XL Vets equine factsheets

Radiographs – x-rays are taken by the veterinary surgeon to assist in diagnosing conditions relating to both the skeleton and soft tissues of the horse. Conventionally, x-rays have been taken using ionising radiation which is captured on a film. The varying densities of tissues in the patient absorb some of the radiation so the x-ray film is exposed to different degrees. The film is developed rather like traditional film camera processing to give a black and white image. Many modern systems now produce a digital image with no need for film. These images can be digitally manipulated to aid diagnosis.