THE USE OF MRI IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF EQUINE LIMB DISORDERS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that brings a new dimension to viewing and evaluating equine head and limb abnormal ities MRI is becoming increasingly available for clinical imaging of l arge and small animals. MRI uses the magnetic properties of tissues to create high resolution images. Currently MR imaging of equine patient s is limited to anatomical regions which can fit into the imaging gant ry and extend into the magnet's center. No adverse biological effects have been reported with MRI, although certain metals, such as horsesho es and medical implants containing ferrous metal, cannot be within the magnetic field. MRI offers its greatest clinical applications in the detection of soft tissue and cartilage abnormalities. MRI is likely to become a diagnostic imaging tool of choice for many equine limb disor ders as MRI systems become more widely available to the equine clinici an.