Neuroimaging MRI in equine

The equine head is an anatomically complex area, therefore advanced tomographic imaging techniques, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are often required for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Neuroimaging MRI, specifically focused on the brain and neurologic system, proves invaluable in providing clinical insights into various conditions such as tumors, strokes, aneurysms, neurological disorders, and trauma. The versatility of MRI in imaging healthy and pathological tissues with different contrasts positions it as a crucial instrument for assessing neurologic pathologies in horses.

MRI scans, known for their safety due to the non-ionizing and non-invasive nature of the method, are considered a cornerstone in veterinary diagnostics, offering a holistic approach for the well-being of our pets. Esaote's commitment to veterinary medicine is evident through its dedicated MRI VET line, designed to provide optimal solutions for various clinical applications, further advancing the diagnostic capabilities for equine healthcare.

The attainment of high-quality imaging in veterinary MRI necessitates specific scan protocols and meticulous workflows. Esaote's long standing collaboration with private veterinary clinics and universities, spanning over two decades, has been instrumental in crafting specialized designs and user interfaces tailored for veterinary practice.

Esaote's MRI systems are equipped with an extensive library of protocols, meticulously developed in collaboration with esteemed veterinary professionals. These protocols cater to animals of varying types and sizes, ensuring comprehensive coverage from the smallest to the largest pets. Veterinarians benefit from a specific set of sequences designed to facilitate swift examinations and high throughput, addressing a diverse range of pathologies in the most efficient manner.

Beyond hardware enhancements, Esaote places equal emphasis on the veterinary user interface. This interface is thoughtfully designed to enhance user familiarity, ultimately minimizing investigation time.

Indeed, for neurological cases in both humans and companion animals, MRI has emerged as the preferred diagnostic test due to its superior soft tissue contrast. This non-invasive and non-ionizing technique provides unparalleled resolution, enabling precise examination of the nervous system. The ability of MRI to distinguish grey and white matter regions, along with components of the ventricular system, makes it an indispensable tool for neurological assessments in companion animals.

When compared to the use of MRI to detect appendicular skeletal lesions in horses, equine skull MRI represents an area of limited growth. While using MRI to examine the equine head can be a challenging process, it consistently provides beneficial diagnostic information to the patient and treating clinician.

Esaote veterinary systems, such as G-scan Equine and Vet-MR Grande, offer a comprehensive range of sequences to address clinical questions and support veterinarians in diagnosing neurological disorders in horses. A standard neuro equine examination typically involves T1 and T2 weighted sequences, along with FLAIR (Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery), with contrast media management facilitated by the user interface. These systems contribute to proficient imaging of the equine head with high anatomical detail, providing a comfortable setting that supports clinicians in the diagnostic process.