X-rays
or Radiographs are generally used to provide pictures of bone. They are invaluable for identifying
fractures, changes in bone density, arthritis, the state of bone growth and any
other bone associated conditions. However,
they will not identify any changes to muscles, tendons, cartilage, joint
capsules or other soft tissues.
X-rays
are dependent on the density of objects in their path so specialist dyes can be
used to show other problems such as ruptured spinal cord discs or problems with
the spinal canal. The dye works by
outlining the structures which then make it relatively easy to establish the
cause of a problem.
The
rays are directed from the apparatus onto a sensitised plate which is
positioned on the far side of the area being examined. These rays are blocked to a varying degree by
bone or other tissues based on their density.
The contrast between these densities shows as a line on the
pictures. A bone fracture would also
show clearly due to this variation.
Portable
machines, like the one used for Basil's tooth, mean digital x-rays can be taken
nearly anywhere and the high resolution images can be seen instantly on a
laptop.
X-rays
are relatively cheap (compared to many other diagnostic techniques) and so vets
rely on them as a first step in lameness diagnosis as well as other conditions.
The
vet will look out for chips, fractures, bone spurs, roughening (blurring) of
the edges of the bone, dark spots and any differences to what is considered
'normal'.
Top is a healthy navicular
bone, bottom picture is not.
Have you seen this week's video
'Chesney's Hair and Tommy's Tapeworm Test' on my You Tube channel?
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Until next time!
Jo
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