Acquisition and interpretation of radiographs of the equine skull

Abstract

Summary The complex anatomy of the equine skull creates a radiographic challenge. However, radiographs are a commonly required tool in diagnosing dental and sinonasal disease, as well as other disorders of the equine skull. High quality, complete radiographic studies are essential for adequate evaluation. Radiographic technique and interpretation are reviewed in this paper.

Radiographic, computed tomographic and surgical anatomy of the equine sphenopalatine sinus in normal and diseased horses

“…The paucity of reports of disease of the sphenopalatine sinus may reflect the difficulty in imaging this region of the skull and the involvement of the sphenopalatine sinus in sinusitis is considered to be underdiagnosed [15]. Interpretation of radiographs is challenging due to the superimposition of bony structures [16]. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have emerged as valuable diagnostic tools in the evaluation of the equine paranasal sinuses [17][18][19][20][21].…”

Maxillary Incisors of the Horse before and at the Beginning of the Teeth Shedding: Radiographic and CT Study

“…Radiographs were processed by computerized radiology (Fuji Computed Radiography, Capsule XL, CR-IR 356 ® Tokyo, Japan). Radiographs were obtained according to the standard procedures of intraoral dorsoventral technique, being the X-ray beam directed 90 • to the plane that bisects the angle between the 1st maxillary incisors and the imaging plate [1,3,4,22,27]. Radiographs, being the incisors crown down and the horse's left side presented to the viewer's right, were then assessed [3].…”

“…In horses, the grade of development of deciduous and permanent teeth, including incisors, has always been of great interest for veterinary clinicians to determine their age. Besides, knowledge of dental and periodontal regions is needed when dental and periodontal disorders, such as malocclusions, dental fractures, persistent deciduous teeth, supernumerary teeth, traumas, etc., are present in young animals [ 1 , 2 ]. Although visual examination of the mouth and radiography have always been the most-used methods by veterinary clinicians [ 3 ], recent diagnostic imaging procedures, such as computed tomography (CT), provide complementary and more precise information on dental examination in horses [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…The referred period would extend from the complete eruption of deciduous incisors, some months before twelve months of age, to the eruption of the first permanent incisor, at the age of thirty months [ 11 , 15 , 23 ]. High quality intraoral dorsoventral radiographs are an excellent tool to study the maxillary incisors [ 1 , 23 ]. Moreover, modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography complement and overcome the limitations of two-dimensional radiographic images.…”

Successful Treatment of a Persistent Oroantral Fistula via Transbuccal and Transnasal Endoscopic Debridement in a Horse

“…3,4 Correct diagnosis of related oral, dental, and sinus abnormalities requires a meticulous examination, and knowledge of the involved anatomical structures and ancillary diagnostic instrumentation, especially radiography and endoscopy, can be of particular value. [5][6][7][8] The treatment or oroantral fistula formation as a sequel of dental or periodontal disease and/or exodontia. [1][2][3][4]9 Fistulas can be a challenge for equine practitioners, and an appropriate treatment plan is often limited by owners' commitment, patience, and budget.…”