{"id":14604,"date":"2024-11-01T15:15:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T15:15:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/2024\/11\/01\/unveiling-the-magic-of-mri-in-equine-lameness-2\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T08:31:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:31:48","slug":"unveiling-the-magic-of-mri-in-equine-lameness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/us\/2024\/11\/01\/unveiling-the-magic-of-mri-in-equine-lameness\/","title":{"rendered":"Unveiling the Magic of MRI in Equine Lameness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Revolutionizing the approach to equine lameness examination for over two decades, MRI is still evolving to deliver detailed images that are truly transformational. AI technology can now help create magnetic resonance images that have even more clarity with enhancements to motion correction software, and with image denoising that can reduce scan times by up to 75%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We take a look at the magic of MRI and what its continued development means for both patient and practitioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Standing Equine MRI?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unparalleled Detail Across all Tissue Types<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Now considered the gold standard for imaging the equine foot of the standing horse, Standing Equine MRI delivers highly detailed, three-dimensional images that visualize both bone and soft tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnostic in over 90% of cases, Standing Equine MRI identifies the specific cause of lameness. This level of precision is crucial for pinpointing the source of lameness, especially in the lower limb where a variety of structures can be affected. Capturing everything from the subtle tears in tendons and ligaments to the early signs of bone and cartilage changes, MRI can detect even the smallest lesion or inflammation. Its use leads to a more accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Power of Prevention <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

MRI is not just about seeing injuries that have already happened. Its real magic is in its ability to detect early, subclinical changes: <\/strong>conditions like bone edema, tendonitis, or early-stage osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often missed by other imaging techniques until they progress or become more advanced, MRI identifies these issues at their onset, allowing early intervention. Prevention is better than cure and Standing Equine MRI gives you the ability to diagnose injuries that could become more severe in the long term, giving your patients a better chance of full recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing MRI: The Safe and Affordable Choice<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Down MRI undoubtedly places a larger demand on practice staff with highly skilled personnel needed to administer anesthesia, and several people are required to ensure the safe positioning of the horse in the magnet. The patient will need constant monitoring for the duration of the scan process with additional costs passed on to the horse owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In comparison, Standing Equine MRI can be operated by just two staff \u2013 one qualified by Hallmarq to operate the machine and one to manage the patient. Since standing MRI does not require GA, mild sedation is generally sufficient, image acquisition is complete in a matter of hours as opposed to the lengthier procedure that down MRI demands. The practice and horse owner benefit from associated cost savings and most veterinarians can see more patients in less time<\/a>, thus generating more revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo courtesy of Endell Equine Hospital<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Hallmarq’s Standing Equine MRI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Standing Equine MRI introduces another unique difference: it allows you to image horses in their natural, weight-bearing state. This can make diagnosing acute lameness even more effective; the scan is done with the limb positioned in the way that the horse actually bears its weight. Imaging under load helps reveal problems that might otherwise only show up in a functional posture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Precision for Targeted Treatment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest challenges in managing musculoskeletal injuries is determining exactly which structure within the limb is injured. With MRI, you get pinpoint precision in diagnosing the location of the injury. Whether it\u2019s a tear in the deep <\/span>digital flexor tendon<\/a>, damage to the navicular bone, or early cartilage erosion in a joint, MRI gives you clear, specific answers. This level of detail allows you to tailor treatment methods with confidence, whether it\u2019s regenerative therapy, corrective shoeing, or surgical intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeing What Other Modalities Can’t<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In those cases where the horse remains lame – despite inconclusive findings from X-rays, ultrasound, or even nerve blocks – MRI shines. Problems like tendon or ligament injuries, bone oedema, or conditions attributed to navicular disease are often only visible with MRI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our comprehensive case studies gallery showcases real-life clinical cases where the use of Standing Equine MRI has made a difference in diagnosis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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View Case Studies Gallery<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For example, a horse with persistent, unexplained lameness in the foot may show nothing on radiographs or ultrasound. However, MRI can reveal something like inflammation of the navicular bone or flexor tendon damage that was previously invisible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can We Improve on the Magic of Standing Equine MRI?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The answer is a resounding yes!<\/strong> The gold standard just got better with innovative technologies that embrace advancements in motion correction and AI algorithms to help deliver clearer images, in half the time, without any loss of resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iNAV for Truly Transformational Imaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While scanning the weight-bearing horse has its advantages, even the most well-behaved horse will shift its weight occasionally during a Standing Equine MRI scan. Hallmarq has won industry recognition for its unique motion correction software designed to compensate for a horse\u2019s natural sway. Now, as part of our ongoing dedication to continuously improve image quality, enhanced imaging with iNAV is available!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest addition to our innovative motion-correction software, this ground-breaking technology further reduces image artefacts caused by patient movement. With iNav, you can expect clearer visualization of intricate structures, leading to more precise diagnoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The introduction of iNav has dramatically advanced magnetic resonance imaging of the standing horse and strengthened our confidence in diagnosing clinically significant injuries in the proximal limb.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Natasha Werpy, DVM DACVR<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

iNAV is particularly beneficial for scanning anything above the foot. It can transform images of the proximal suspensory, carpus, tarsus, and fetlock regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figures 1 and 2 (below) show before and after images of the proximal suspensory imaged with and without iNAV: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 1: T2 FSE TRA FAST proximal suspensory     <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Figure 2: T2 FSE TRA iNAV<\/strong> proximal suspensory<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I have been playing with the updated iNAV. It is amazing!  I was genuinely astonished by the quality of the T2W scans on a fidgety patient today. Based on the amount of motion, I was expecting the scan to look like mush, but it was beautiful. It looked better than the T1s!  I’m very impressed with what you guys have done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ben Anghileri, BVetMed MRCVS Clinical Director, Oakham Veterinary Hospital<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

iNAV has been designed specifically to further enhance what Standing Equine MRI can already see. What\u2019s more, iNAV is available to all of our Standing Equine MRI customers and \u2013 at no extra charge<\/strong>! Listen to what Dr. Steve Roberts, Hallmarq’s CTO, has to say about iNAV for truly transformational imaging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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