Keep one step ahead

repeating images. Depending on the reasons for taking

the radiographs, removal of shoes may or may not be

necessary. For example, performing radiographs with

the shoes in place can be useful when assessing foot

balance and conformation as they allow accurate

identification of the weight-bearing surface and the

position of the shoe in relation to the hoof capsule and

pedal bone. However, if a source of lameness has been

localised to the foot, removal of the shoes may be

required to obtain the additional views necessary to

fully evaluate the foot.

Two views are usually required to fully assess balance

of the feet, one lateral (taken from the side of the limb),

and one dorsopalmar (taken from the front). Bone

alignment, heel and toe length and sole depth can all

be assessed on the lateral radiograph with particular

attention being paid to the alignment of the pastern and

pedal bones and their relationship to the hoof capsule, the

so called ‘hoof pastern axis’. A broken-back hoof pastern

axis is a common abnormality, particularly in warmbloods,

causing increased loading of the heels, straining the deep

digital flexor tendon and supporting ligaments of the

navicular bone. The dorsopalmar view is used to assess

joint alignment, foot symmetry and the length of both the

medial (inner) and lateral (outer) hoof walls. Excessive

length on either side can affect the rest of the limb by

causing uneven loading of joints, causing stress on

collateral ligaments or leading to osteoarthritis.

Routine radiographic imaging of the foot can be an

invaluable aid to trimming, shoeing, injury prevention, and

treatment of injury, whether the goal is to simply keep the

horse healthy and happy at pasture, or to facilitate optimal

performance of a competitive equine athlete.

...Keep one step ahead

Broken back hoof pastern axis.

Mediolateral imbalance.