Venograms Can Catch Laminitis Early

Proper blood flow to the laminae of the hoof is critical at all times, but especially when a horse develops laminitis. Diagnostic techniques that can reveal how blood is flowing–or not–can help veterinarians catch laminitis early. Amy Rucker, DVM, of Midwest Equine in Columbia, Mo., discussed the importance of digital venograms in diagnosing and treating laminitis during the Sept. 17-18 La
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Proper blood flow to the laminae of the hoof is critical at all times, but especially when a horse develops laminitis. Diagnostic techniques that can reveal how blood is flowing–or not–can help veterinarians catch laminitis early. Amy Rucker, DVM, of Midwest Equine in Columbia, Mo., discussed the importance of digital venograms in diagnosing and treating laminitis during the Sept. 17-18 Laminitis West Conference, in Monterey, Calif..

When performing a venogram, a veterinarian puts a tourniquet on the fetlock, injects a contrast dye into a vein below the fetlock, then radiographs the foot. The venogram shows how well the blood is flowing, which a normal radiograph (often called an X ray) cannot do, and helps the veterinarian identify any areas with compromised blood flow.

Veterinarians can get similar results with MRIs, but most do not have MRIs in their practice. MRIs also are much more expensive than venograms. Rucker explained that, with practice, any veterinarian with radiograph equipment can perform venograms, which can help them diagnose laminitis early.

To illustrate the importance of venograms, Rucker described a horse that showed no clinical or radiographic signs of laminitis. However, the venogram detailed a severe case that Rucker said would become a "sinker," where the coffin bone sinks down and can penetrate the sole of the foot

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Written by:

Tracy Gantz is a freelance writer based in Southern California. She is the Southern California correspondent for The Blood-Horse and a regular contributor to Paint Horse Journal, Paint Racing News, and Appaloosa Journal.

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