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
Foal or Newborn, Abdominal Radiography, X-ray
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
This diagnostic may be advised when a foal is exhibiting signs of abdominal pain (colic), which can be associated with a variety of underlying conditions. The small size of foals relative to adult horses makes them much easier to x-ray.
X-rays are streams of electrons that pass through the tissues of the body and are blocked by tissues of various densities. The resultant pattern that emerges on the other side of the body causes a screen to emit light, which exposes film or a digital image capture surface.
High quality radiographs taken of a foal's abdomen may provide an examiner with a wealth of diagnostic information about the organs and patterns of gas distention and fluid accumulation within the different parts of the intestinal tract. Usually, only a single image is needed, however additional views may be helpful.
X-rays are streams of electrons that pass through the tissues of the body and are blocked by tissues of various densities. The resultant pattern that emerges on the other side of the body causes a screen to emit light, which exposes film or a digital image capture surface.
High quality radiographs taken of a foal's abdomen may provide an examiner with a wealth of diagnostic information about the organs and patterns of gas distention and fluid accumulation within the different parts of the intestinal tract. Usually, only a single image is needed, however additional views may be helpful.
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.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
BENEFITS
This diagnostic provides valuable (if not definitive) information to your vet, the results of which cannot be obtained in any other way. The results should be evaluated in conjunction with other diagnostics, a complete history, and physical exam. LIMITATIONS
Sedation may be necessary to keep a young and distressed foal immobilized adequately to take high quality images. In many cases, the foal is laid on its side on the x-ray plate. It is uncommon to make a definitive diagnosis of an abdominal problem in a foal with this diagnostic alone.
your role
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Will the foal need to be sedated?
- Will this diagnostic change the approaches to treatment?