Very 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: $500 to $1,000
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Radiography, X-ray, Thoraco-Lumbar Spine
Cost: $500 to $1,000
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
This region of the spine is embedded in very thick and heavy musculature. Injury to this area is less common than previously thought.
Radiographs are valuable because they can help confirm or rule out an injury to this area. However, only veterinary teaching hospitals and large referral clinics have the proper equipment to perform this radiographic study.
Radiographs are valuable because they can help confirm or rule out an injury to this area. However, only veterinary teaching hospitals and large referral clinics have the proper equipment to perform this radiographic study.
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.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
BENEFITS
Allows visualization of the vertebrae and intervertebral joints, providing for rapid diagnosis of fractures in this area or arthritis. LIMITATIONS
Very few equine hospitals have a powerful enough x-ray generator to produce quality radiographs of this area. This diagnostic requires higher radiation doses that make radiation safety especially important. Soft tissue injuries can be severe and yet bony changes can be minimal. Additional diagnostics that are better able to visualize soft tissue injuries or abnormalities may be necessary.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health