Thoracic radiographs in foals and adults. Taking better radiographs and how to read them

Thoracic diseases in horses most commonly involve the respiratory tract, but injury to the ribs or thoracic wall, diaphragm, oesophagus or mediastinum also occur. It is rare that thoracic radiographs provide a definite diagnosis as pathognomonic radiographic findings are uncommon [1]. In most cases, thoracic radiographs are used to rule out radiographically visible lesions or obtain a better impression of size and location of a lesion. Accumulation of fluid, exudates, cellular infiltrates or reorganisation of connective tissue (fibrosis/scarring) cannot be differentiated radiographically and thoracic radiographs should be taken with a clear question in mind, acknowledging their limitations and avoiding overinterpretation ...