Clinical Technique
Venograms for Use in Laminitis Treatment

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Abstract

Venography is a very valuable tool that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of laminitis. It can be used to assess vascular damage in the hoof before changes in radiographic detail occur. When used at onset, the venogram proves to be most valuable. They can not only give baseline measurements but can also show the level of damage that has already occurred. Initial venograms allow farriers and veterinarians to evaluate what degree of corrective treatment is necessary for the best outcome. In addition, a series of venograms can show the process of pathology as well as recovery. From here, treatment can be altered to accommodate the case.

Introduction

Laminitis can result from any sort of trauma to the hoof. Although relatively common, laminitis is a complex problem that not only requires an in-depth analysis but also skilled treatment. Even for low-grade laminitis, aggressive treatment closest to the time of onset is required for the best results. In addition to radiographs in diagnosing the severity of laminitis, venograms can provide information that can determine the outlook of a case and help make timely treatment decisions. Venograms can assess vascular damage in the hoof even before alternations in radiographic detail occur. They also provide the only way for veterinarians to view the structural alterations of solar papillae, lamellar vessels, coronary plexus, and the terminal arch [1]. Treatment must involve cooperation of farrier and veterinarian to apply corrective shoeing and perform a tenotomy, if necessary, based on the severity of the case, which is assessed with comparative venograms. This article demonstrates how venograms are used to assess the level of severity of pathology in the hoof, choose an appropriate treatment, and follow recovery.

Section snippets

Materials and Methods

For the initial diagnosing and monitoring of the case, a standard radiograph machine is needed for taking radiographs as well as venograms. Venogram technique and materials have been previously described by Rucker [2] and Redden [3]. Along with the venogram materials, two equal-height blocks are needed for the horse to stand on while taking the radiographs. These allow the horse to have equal weight distribution. The primary beam is positioned just above the ground surface of the foot.

Discussion

The initial radiographs and venograms are the most crucial pieces of information because they give a baseline for the case (Fig. 1). The baseline measurements of sole depth, PA, medial-lateral balance, and coronary extensor process are among the most important for radiographic detail. The venogram will reveal the health of the vascular system in the hoof. This can be from completely normal displaying full contrast throughout the distal part of the hoof, to having a grave prognosis with only

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