Co-ordination at the heart of equine diagnostics
How do you ensure consistent MRI interpretation across two clinics located 500 km apart? At La Clinique du Cheval, the answer lies with one person: Javier Munoz, a passionate equine clinician who has built a strong bridge between advanced imaging and hands-on clinical practice.
In 2024, La Clinique du Cheval reached a new milestone by installing a second Standing Equine MRI unit at its Cagnes-sur-Mer site, complementing the existing system near Toulouse. This strategic expansion strengthened the clinic’s advanced imaging services while maintaining continuity in clinical expertise. At the core of this success is one clinician: Javier Munoz.
Unlike other practices where MRI scans are interpreted remotely by board-certified radiologists, La Clinique du Cheval opted for real-time interpretation by a practicing clinician, fully integrated with the horse’s clinical examination.
Javier oversees MRI reading for both sites, ensuring immediate review – even for scans performed in Cagnes – from his office in Toulouse.
This setup is made possible by seamless team communication and forward planning: both sites’ technicians were trained even before the MRI systems were installed, ensuring consistent quality. The mirrored approach fosters an ongoing dialogue between clinical assessment and imaging, allowing each case to be viewed holistically.
And the results speak volumes: since adopting this model, 657 MRIs have been performed, including 217 in 2024—a figure that continues to grow. This upward trend reflects the trust referring vets and horse owners place in this integrated approach.
What makes the difference isn’t just the image—it’s the clinical interpretation we bring to it. Being close to the horse, knowing its history, observing its responses—this gives meaning to every MRI.”
Javier Munoz, Clinician – La Clinique du Cheval
Why Standing Equine MRI at Cagnes-sur-Mer?
Following the success of the Grenade site, the decision to install a Hallmarq Standing MRI in Cagnes-sur-Mer was a natural next step. The equipment, known for its safety and accuracy, delivers high-quality imaging without the need for general anesthesia. In the hands of a clinical expert like Javier, it becomes a powerful diagnostic tool.
The increasing scan volume—especially at Cagnes—reflects the growing demand for efficient, accessible, and clinically relevant imaging. Thanks to this unique setup, La Clinique du Cheval delivers exactly that.
What’s next for La Clinique du Cheval?
With two MRI-equipped sites and a centralised clinical coordination, La Clinique du Cheval continues to build its approach around integrated clinical imaging. The goal: to maintain top-tier technical expertise while strengthening the connection to real-world cases—horse by horse.
This technical expertise is not sought for prestige, but because it is essential. It is the only way to achieve a precise diagnosis—and thus provide the horse with the most appropriate treatment for its condition, history, and intended use.
This combination of clinical insight and medical rigour defines the ongoing evolution of La Clinique du Cheval.
To find out more about La Clinique du Cheval, click here
