Digital Radiology (X-Rays)
Radiology is a form of diagnostic imaging that shows bone clearly and also gives some information about soft tissue structures like organs, muscles, and tendons. Radiographs allow for fast diagnoses, help guide treatment plans, and support care for arthritis or lameness. Heavily muscled areas, especially the neck and back, used to require a more powerful setup that was only found in hospitals. Dr. Gnadt’s digital radiography unit can capture great images wherever your horse lives.
With a mobile digital radiography unit always on the truck, there is no need for extra appointments, and imaging can be performed during any farm call. The quick setup allows fast imaging, such as taking dental radiographs while a horse is already sedated, which helps avoid repeat sedation and visits. Being able to take x-rays at your property lets your horse skip the trailer ride to a clinic and stay comfortable in a familiar environment.
Radiology Technology
The specific x-ray equipment Epona Equine uses has clear advantages. The Stalo 810 digital radiography unit creates crisp images and has a large plate that allows Dr. Gnadt to capture larger areas in one frame, such as multiple vertebrae of the neck. The system can also calibrate and measure radiographs on the spot. This means real-life measurements of your horse’s hooves can be made immediately. These measurements can guide therapeutic trimming and shoeing by your farrier. Dr. Gnadt enjoys collaborating with farriers and is happy to schedule a joint appointment. Images are reviewed with owners immediately and can be sent to other veterinarians or farriers if needed.
Helpful Diagnostics with X-Rays
- Dental evaluation
- Lameness investigations
- Neck and back imaging
- Farrier collaboration
- Neurologic support
- Joint care planning
- Injury and emergency evaluation
- Monitoring chronic conditions
Radiology FAQs
Does my horse need to be sedated for x-rays?
It depends on the area being imaged and your horse’s comfort level. Some horses stand perfectly still for farrier radiographs and sometimes for hock views, especially with a calm handler and a familiar setting. However, most areas such as teeth, necks, stifles, and certain hoof or limb views require sedation because even small movements can blur the image and reduce diagnostic value. When sedation is recommended, it helps your horse stay relaxed and comfortable, improves image quality, and allows the appointment to move efficiently and safely.
Do I need to schedule a second appointment for x-rays?
Most of the time, no. Because the mobile x-ray equipment is on the truck, radiographs can usually be performed during your regular farm call if imaging is needed that day. A second appointment may be required if you are requesting radiographs of numerous areas of the body, if there are time constraints due to other scheduled farm calls after yours, or if additional planning is needed for a specific diagnostic workup. The goal is always to make the most of each farm visit while still giving your horse the time and care they deserve.
Why are x-rays important in treating my horse?
X-rays are a minimally invasive way to gather information that helps guide a treatment plan for your individual horse. Radiographs can help identify fractures, joint changes, hoof balance issues, and signs of arthritis, as well as support dental and performance-related diagnostics. They also provide a baseline for comparison over time, which can be especially helpful for monitoring chronic conditions or tracking rehabilitation progress. Most importantly, x-rays help reduce guesswork so decisions about rest, rehab, joint care, shoeing changes, or referral can be made with more confidence.
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All services are by appointment only.
Serving the greater Milwaukee area in Wisconsin with seasonal availability in the Northwoods Wisconsin. Serving clients in Dodge, Jefferson, Washington, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Ozaukee and Racine counties.
Available Monday – Friday from 9am to 5pm
Please avoid a $50 cancellation fee by rescheduling or cancelling your appointment 1 full business day in advance.
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414-379-2464