MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE EQUINE FOOT

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of magnetic resona nce imaging to depict abnormalities of the equine foot. MRI was perfor med on isolated limbs which had lesions of the foot. These images were made in 3 perpendicular planes (sagittal, transverse and frontal) usi ng a T1 weighted sequence and were 5mm thick. Images accurately depict ed normal and pathologic structures in the foot and proved to be very precise for documenting degenerative joint disease, navicular disease and laminitis lesions. This preliminary study demonstrates the conside rable potential of MRI in the diagnosis of locomotor problems in the h orse.