Radiography is one of the oldest, most reliable, and most frequently used diagnostic imaging modalities and has become indispensable in equine medicine.
The Bargteheide Equine Clinic is equipped with a high-performance stationary radiography unit featuring state-of-the-art digital detector systems. This allows us to produce radiographic images of the highest quality and resolution.
For patients requiring intraoperative radiography or those with severe limitations in mobility, several mobile digital radiography systems are also available.
The indications for radiographic examinations are highly diverse. Almost every lameness and orthopedic examination requires radiographic imaging of specific limb regions in multiple projections. Nearly every pre-purchase examination includes, in addition to the clinical assessment, radiographic imaging of the limbs and, in many cases, the axial skeleton. In horses presenting with performance or rideability issues, radiographic examination of the cervical spine and back is frequently performed. Due to the high performance of our radiographic equipment, it is often possible to examine the pelvic region, including the hip joints, in the standing horse. Radiographic evaluation is also available for dental and skull-related diseases, including imaging of the maxillary and frontal sinuses as well as the incisors and cheek teeth. In cases of pulmonary disease, thoracic radiographs contribute significantly to diagnostic decision-making.
In addition, our clinic performs specialized contrast-enhanced radiographic procedures, such as myelography in cases of suspected ataxia and arthrography for soft tissue disorders of the joints. Radiography is also used as an adjunct during therapy to guide accurate and targeted intra-articular or perilesional medication injections.
To minimize stress for the horse and to optimize image quality, patients are generally sedated. Radiographic examinations under general anesthesia are now required only in rare cases (e.g. myelography). All radiographic images are archived for a period of 10 years. Upon request, we can make all images available to you digitally.
