X-rays have long been the most commonly used imaging technique. An X-ray machine is now standard equipment in a veterinary practice. These invisible rays were discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who received the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for this technology, which has been used worldwide ever since.
An X-ray image is produced with the aid of an X-ray tube, inside which a high voltage is generated between two electrical conductors (electrodes, anode and cathode), causing electrons to accelerate. When the electrons (negatively charged elementary particles) hit the cathode, some of the energy is released in the form of electromagnetic waves, known as X-rays. This radiation penetrates the various tissues of the body to varying degrees, producing the X-ray image on the X-ray film (detector) behind it.
X-ray examinations enable the visualization of tissues inside the body. The higher the density of individual tissues, the more radiation is absorbed and the less is transmitted. Tissues that absorb a lot of X-rays, such as bone tissue, appear bright on the X-ray image. A lot of radiation passes through soft tissues and cavities onto the X-ray film. These areas appear dark or even black on the image.
Unlike analog X-ray technology, which required time-consuming development of X-ray films, modern X-ray systems consist of an X-ray tube and a digital X-ray system that converts the incoming rays into digital signals. This means that the X-ray image appears on the computer screen shortly after it is taken. Digital X-ray images also offer the advantage of better resolution and can be edited, for example enlarged, brightened, or darkened.
In order to obtain sharp and clear images, it is necessary to position the patient correctly and ensure that they do not move. Depending on the area of the body being examined, animals are placed on the examination table in a supine, lateral, or prone position. The relevant body parts are held in the correct position. Horses are X-rayed while standing. If it is not possible to perform an X-ray without movement, the animal must be given a mild sedative.
Since the X-ray image is only a two-dimensional representation of what is actually a three-dimensional object, several images are usually taken at different angles in order to reliably detect changes such as bone fractures.
If it is not possible to obtain an accurate image of individual tissues, an X-ray examination can be performed with the aid of a contrast agent. This involves injecting a specific contrast agent into the patient or administering it with food to create an artificial contrast. A contrast agent is often used to better visualize parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the urinary tract, or the blood vessels.
X-rays are electromagnetic waves that have a lot of energy and can break down chemical compounds, which is why they can cause significant damage to the body's cells. The extent of the damage depends on the dose of X-ray radiation. The radiation exposure from digital X-rays is now significantly lower than it was with analog X-rays.
The genetic material (DNA) of cells is particularly at risk. Damage to the DNA of germ cells (egg cells, sperm) can lead to hereditary diseases. Damage to the DNA of various body cells can cause cancer.
In practice, the X-ray beam is directed at a specific region of the animal's body. However, a small amount of radiation can always be measured in the examination room. Due to these risks, effective radiation protection is very important in X-ray diagnostics. Radiation protection clothing and the correct position when holding the animal offer a certain degree of protection against so-called scattered radiation. Young people under the age of 18 and pregnant women are at increased risk of radiation damage, which is why they are not allowed to be in the room during X-ray examinations.
The Radiation Protection Act and the Radiation Protection Ordinance set out all legal requirements for handling X-rays in medicine. This includes regular inspections of all X-ray equipment by the trade supervisory authority.
Laryngeal whistle syndrome, also known as hemiplegia laryngis or recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN), describes the paralysis of one side of the laryngeal muscles caused by a disorder of the nerve responsible for controlling them. The disease manifests itself through a typical sound during inhalation, which is why riders often say that the horse has a "tone." Large horses are particularly affected, with geldings and stallions more commonly affected than mares.
Liver disease has a complex effect on metabolism. Symptoms are nonspecific and only appear when 70% of the liver is no longer functioning. This means that liver disease is only detected once it is at an advanced stage.
Some breeds that have been bred by humans to achieve a desired appearance suffer from serious health problems: breathing difficulties, joint damage, eye problems, or limited ability to communicate – the list of diseases and affected animal breeds is long. But what exactly is torture breeding?
A horse is quite large, and the damage it can cause is considerable. In the event of an accident, the costs can easily run into several thousand dollars. A substantial sum may also be required if our horse falls ill or even needs surgery. Not to mention the financial worries if we lend our horse and it has an accident while being ridden. It is therefore very sensible and important to think about what would happen in the worst-case scenario. There are plenty of insurance policies available. Every horse owner and rider should find out exactly what is available and choose the right policy for their needs. Below is a list of some insurance policies and situations where they might be needed.
The word brachycephaly comes from Greek and means short-headed or round-headed. It describes the hereditary shorter and wider skull shape of some dog and cat breeds, which is reminiscent of the "childhood pattern" of young animals. The health consequences of this shortened facial skull are far-reaching and are referred to as brachycephalic syndrome.
This infectious disease caused by the coronavirus affects only cats and occurs worldwide. The disease remains one of the most common causes of death in cats. The name is derived from the most common symptom of this disease, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).
The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes between birds, but also to humans, horses, and other mammals. For a long time, it only occurred on the African continent. However, since 1999, the West Nile virus has also spread to the US. In 2018, it was detected for the first time in birds and two horses in Germany (Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt). Since then, infections have occurred in the summer and fall months. Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony are particularly affected. However, more and more cases are now also occurring in Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. West Nile infection is a notifiable animal disease.
Testicular tumors are the second most common type of tumor in male dogs and account for four to seven percent of all tumors in dogs overall. There are different types of tumors, with dogs with one or two undescended testicles (= cryptorchidism) having a significantly increased risk of developing a testicular tumor.
Unfortunately, our pets are not immune to cancer either. Malignant lymphoma is a malignant tumor that originates in cells of the immune system. Since these cells are mainly found in lymph glands, it is also referred to as lymph gland cancer.
A doping scandal in dressage riding brought this condition to the attention of riders and owners a few years ago. But what exactly is this condition? More and more horses, especially sport horses, are now affected by this neuromuscular disease, the causes of which are still largely unknown. It is considered incurable and can severely impair a horse's performance. Large, heavy horses between the ages of 4 and 7 are particularly at risk, as are horses with naturally high muscle tone. Male horses are more commonly affected than mares.
This disease, also known as endothelial dystrophy, is a change in the cornea of the eye and is similar to Fuchs' dystrophy in humans. This disease causes damage to the endothelial cells that form the innermost layer of the cornea.
