Horse owners faced with pinpointing lamenesses and other problems now have an arsenal of modern technologies at the ready. Think CT, ultrasound, MRI, and more. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Are CT, MRI, and X ray clear as mud? Learn about the appropriate uses for these imaging modalities and more.

Advances in medical technology aren’t just for people—our equine partners also benefit from an ever-increasing range of sophisticated diagnostic options. Case in point: Horse owners faced with pinpointing lamenesses and other problems now have an arsenal of modern technologies at the ready. Think CT, ultrasound, MRI, and more. So when is a simple radiograph sufficient, and when should you consider bringing in the big guns?  

The first thing to keep in mind is that each imaging modality doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Starting with a clinical examination, your veterinary team uses one or more diagnostic techniques to get a better idea of what’s going on inside your horse. Combining close observation and various examination techniques to reach a diagnosis means he or she can pursue a more precise and appropriate treatment plan.

Digital Radiography (X Rays)

Radiographs are the bread-and-butter of diagnostic imaging. Today’s portable machines are easy to use and produce high-resolution images that can be reviewed instantly on a laptop. Because radiographs are reasonably priced and it’s simple to send images electronically for evaluation, veterinarians rely on them for prepurchase and lameness exams