Page 187 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

– menisci

– bone.
VetBooks.ir • It is especially helpful in detecting lesions within the hoof capsule of the foot where other

imaging techniques are limited. The findings usually need interpretation together with the

use of other diagnostic techniques such as nerve blocks. With the use of MRI, several
sources of palmar foot pain (pain at the back of the foot) have been identified. Navicular
syndrome is now known to involve a range of structures including the coffin joint,

navicular bursa, tendons and ligaments within the hoof capsule in addition to the
navicular bone.

• It can localize flexor tendon injuries within the digital sheath that are not detectable with
ultrasound because of the position of the ergot.

The disadvantages

These include the following.

• The cost of the equipment.
• The machine can be noisy to operate so this needs to be considered when handling

animals.

• A specialist staff is required.
• Reading the images is time consuming and requires a great deal of experience.

• The images are occasionally disappointing if movement occurs, e.g. as a result of blood

flow through vessels or respiratory movements of the horse.

• The lower neck, body and upper limbs cannot be imaged.

Summary

MRI is particularly good at detecting pathological changes in tissues before they are visible
on radiographs or ultrasound. The use of this technique is improving our understanding of the
causes of equine lameness generally and foot pain in particular.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)

CT (computed tomography) is an advanced imaging technique that uses a rotating X-ray

machine and computer software to create cross-sectional images through the body. The
technique is particularly useful for showing the fine detail of complex anatomical regions