Very Common
Less Common
Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Radiography, X-ray, Neck, Plain Cervical Spinal Radiographs
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
When an injury or disease process is thought to involve the spinal column of the equine neck, neck (cervical) radiographs are often needed to rule out fracture or other bony injury. Vets refer to these as plain cervical films, to distinguish them from myelogram, which is sometimes needed to provide additional information.
Neck radiographs are typically taken with the horse standing and sedated. An image capture plate (digital or film-screen) is placed on one side of the neck and x-rays are generated from the other side with an x-ray machine. An image is generated. Every attempt is made to keep the horse very still as movement can affect image quality. In most cases, 3-5 images are taken to ensure visualization of all the bones of the cervical column. These images show the vertebrae from the base of the skull to C7, as well as the inter-vertebral joints.
An experienced radiologist or clinician takes measurements and creates ratios to determine whether or not there is compression.
Neck radiographs are typically taken with the horse standing and sedated. An image capture plate (digital or film-screen) is placed on one side of the neck and x-rays are generated from the other side with an x-ray machine. An image is generated. Every attempt is made to keep the horse very still as movement can affect image quality. In most cases, 3-5 images are taken to ensure visualization of all the bones of the cervical column. These images show the vertebrae from the base of the skull to C7, as well as the inter-vertebral joints.
An experienced radiologist or clinician takes measurements and creates ratios to determine whether or not there is compression.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Very Common
Less Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
Very Common
Less Common
BENEFITS
These radiographs are typically helpful in diagnosing fracture, arthritis, and some types of cervical compression.Unlike myelogram, which requires general anesthesia, plain cervical radiographs are performed in a standing sedated patient.
LIMITATIONS
Plain radiographs (without myelogram) are of limited value in diagnosing compression of the spinal cord, except in severe cases.
The quality of the images depends on good technique, equipment and experience.
X-ray does not show soft tissue. Diagnostic information is mostly limited to bone.
Generally, cervical radiographs are usually only taken from the side (lateral), providing only 2 dimensional information.
your role
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- If the plain cervical radiographs are negative, does this mean that my horse does not have spinal compression?
- Based on the results of this diagnostic, do you recommend myelogram?