Radiographs of the foot are always helpful to some degree regardless of when they are taken. However, their usefulness increases exponentially when they are taken at the time the Farrier is there. They can then relate those pictures to what they see when they pick up the foot. Radiographs taken weeks before the Farrier is horse-side aren’t relevant anymore. The parameters have all changed, the relationships have changed. Even better are radiographs taken as the Farrier is working on the horse. That provides real-time information on where we started, how we are changing it, and where we finished. Only then can we extract the most information from the radiographs and provide the most accurate adjustments to the foot. In this way only, we can provide the highest level of podiatry for the horse and owner. In this scenario the value of radiographs is maximized, thus the money you the owner spends on such radiographs is not wasted.

Real-time radiographs bring your Veterinarian and Farrier together. Each provides unique perspectives and insight into the assessment and recommendations for your horse. Real-time radiographs facilitate conversation, discussion and cooperation in providing your horse high quality care. Radiographs taken without the Farrier present usually result in a generic shoeing prescription being relayed through the owner to the Farrier. The prescription may not be feasible from the Farrier’s perspective; the Farrier may not have the tools or inventory to fill such a prescription; or the Veterinarian has prescribed a treatment that either is not possible for this particular horse, or may actually be detrimental. Very few Veterinarians are podiatrists. Very few Veterinarians put much time into studying the foot or have much experience with current podiatry treatments. For ailments in any other body part or system, owners seek out or are referred to Veterinarians who focus in that particular area. Why should it be any different when dealing with the foot? To maximize the owner’s monetary investment, the Farrier should be teamed with a Veterinarian who studies the foot. And that Veterinarian should be present with the Farrier.

What if you can’t get the Veterinarian scheduled with the Farrier? Then honestly, try another Veterinarian. Providing real-time radiographs for the Farrier is important. It does take much longer than zipping in, snapping a few shots, zipping out, and sending the radiographs to the Farrier later. However, as I stated above, that’s largely a waste of the owner’s money, and not terribly useful for the Farrier. The Veterinarian should schedule a block of time to be present and available for radiographs before, during and after the shoeing. This requires an investment of time; and many more radiographic pictures are taken than under other circumstances. Therefore, the cost is higher. But if you are concerned with the long-term soundness of your horse, the investment more than pays off.

So, let’s review the benefits of real-time radiographs:

1. More bang for your buck!

2. The most relevant information for your farrier

3.  Heightens the accuracy of the trim and shoeing

4.   Allows utilization of the best podiatry treatment options available for your horse

5.   Brings your Veterinarian & Farrier team together for the benefit of your horse

6.   Results in conversation and cooperation between your Vet and Farrier

7.   Allows everyone to be on the same page regarding evaluation and treatment, including the owner

8.   Team approach maximizes the accuracy of the assessment and prescription

9.   Gives the horse the highest level of care

10.  More bang for your buck!