RADIOGRAPH
An “X-Ray”. An image produced by photographing artificially generated radiation which passes through visually opaque matter. Only dense objects, such as bone, are normally visible on radiographs, although soft tissue images can be produced thr ough special techniques.
RELIEVED
Describes a horseshoe that is beveled or depressed on the inner half of the web on the hoof-facing surface, except for the heels. This is done to prevent the shoe from applying pressure on the sole of the hoof.
RESECTION
An operation involving the removal of part of an organ or structure.
RESET
To remove a horseshoe, trim the hoof, then reattach the same horseshoe. a.k.a: Shift.
RESPIRATION RATE (RESTING)
Average 12 breaths per minute (8 to 16 range).
RETAINED SOLE
The sole of a hoof which does not exfoliate normally. This can be a beneficial trait, as the retained sole provides extra protection for the hoof’s internal structures. a.k.a: False sole.
RETROGRADE VENOUS THERAPY
A veterinary procedure which involves placing a tourniquet above the fetlock, then injecting a substance into a vein, forcing it to flow backwards through the circulatory bed into the arteries. Infusing plasma from a healthy horse in this way has been suggested as a possible treatment for acute laminitis.
REVERSE SHOE
See: Backwards Shoe.
RINGBONE
Exostosis in or around the coffin or pastern joint, or on the pastern bones. High ringbone is in or near the pastern joint and is usually palpable. Low ringbone is in or near the coffin joint, and often is not directly visible. Articular ringbone actually involves a joint. Periarticular ringbone is located around, but not within a joint. Exostosis on the pastern bones, between the joints, is called false ringbone or non-articular ringbone.
ROAD FOUNDER
General breakdown of the hoof as a result of external stresses and/or age. Road founder often resembles founder proper, with failure of the laminae and loss of horn vitality, but usually has no acute onset via laminitis.
ROAD PUFF
See: Wind Puff.
ROCKERED TOE
A horseshoe that has been bent upward toward the hoof at the toe. This eases and directs breakover. Hooves must be specially prepared to receive rocker toe shoes.
ROENTGEN RAYS
See: X-rays.
ROLLED TOE
A horseshoe that has been rounded or beveled on the outer edge of the ground surface at the toe. This eases breakover. The hoof side of the shoe is left flat, so the hoof needs no special preparation.
ROPE WALKING
A gait defect which results in the horse’s tracks being left in a single line, as if the animal had been walking on a tightrope. Horses that ropewalk are likely to interfere. a.k.a: Cat walking.
ROTATION
See: True P III rotation; capsular rotation; founder.
ROTATIONAL DEFORMITIES
Conformational growth problems where the bones are properly in line vertically but some are not facing the right direction – rotated in or out from the vertical line.
ROUNDING HAMMER
Tool used by the farrier at the anvil to shape metal or shoes, usually weighing 2 to 4 pounds. One face is flat and one face is round.
RUN-UNDER HEELS
See: Underrun Heels.