HOW TO TAKE AND INTERPRET RADIOGRAPHS OF THE YOUNG PERFORMANCE HORSE
Fig. 5. Oblique views are similar on the lateral and medial aspects. A 30° angle (from lateral) projects dorsal P1 and divides sesamoids; 15° elevation allows visualization of palmar/plantar condyle of cannon bone.
4. Discussion
Factors Affecting Radiograph Quality Some factors that result in poor-quality radiographs are poor positioning, dirt/mud/water on the horse, mo- tion on the radiograph, and poor exposure. These examples can lead to a misrepresentation of the horse
Fig. 7. Flexed lateral to medial view straight through the joint, excellent sesamoid overlap, and visualization of mid-sagittal ridge.
and an incorrect diagnosis. Motion makes the radio- graph difficult to interpret accurately (Fig. 8). Poor positioning can result in hidden pathology because the proper area is not highlighted (Fig. 9). Dirt, mud,
Fig. 6. Poor quality oblique as the radiograph beam is oriented in too much of a dorsal to palmar/plantar direction.
Fig. 8. Poor-quality FLM because the radiograph beam is not straight through the joint, the sesamoids do not overlap, and there is no visualization of the mid-sagittal ridge.
