Imaging modalities for the equine distal limb

Abstract

There has been huge investment in computed tomography machines and standing equine magnetic resonance imaging systems across the UK in recent years, with several practices now offering both imaging modalities. It can be difficult to determine which of these imaging modalities is best for imaging the equine distal limb without a good understanding of how each of the imaging systems work practically, and which specific tissues are better evaluated using computed tomography compared to magnetic resonance imaging. It is often not known which tissue is injured when selecting an imaging modality to use. All standing systems, be it magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, are affected by patient motion, which can be markedly reduced by the use of general anaesthesia. This article describes the practical features of some of the various systems available for standing distal limb magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, and advises on case selection for each modality.