What kind of imaging can be done on a horse?
Learn about the machines and technologies your veterinarian can use to look inside your horse, including MRI, CT, PET scans, and more. Over the past few decades manufacturers have introduced new equine diagnostic techniques and enhanced existing imaging modalities.
Can you scan a horse’s head and neck?
“Within the past five years, the medical imaging companies have made large machines designed for bariatric medicine, and there are now a number of ‘large-bore scanners’ in equine practice. We can get the horse’s entire head and neck into these machines.”
Do you need general anesthesia for a CT scan of a horse?
Essentially 3-dimensional radiography, CT is a quick imaging modality and can generate many cross-sectional images in seconds. Historically, general anesthesia was required since the equine patient must remain completely still during the scan. Specific scanner installation offers the option to perform standing CT of the head and neck in horses.
How much does a bone scan cost for a horse?
Bone scans can run anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 once you factor in hospitalization, sedation, catheterization, and more, he says. “CT usually requires general anesthesia, if the horse is lying down, and will run about $2,000,” Reilly says.
What are the different types of diagnostic imaging for horses?
Equine Diagnostic Imaging 101 1 Digital Ultrasound. No longer relegated solely to prenatal care, ultrasound has enjoyed a steady progression in both equipment quality and application since the mid-1980s. 2 Nuclear Scintigraphy (Bone Scan) This imaging approach is as high-tech as it sounds. 3 Lameness Locator. 4 Learning Curve.
Can a radiologist read a bone scan on a horse?
A radiologist may be able to shed some light on whether something seen on radiographs appears actively inflamed. If it’s still a question, a bone scan can provide the answer. For a bone scan, your horse will have a radioactive substance injected into his bloodstream.
Why does a horse come up lame on a radiograph?
For example, if your horse comes up suddenly extremely lame, a bone fragment identified in the radiograph that’s rounded and smooth is likely old and not the source of the sudden lameness. If it’s jagged and fresh-looking, however, there’s a good chance it’s the culprit.
Do you need radiography in a young performance horse?
Stifle radiography in the young performance horse is a fairly routine procedure for most equine practitio- ners.