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A person holds a tablet displaying an X-ray image of a spine whilst standing outdoors on a grassy path. The person is touching the screen, and part of their upper body is visible.

X-ray and ultrasound

Find out more about our diagnostic services

X-ray

Radiographs, commonly known as x-rays, are often an essential part of lameness investigations and are used to visualise the bones and joints.

We commonly use x-ray to detect issues relating to the balance of the horse’s feet, arthritis, laminitis and fractures.

They can also be used to assess the skull for dental and sinus disease, as well as the neck and back in horses with pain in these areas or poor performance.

X-rays are of limited use at detecting soft tissue injuries (involving tendons and ligaments) so other forms of imaging are sometimes required.

A grey horse stands in a wooden stall, peering out over the half-door inside a rustic stable with open doors and various equipment visible in the background.
A woman with a stethoscope around her neck works at the open tailgate of a vehicle, reviewing paperwork outdoors on a sunny day. Supplies and a cup are visible nearby, and trees are in the background.

Our fully portable and battery operated x-ray machine enables us to take x-rays at your yard, and for the images to be viewed seconds later on a screen.

Digital radiography provides a superior quality of image which can be enhanced, meaning an opinion can often be given as the time of the images being taken.

Occasionally more subtle changes may need to be assessed on a larger screen in a dark room back at the practice.

Images can be emailed to referral centres for further opinion if required and farriers to aid with remedial farriery.

We are very proud to be the first practice to bring this modern equipment to West Cornwall.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a technique we frequently use to take images of soft tissue structures.

In lameness cases, this is often used to assess tendons or ligaments.

We can also use ultrasound in reproductive scanning to aid optimal time for insemination, pregnancy diagnosis and treatment of twinning.


To learn more or book an appointment, please contact us on 01736 362215.

A person in a blue waistcoat operates an ultrasound machine, looking at an image on the monitor. Protective waistcoats hang on the wall nearby, and part of an animal is visible in the lower right corner.