Hoof balance is a critical aspect of equine health, as it directly affects a horse’s performance, comfort, and overall well-being. One of the most effective ways to evaluate hoof balance is through radiography, commonly known as X-rays. In this article, we will discuss the importance of hoof balance X-rays, how to take them, and how to interpret the results.
Why Take Hoof Balance X-Rays?
Hoof balance X-rays are essential for evaluating the internal structures of the hoof and assessing the alignment of the bones, tendons, and ligaments. This information is crucial for:
- Diagnosing hoof-related issues: Hoof balance X-rays can help identify problems such as laminitis, navicular disease, and hoof cracks.
- Evaluating hoof balance: X-rays provide a clear picture of the hoof’s internal structure, allowing veterinarians and farriers to assess the balance and alignment of the hoof.
- Developing treatment plans: Hoof balance X-rays help veterinarians and farriers create effective treatment plans, including trimming and shoeing strategies, to address hoof-related issues.
- Monitoring progress: Follow-up X-rays can be taken to monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans and make adjustments as needed.
How to Take Hoof Balance X-Rays
To take accurate and informative hoof balance X-rays, there are a few strategies we like to have in place to make sure you get the best results for your money:
- Prepare the horse: Ensure the horse is comfortable and relaxed, usually with the aid of some sedation, and that the hooves are clean and free of debris.
- Position the horse: Place the horse on a level surface, with the hooves bearing weight evenly. You’ll notice that we are very particular about this – the horse needs to stand square, with a representative of their normal stance, and the head and back straight. Balance xrays really need to be done on a concrete or similar surface, with ideally a dark area so we can see our laser beam well on the xray machine. It’s very easy to accidentally take not quite square xrays, and this can create significant artifacts. Panorama Equestrian has a purpose made dark concreted box for these, which is ideal.
- Take multiple views: We obtain multiple X-ray views, including orthogonal lateromedial and dorsopalmar/plantar horizontal views, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hoof’s internal structure. We want to know if the horse is landing on one side heavier than the other, or if excess toe is affecting the breakover, as 2 examples
- Use markers: We like to take measurements using our digital system. If there are particular markers that your farrier would like us to use, we are happy to do so.
- See the horse moving: We prefer to interpret xrays based on how the horse moves, as well as the static picture. We usually like to see at a minimum, the horse moving on a flat hard surface before sedating
Interpreting Hoof Balance X-Rays
When interpreting hoof balance X-rays, look for the following:
- Bone alignment: Evaluate the alignment of the bones within the hoof, including the coffin bone, pastern bone, and navicular bone.
- Hoof angle: Measure the angle of the hoof, including the toe angle and heel angle, to assess balance and alignment.
- Soft tissue evaluation: Evaluate the health and integrity of soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, within the hoof.
- Pathological changes: Identify any pathological changes, such as lesions or fractures, within the hoof.
- Share appropriately: We like to share the xrays with both yourself, and your farrier. There’s not much point in doing them if we don’t all work as a team!
Follow on from hoof balance xrays – horses don’t read books or always follow our plans. Even though we will recommend a plan appropriate to what is seen, sometimes horses go more lame after trimming or shoeing. This may just be because they are so used to abnormal angles, or there may be other issues at play. Do keep in touch with us if this happens, as we might suggest something else or a change to your rehab plan. It’s also really important that your farrier is on board with whatever plan we are doing – they are critical. Usually, there is more than one way to do things and so keeping their input on board and relevant is important.
Follow-Up X-Rays
Follow-up X-rays may be necessary to:
- Monitor treatment progress: Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and make adjustments as needed.
- Detect changes: Identify any changes in the hoof’s internal structure over time.
- Prevent future issues: Use follow-up X-rays as a preventative measure to identify potential issues before they become problematic.
In conclusion, hoof balance X-rays are a valuable tool in equine care, providing critical information about the internal structure of the hoof. By understanding how to take and interpret these X-rays, we can develop effective treatment plans with your farrier, monitor progress, and prevent future issues.