Radiography, Scintigraphy, and MRI: Benefits and Pitfalls
Alexandra Beckstett
April 8, 2015
Review the options vets have for looking inside horses’ bodies to see what’s causing a limp, swelling, or pain.
Review the options vets have for looking inside horses’ bodies to see what’s causing a limp, swelling, or pain.
A veterinarian weighs in on radiographs, nuclear scintigraphy, and standing MRI for diagnosing subtle lamenesses.
Radiographs (X rays) and low-field MRI appear to be useful tools for diagnosing early-stage arthritis.
The field protocol is designed to be low-risk, efficient, economical, and effective in identifying lesions.
One vet said multiple abnormalities could contribute to hoof lameness, rather than just one problem.
How a horse stands during X rays might influence how vets interpret images when diagnosing kissing spines.
How a horse is positioned while X rays are taken significantly affects joint balance, researchers say.
Research shows that various angles of the outer and inner hoof are linked to different kinds of lameness.
One vet says radiographs can help in assessing a horse’s feet and developing a plan to maximize soundness.
Regardless of the vast collection of new discoveries and technologies available, a veterinarian’s time-tested knowledge and experience are still what determine arrival at the best diagnosis and treatment outcome.
Researchers found that clinical signs of cannon bone fractures in sport horses and racehorses were similar.
Dr. Liberty Getman, a surgeon at Tennessee Equine Hospital, describes the differences between plain-film, computed, and digital radiographs (X ray) and shows how a veterinarian takes digital radiographs of a horse’s lower leg.
A panel will present radiographic images of joints and endoscopic videos of throats Thoroughbred yearlings.
Digital radiography is up to 85% sensitive and 93% specific for diagnosing enterolithiasis in horses.
The presentation, “Latest Technologies in Diagnosing Equine Lameness,” was led by Kent Allen, DVM.
Each imaging option, such as MRI, radiography and more, serves a unique role in equine lameness diagnosis.
Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with
