equis - Articles
Abdominal radiography
Introduction
Uses
Advantages
- In adult horses, the main uses are in the diagnosis of enterolithiasis Gastrointestinal: enterolith, diaphragmatic hernia Diaphragm: hernia, sand impaction of the large colon Gastrointestinal: sand colic, urinary calculi (mainly bladder) Bladder: calculi, and possibly bowel obstructions Gastrointestinal: small intestine - obstruction.
- In the foal and miniature horse American Miniature Horse, the main uses are small intestinal obstruction Gastrointestinal: small intestine - obstruction, large intestinal obstruction including ileus Gastrointestinal: ileus and meconium retention Rectum: meconium impaction, atresia recti/coli, and ileocolonic aganglionosis (lethal white foal syndrome) Intestine: aganglionosis. It has also been used in the past for the diagnosis of gastroenteritis Intestine: enteritis and gastroduodenal ulcers in the foal Stomach: gastric ulceration - foal, but the latter is now definitively diagnosed almost entirely on gastric endoscopy Gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. In the urinary tract in the foal, the most common use is in the diagnosis of defects in the tract such as patent Urachus: patent or ruptured urachus, and rupture of the urinary bladder Bladder: rupture.
Disadvantages
- Radiography of the abdomen of the adult horse is difficult and only limited information can be obtained.
Technical problems
- Large x-ray units may be required to obtain diagnostic images in adult horses leading to problems of availability, cost, and radiation safety.
Alternative techniques
- Abdominal ultrasonography Ultrasonography: abdomen.
- Rectal examination Gastrointestinal: physical examination.
- Abdominal exploration by laparoscopy Abdomen: laparoscopy or laparotomy Abdomen: laparotomy.
- Gastric Gastrointestinal endoscopy, rectal or caudal urinary tract endoscopy Urinary system: endoscopy.
- Fluoroscopy for esophageal motility.
Time required
Preparation
- Removal of dirt and debris from the coat overlying the abdomen 5-10 min.
- Sedation and restraint 5-10 min.
Procedure
- 15-45 min depending on the number of views required and any contrast examination carried out.
Decision taking
Risk assessment
- Increased risk of radiation exposure where high levels of kVp and mAs are used, as well as horizontal beam.
- Radiography machines and plates should not be held directly.
- Where foals or miniatures are held in recumbency, increased risk of exposure to handlers.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Hassel D M, Curley T & Hoaglund E L (2020) Evaluation of fecal sand clearance in horses with naturally acquired colonic sand accumulation with a product containing probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium. J Equine Vet Sci 90, 102970 PubMed.
- Marley L K et al (2018) Clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatments, and outcomes associated with ingested wires in the abdomen of horses: 16 cases (2002-2013). JAVMA 253 (6), 781-787 PubMed.
- Marley Laura K, Soffler C & Hackett Eileen S (2018) Clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatments, and outcomes associated with ingested wires in the abdomen of horses: 16 cases (2002-2013). JAVMA 253 (6), 781-787 PubMed.
- Kelleher M E et al (2014) Use of digital abdominal radiography for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in equids: 238 cases (2008-2011). JAVMA 245 (1), 126-129 PubMed.
- Maher O et al (2011) Abdominal computed radiography for the diagnosis of enterolithiasis in horses: 142 cases (2003-2007). JAVMA 239 (11), 1483-1485 PubMed.
- Keppie N J et al (2008) Objective radiographic assessment of abdominal sand accumulation in horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 49 (2), 122-128 PubMed.
- Lester G D & Lester N V (2001) Abdominal and thoracic radiography in the neonate. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 17 (1), 19-46 PubMed.
- Ruohoniem M et al (2001) Abdominal radiography in monitoring the resolution of sand accumulations from the large colon of horses treated medically. Equine Vet J 33 (1), 59-64 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Clinical Radiology of the Horse (2016) 4th edn. Eds: Butler Janet A et al. Wiley Blackwell, USA.