Diagnostic Imaging
Radiography
Ultrasound
Endoscopy
Arthroscopy
Radiography
The Clinic has a purpose built radiography room with high powered ceiling mounted x-ray tube and a second more mobile unit for lower limb work. With our high frequency units we are able to radiograph all structures including upper limbs, necks, heads and backs.
We use an AGFA computed (digital) radiography system. A few seconds after taking a radiograph, the x-ray image is visible on a computer screen. This image can then be manipulated, such and change the contrast or magnify certain areas. Digital x-rays are vastly superior in quality to the conventional film radiographs. Another advantage is the flexibility in handling digital files. This has been used to great effect in lameness cases, where we have emailed or burned to CD x-rays for farriers to enable them to carry out remedial shoeing.
The Practice also has a small high frequency portable x-ray unit available for ambulatory work on yards. This is ideal for laminitic horses or when the horse cannot be moved, such as when a fracture is suspected.
Where possible we encourage horses to come to the clinic for radiography. Here films are immediately developed and can then be repeated if necessary.
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Ultrasound
We have 4 ultrasound scanners at the Practice for equine work. These have both linear and sector capabilities, including colour doppler. Ultrasound is an effective way of imaging soft tissues. We have both portable and hospital-based systems.
Our newest MicroMaxx scanner is a small portable digital machine, that can run off battery power. This is a powerful machine and with a penetration of 35cm can scan the largest horse’s heart or abdomen. It also has colour Doppler, allowing us to image the movement of the blood through the heart and allows us to assess “leaky” heart valves.
Ultrasound can be used for a wide range of investigations including:
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Reproductive work: pregnancy diagnosis, ovary assessment (especially with AI), infertility.
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Lameness: tendon, joints, fractures and muscles.
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Back examination: including pelvis and spinal ligaments.
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Abdominal examination: particularly useful in assessing colic. Also to examine liver, spleen and kidney.Thoracic examination: heart and lung problems.
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Eye examination.
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The digital images generated are of a very high quality.
This facilitates earlier identification of pathological changes and detection of subtle damage, The digital image produced is viewed in real-time on a computer screen. The images can be ‘frozen’ or paused. Measurements can then be taken to access the degree of damage. This is also invaluable when monitoring the healing of soft tissue injuries. These digital images (or cine-loop) are then stored electronically and can be e-mailed to the owner or to other centres if a referral is required.
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Endoscopy
The Practice has a range of flexible fibreoptic endoscopes with video capability. These enable the visual examination of the upper and lower respiratory tract of all sizes of horses and foals. Endoscopy. Respiratory endoscopy is very useful in the investigation of dynamic airway problems, infections and sources of bleeding.
The endoscope is passed in a similar way to a stomach tube, through the nostril and down the nasal passage into Throat. In the back of the throat (the pharynx), the soft palate, larynx, and guttural pouch openings can be visualised. From here the endoscope is passed through the larynx into the trachea (windpipe). It can be passed down the trachea towards the carina, where the trachea divides into the two major bronchi. In most cases endoscopy can be performed out in the standing, resting horse. However some horses will require sedation for this procedure.
Endoscopes are also useful in visualising the bladder, the uterus and we can also examine the sinuses after creating a small trephine hole.
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Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is ‘key-hole’ surgery used to examine and treat joints, tendons sheaths and bursa in the horse. Using a sterile rigid fibreoptic arthroscope, the inside of these structures can be visualised and assessed. In most cases this not only a diagnostic tool, but is a means of surgical treatment.
The arthroscope can be used in most joints of the horse and can be used for a wide variety of conditions such as OCD, fracture removal, infected joints and assessment of soft tissues within joints and tendon sheaths
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