Normal foot xray12/23/2023 Using the groove placed in the frog when the x-rays were taken, the distance to the center of rotation or to the point of optimum breakover can be determined. These measurements can be used to realign the third phalanx within the hoof capsule in the case of the laminitic horse. Using landmarks, measurements can be drawn on the radiographs and transferred to the foot. If the axis is broken forward (club foot) or if the axis is broken back (long toe underrun heel), the radiograph will reveal the degree of deformity and the best way to trim the foot to improve it. The x-ray will show whether the hoof pastern axis is parallel. Inadequate sole depth will usually be accompanied by excessive toe length. One of the most important aspects of using radiographs is to accurately determine the sole depth and what steps can be taken to improve it if necessary. In the laminitic horse, rotation or distal displacement of the third phalanx can be accessed along with whether a flexure deformity is present involving the distal interphalangeal joint. The lateral view will show the length of toe present and the alignment of the dorsal surface of P3 with the dorsal hoof wall. The distance from this line to the heels and the distance from this line to the toe should be approximately equal or a ratio of 60% toe / 40% heel. A perpendicular line dropped from the center of rotation should correspond to the widest part of the foot. The ideal situation is to have the center of rotation in the middle of the foot. The lateral radiograph will show the position of P3 within the hoof capsule. These marks will act as landmarks for transferring measurements obtained from the radiographs to the foot. Likewise, a small channel can be placed in the outer hoof wall next to where the tack was placed at the end of the heel. After taking the radiographs, the spot in the apex of the frog where the thumbtack was placed should be marked by creating a small channel in the frog with the hook of the hoof knife. Radiopaque markers such as a thumbtack can be placed near the apex of the frog and the end of the heel. A small carpenter’s line level can be placed on top of the x-ray machine to ensure that it is level with the ground. This can be accomplished by placing a level on the dorsal surface of the cannon bone. The cannon bone should be perpendicular to the ground. To appreciate bone position, the radiographs should be taken with the horse bearing weight and both feet placed on wooden blocks of equal height. The horse should be stood on a flat, level surface. The feet should be thoroughly cleaned, for farrier radiographs the shoes can and should be left in place. We use a special block with markers of a known distance between them when we take a radiograph software can automatically calibrate the radiograph and we immediately know distances measured are accurate. This is controlled by what is known as the focal-film distance (FFD) and it is easy to calibrate. In this way, measurements taken from the x-ray can be transferred to the foot. When using radiographs for guidance in trimming the foot it is important that the image generated by the x-ray machine is the same as the foot i.e. The two radiographic views useful to the farrier are the lateral view (from the side) and the dorsal/palmar view (from the front). The extent of a hoof wall separation associated with White Line Disease can also be observed. One can see the orientation of P3 within the hoof capsule, the hoof/pastern axis, how much and where the foot should be trimmed for better alignment and where the shoe should be placed under the limb for the best mechanical advantage. We can immediately see the additional information that can be gained from a radiograph taken of a distorted hoof capsule. It has evolved to where it quite beneficial for the farrier to use radiographs for guidance when trimming the equine foot. Radiology of the equine hoof is used to confirm various disease processes such as laminitis, third phalanx fractures, osteoarthritis (ringbone), navicular disease and extensive hoof wall separations.
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