Lexington (859) 233-0371

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MRI

An Earlier & More Accurate Diagnosis

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is available at Lexington.

Advances in equine imaging modalities have increasingly allowed us to diagnose abnormalities more completely and accurately than ever before. At Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, we offer the latest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems to provide your horse’s most advanced diagnostic imaging.

MRI scans use strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to produce thin-sliced, high-resolution images that provide superior bone and soft tissue detail. These images are especially helpful in diagnosing problems of tendons and ligaments as well as areas of bone bruising. An MRI scan is also helpful in evaluating the brain in cases of neurologic disease. In equine sports medicine, an early and accurate diagnosis with an MRI can improve a horse’s long-term athletic soundness and reduce their time out of work.

In many cases, MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing injury. Most horses referred for MRI have problems that have shown few or no abnormalities with radiographs, ultrasound, nuclear scintigraphy or even computed tomography (CT). Rood & Riddle is one of a handful of private equine hospitals in the country with this level of MRI technology.

The MRI unit at Rood & Riddle is a 1.5 Tesla high-field magnet. The doughnut-shaped magnet enables imaging in large horses up to the knee and hock, the head and portions of the neck. In foals, weanlings and miniature horses, the recumbent unit can often image any area of the body, including the thorax, abdomen, neck and stifle. With the precise location of the problem area, targeted treatment can then be recommended, a prognosis can be clarified and a more satisfactory outcome can be reached.

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