Equine Applications
MRI, a non-invasive and non-radiographic technology, was first used in equine medicine over 10 years ago. Since that time, MRI technology has broadened to provide cutting edge diagnostics on regions including:
Entire body of small horses and foals.
Stifle Region –The Siemens Espree MRI scanner is the only scanner with the ability to scan up to the stifle region, making it the optimum choice for equine medicine.
Hoof - MRI is the only tool that can get a complete picture of the entire hoof, including soft tissue and bone.
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Transverse image of a horse
with deep digital flexor
tendonitis. |
Fetlock (Ankle) – MRI can provide information about bone, such as the presence of OCD lesions as well as cartilage and ligament injuries
Suspensory Region – MRI goes beyond ultrasound technique to pinpoint exact injury locations
Carpus (Knee) – Both bone and soft tissue can be imaged with MRI technology.
Tarsus (Hock) – The entire hock can be fully examined using MRI.
Head, Neck and Spine – Tumor, injury and neurological problems in both adult horses and foals can be examined using MRI.
Coronal image of a horse with a sinus mass suspected to be squamous cell carcinoma.
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Intraspinous ligament trauma with resulting impingement of spinal cord. |
General anesthesia is administered prior to MRI scanning to ensure proper positioning of the horse and to minimize movement during the exam. For a complete and comparative evaluation, orthopedic scans (lameness evaluations) will include both the injured and uninjured limb at the identified site of injury. Typically, MRI will take about 1 hour.
MRI will provide detailed images of both soft and hard tissue – allowing veterinarians to see structures that can’t be viewed with more traditional diagnostic methods. The use of MRI improves diagnosis and often prognosis for a variety of equine lameness and disease issues. Applications are appropriate for foals, performance horses, breeding stock, of all shapes and sizes.
To schedule an appointment, please call 859-685-3732 |
