What is an MRI?

What is an MRI and why would my horse need one? MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and is really an example of quantum physics at its best! Without going into too much detail, MRI allows for viewing of bone and soft tissue structures at the same time. In addition, MRI gives a “window” into what is happening currently, at a given moment in time, as well as a view into what has happened in the past.
It is important to understand that an MRI is a useful tool but only in association with a very thorough diagnostic lameness workup. An MRI does not take the place of other useful diagnostic modalities such as radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound and nuclear scintigraphy. EQUIGEN, LLC will work in close association with your veterinarian to make sure that the appropriate area is being imaged and that this is the appropriate modality for your equine companion.
Due to certain limitations associated with this new technology, standing MRIs are currently only available for the fetlock, pastern and foot. Approximately 350 images are generated for each area imaged therefore it is not a “scanning” tool. One would not image “from the fetlock on down.” The standing MRI system at EQUIGEN has been particularly useful for imaging injuries associated with the foot.
The horny tissue of the hoof wall significantly limits our ability to image those soft tissue structures within it. Therefore often times when we have normal radiographs, but the horse blocks out in the foot, we say the lameness is associated with the foot but we do not what structure with which it is associated. The MRI system at EQUIGEN has been exceptional in providing answers to this dilemma. For example, many horses will have normal looking radiographs, but an MRI of the same foot will reveal inflammation in the navicular bone, similar to a bone bruise. This type of diagnosis is virtually impossible without MRI technology. Another example, thanks to MRI technology we have been able to diagnose lameness issues caused by injury to one of the many soft tissue structures associated with the foot such as the deep digital flexor tendon or the collateral ligaments of the coffin joint.