Term
| 1. What is the first concern when radiographing horses? |
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Definition
The physical safety of the people handling the horse and the safety of the horse
must always be the first concern. |
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Term
| 1. In general, how many people are required to take radiographs with equine patients and what are their responsibilities? |
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Definition
In general, taking a radiograph requires three people: one to tend the horse's head,
one to operate the radiograph machine, and one to position the film cassette.
Whenever possible, these people should distance themselves from the primary x-ray
beam. |
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Term
| 3. What necessitates special consideration when radiographing an equine patient? |
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Definition
Horses tend to be apprehensive about radiographs.
Most radiograph machines make strange noises, generate a bright light for
collimation, and generally must be positioned within 30 to 40 inches of the patient.
Ideally the film cassette should be placed to contact the patient's skin, which may
alarm the horse, causing it to move away or perhaps kick. The patient is often in
pain from the injury or condition for which the radiograph is being taken, adding to
the “fear factor.” Personnel and equipment are therefore in vulnerable positions,
with a patient that is often suspicious of the situation. Physical and/or chemical
restraints must be selected carefully, and personnel should not be placed in
dangerous, compromising positions. Common sense handling—moving slowly and
speaking calmly—are necessary. |
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Term
| 9. What is the advantage of raising the limb opposite to the limb being radiographed? |
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Definition
| To keep the horse from moving the leg |
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Term
| 1. Name a few methods that are helpful in restraining the horse? |
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Definition
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Term
| 6. What should you do if the horse can’t be sedated? |
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Definition
| Hold up one of the animal’s legs |
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Term
| 7. What is one piece of equipment that can help reduce exposure to the assistants? |
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Definition
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Term
| 8. Who is responsible for making sure the personnel is a safe distance from the primary x-ray beam? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the proper preparation of horse for x-ray to produce an artifact free film? |
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Definition
- Hair coat brushed or washed to remove obvious dirt, bedding, surface artifacts
- Areas of interest wiped dry w/ towel
To prep hoof
- Remove shoe, trim hoof
- Pick sole/clefts, scrub clean
- Pack sole w/ a radiolucent material such as methylcellulose, softened soap , or play-doh |
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Term
| How do you prevent the appearance of a superimposed sole of the foot? |
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Definition
- Remove shoe, trim hoof
- Pick sole/clefts, scrub clean
- Pack sole w/ a radiolucent material such as methylcellulose, softened soap , or play-doh |
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Term
| Why should the sole and clefts be scrubbed clean of debris before taking a film? |
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Definition
| To prevent artifacts or shadows |
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Term
| What are some disadvantages to using a large mounted x-ray unit? |
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Definition
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Term
Why should each horse be treated individually when determining how to
restrain for a procedure? |
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Definition
Each animal is an individual, and each has a different background. A method of
restraint that is totally effective for one horse may be completely ineffective for
another. Avoid a cookie-cutter approach where all animals are treated similarly |
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Term
| What should you do if the horse becomes fractious? |
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Definition
Be flexible. When the selected method of restraint is not working, go to “plan B.”
Realize that you cannot force restraint on an animal that is intent on not accepting it,
especially when the animal outweighs and outmuscles you many times over. |
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Term
| Why can covering the eyes work well for certain procedures? |
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Definition
Sometimes,
when the horse cannot see the area being worked on, it will be submissive.
Covering the eye on the same side as the procedure is the most common method but
is often applied incorrectly. Placing the hand completely over the eye to force it
shut is usually unnecessary and is often met with resistance. All that is
necessary is to block vision of the procedure, using an open hand like a curtain but
allowing the horse to keep its eye open |
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Term
| . List the two classifications of twitches and how they are used. |
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Definition
natural and mechanical.
Natural twitches are applied with the hands directly on the horse; no special equipment is required.
Mechanical twitches are manmade devices that are placed directly on the horse.
Twitches of any type are not appropriate for foals.
Natural twitches are the shoulder (skin) twitch, the ear twitch, and the lip twitch.
The shoulder twitch (“shoulder roll” or “skin twitch”) is actually applied to the skin
over the lateral aspect of the neck. This skin is loose and can be picked up with the
fingers and pinched firmly For added effect, the skin can be
picked up with all of the fingers and rolled like a motorcycle accelerator; this can be
done with one or both hands. This twitch is a mild form of
restraint and loses its effectiveness after a few minutes. If applied tightly for long,
some horses swell locally after releasing the hold, which produces a welt. Such
welts disappear within 24 hours with no special treatment and are not a physical
problem but may give the client a bad impression.
The ear twitch is very effective for some horses, but others vehemently resist it. To
apply this twitch, do not grab the ear directly; this may startle the horse. Rather,
place the hand on the neck and slide it to the base of the ear. Slowly grasp the base of the ear, squeeze it, and rotate the ear slightly, again like a motorcycle accelerator Like the shoulder twitch, the ear twitch loses its effectiveness in a short period. Grasping at the base of the ear, not in the middle or tip, is important. Realize that the
cartilage of the ear pinna can be broken, resulting in permanent deformity, and the
nerves to the pinna can be damaged, so if the horse elevates its head or rears, it is
best to let go and try another approach |
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Term
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Definition
to confine the horse to a small area with restricted movement, usually only
1 to 2 feet of lateral movement and 1 to 2 feet of front-to-back movement
They are most often used to protect the
clinician from being kicked when working on the hindquarters. Stocks are also
useful for standing surgery procedures where the horse must be prevented from
wandering. |
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