassette to fit inside.

What is the purpose of a cassette tunnel?

It allows the animal to stand on top of the cassette while it is inside the tunnel without damaging the cassette.

What does a DMPLO or DLPMO marker indicate?

The direction of the x-rays.

What should a limb marker indicate?

Whether the limb is left or right.

What else should be indicated on an equine radiograph?

Whether it is a forelimb or hindlimb.

What should be indicated for an oblique view?

The direction of the x-ray field.

What are two oblique views mentioned for the equine limbs?

DLPMO and DMPLO.

What other limb view is mentioned?

Lateral.

What two views are listed together for the limbs?

Dorsopalmar and dorsoplantar.

What must markers indicate on equine limb radiographs?

Left/right limb, forelimb/hindlimb, and direction of the x-ray field.

What equine imaging videos are posted to Canvas?

Anatomy of Equine Distal Limb, Hoof Prep, Radiographic Technique, and Navicular Series.

What anatomy video is available on Canvas?

Anatomy of the Equine Distal Limb.

What hoof preparation video is available?

Preparing the Hoof for Imaging.

What technique video is available?

Radiographic Technique Basics.

What specialized imaging video is available?

Navicular Series & Hoof.