Northwest Equine’s Digital
Radiography equipment

Traditionally X-ray images (radiographs) were taken by capturing images on cassettes that required manual developing of the film using chemicals in a dark room.

Digital radiography is the latest technology where images are captured digitally on a special plate using a similar X-ray machine and then immediately transferred to a computer.

Computerized images can be instantly evaluated and with special software can have their contrast and brightness adjusted and be digitally enhanced, thus zooming in for better detail visualization is possible.

A few conditions where digital radiography can be useful in diagnosing a lame horse include:

• Navicular disease
• Laminitis or founder
• Ostechondritis dissecans (OCD)
• Arthritis, osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD). The most commonly affected joints in the horse are the coffin, fetlock, hock, stifle, and knee (carpus)
• Foot abscesses or bruises
• Fractures, luxations or sub-luxations
• Osteomyelitis (bone infections or abscesses)

Some of the important advantages of digital radiography are:

• Real time viewing of images: images are studied and clinically reviewed immediately on site. Diagnosis can be given instantly, prognosis discussed and treatment can be immediately initiated.
• Image quality is superior and a more detailed evaluation of the joint, bone or soft tissue can reveal important abnormalities that could be otherwise missed with traditional X-ray machines.
• Inadequate images can be accepted or rejected immediately after capture and re-taken if necessary. Second visits for image re-taking and veterinarian and client’s unnecessary time usage are eliminated.
• Images can be digitally stored for owner and veterinarian record keeping and for easy sending to other parties or for second opinions.

Northwest Equine Veterinary Associates possesses two state-of-the-art IDEXX EquiView® Direct Digital Laptop Radiography Systems for Equine patients.

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