Radiographic examination of the equine thoracolumbar spine

Abstract

Radiographic examination of the thoracolumbar spine in horses can be challenging. However, with careful positioning of the horse and radiographic equipment, diagnostic views of the dorsal spinous processes can be obtained even with most portable machines. When evaluating radiographs, knowledge about the normal anatomy and common radiographic findings is key. However, not all horses with clinical signs of back pain will have radiographic abnormalities, and radiographic findings do not necessarily indicate pain as these abnormalities can be also found in clinically sound horses. Therefore, a clinical examination should always be the gold standard and clinical signs should be localised and confirmed before treatment.