Walking On Volume 5, Issue 2, February 2018 | Page 8
For the Health of It
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
By VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a relatively
new type of imaging for horses. It works differently
from x-rays and ultrasound by detecting abnormal tis-
sue density and fluid in both soft tissue and bone based
on the tissue response to magnetization. In humans,
it is used for almost all body systems to identify both
bone, joint and soft tissues including the brain and
spinal cord. This has revolutionized detection of dis-
ease by understanding the metabolism changes, which
occur in different tissues with disease.
MRI for horses has been used for approximately 2
decades. Initially MRI studies could only be completed
with horses under general anesthesia in high field units
made for humans. In 2003 a low field open magnet
was created by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging for use
in standing horses. The Marion duPont Scott Equine
Medical Center (EMC) installed the Hallmarq MRI
in 2004. Since then, the predominate use has been for
foot diseases, but with improved software images of the
pastern, fetlock, cannon bone and knee are now possi-
ble if the horse stays still during image capture.
Horses need to be sedated so they can stand quietly
in open magnet. The magnet moves so that the region
of interest (ROI) is in the center of the magnet. Differ-
ent image sequences are used to identify the different
tissues and the abnormalities. This can take from 1-3
hours to get all the different image slices needed to see
all the structures.
The greatest advantage of MRI in horses is the ability
to detect damage to bones, tendons and ligaments that
can’t be diagnosed in any other way. This is particu-
larly true in the horse’s foot, which because of the hoof
visualization of the soft tissue structures is limited.
Because MRI creates images in multiple slim slices, a
3-dimensional reconstruction can provide the exact
location and severity of the injury.
The most common injuries in the foot are deep
digital flexor tendinopathy, navicular bone inflamma-
tion, coffin joint collateral ligament desmopathy, bone
bruises and joint distention. These injuries can only
be detected by MRI. Additionally, EMC has developed
MRI guided injection techniques for injuries to the
deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments in
the foot. This provides an accurate placement of plate-
let rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells to help treat these
injuries.
Nathaniel A. White, II
DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS
Professor Emeritus of Equine Surgery
The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center is a premier, full-service equine
hospital located in Leesburg, Virginia, and one of two hospitals of the Virginia-Mary-
land College of Veterinary Medicine. We offer advanced specialty care, 24-hour
emergency treatment, and diagnostic services for all ages and breeds of horses. Our
team of equine specialists in internal medicine, reproduction, sports medicine and
rehabilitation, and surgery is committed to providing exceptional treatment for
patients; superior service to clients; education for referring veterinarians, future
veterinarians, and clients; and cutting-edge research to the equine industry.
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