FARRIER TIPS

In ranking imaging modalities available for foot-related problems involving farriery, radiographs are still the best, according to veterinarian Gary Baxter of Colorado State University. 

"I think MRI is second most helpful, when looking at determining a shoeing plan. Ultrasound would be next, then scintigraphy, in listing these diagnostics in how they might be useful in foot problems/farriery.

"In general scintigraphy and CT scans would be least helpful because you are not neccessarily looking for indications of a fracture when determining how you are going to shoe the foot. That would be for the veterinarian to diagnose, to determine whether to fix it surgically or not."

Some diagnostic imaging modalities may be helpful from a surgical point of view, but would not necessarily be something the farrier would be involved with.


>>Return to the Farrier Tips archive