Hoof Radiographs’ Role In Practical Farriery (AAEP 2012)

One vet says radiographs can help in assessing a horse’s feet and developing a plan to maximize soundness.
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Radiographs are an often overlooked but indispensible tool for assessing a horse’s feet and developing a hoof care plan that will maximize his soundness. At a recent in-depth seminar titled "The Foot from Every Angle," Randy Eggleston, DVM, of the University of Georgia’s School of Veterinary Medicine, described how to optimize use of radiography.

"It is important to assess the relationship between the coffin bone and the hoof wall," Eggleston advised at the event, which was held during the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Anaheim, Calif. Radiography allows the equine veterinarian to do this and formulate advice for the farrier; he or she can measure sole depth, solar angles, and foot balance, as well as evaluate the health of the coffin bone. He stressed that the information obtained is only as good as the quality of radiographic technique and images produced. In addition, Eggleston said, "The clinical interpretation has significant impact on the success of therapeutic farriery."

Another element to consider is the dynamic nature of the foot. Eggleston reminded practitioners that foot conformation changes during a typical eight-week trim cycle. As the toe grows out, it increases coffin joint extension, which adds tension to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), the structure that attaches to the underside of the coffin bone.

Because the hoof can conform to the stresses it incurs on impact with each footfall, a visual exam helps the practitioner evaluate it for distortions and abnormalities that might develop over time due to hoof imbalances. Eggleston recommended using radiography if the veterinarian observes abnormal hoof and/or distal limb conformation; if he or she observes abnormal growth patterns or hoof distortions; and/or when distal (lower) limb anesthesia blocks out lameness

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Written by:

Nancy S. Loving, DVM, owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, and has a special interest in managing the care of sport horses. Her book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care. She has also authored the books Go the Distance as a resource for endurance horse owners, Conformation and Performance, and First Aid for Horse and Rider in addition to many veterinary articles for both horse owner and professional audiences.

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