Radiographic Examination of the Equine Vertebral Column

Abstract

A method is described for routine radiography of the horse's thoracolumbar (TL) spine from T2 to L3 in the standing position. Stocks were used for restraint, and the x‐ray tube, which was mounted on an overhead gantry, was linked automatically to a cassette holder on the far side of the animal. A crosshatch grid with an ultra‐fast system of screens and film was employed to provide adequate radiographic quality. An aluminum wedge filter (dodger) was used to help compensate for the marked variation in spine thickness. For radiography of the caudal lumbar spine and lumbosacral region, it was necessary to anesthetize the horse and make radiographs in the ventrodorsal position. Exposures of up to 150 kV and 400 mAs were required for heavy horses weighing up to 750 kg. Scatter radiation was kept to a minimum by using crossed high‐ratio grids and by putting additional lead on the back of the cassette to prevent back scatter.