Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiology

Both digital and computed radiography are offered at CVMC. A custom high power overhead radiography tube is used for imaging specialized equine anatomy such as the abdomen, thorax, spine, and the more proximal deep skeletal joints. One of our several mobile digital radiography units can be used stall side, in the field, or intraoperatively depending on the needs of each patient. All images are stored digitally on the CVMC server and can be easily emailed to any authorized and interested parties.

Myelography

Myelography is a type of radiologic study utilizing radio-opaque contrast material to determine if spinal cord compression is present. The patient is anesthetized, a spinal needle is advanced into the spinal canal and contrast material is injected to highlight the outline of the spinal cord. Most often, this diagnostic study is recommended for horses with Wobbler's disease or spinal trauma to determine if further intervention including surgery or medical care is indicated. We offer sling recovery for any neurologic horse post-anesthesia to ensure the safest outcome for your horse.

Nuclear Scintigraphy

More commonly known as bone scan, a small radioactive particle is injected intravenously and binds to sites of bone turnover and inflammation (osteoarthritis). Upon scanning the skeleton following injection, a subtle source of lameness including mild osteoarthritis, stress fractures, certain cancers and other difficult to diagnose causes of lameness can be determined. Alternatively, the use of different compounds and imaging schedules can allow the diagnosis of soft tissue and vascular injuries, infections, and urinary tract abnormalities.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a diagnostic modality that is non-invasive and painless, allowing your veterinarian to get a real-time view of your horses internal organs and tendons and ligaments. Utilizing some of the highest quality ultrasound technology available, our highly trained veterinarians can quickly gain critical information about your horse's condition.

Ultrasound is frequently used for the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and soft-tissue injuries, during advanced lameness workups, colic evaluations, most internal medicine assessments, for breeding management, diagnosis of pregnancy, and cardiac imaging. Color flow doppler ultrasonography is a type of ultrasonography used by our specialist veterinarians to assess direction and turbulence of blood flow. It can be useful in the assessment of cardiac abnormalities, vascular diseases or anomalies or during evaluations of fetal health.

Endoscopy

Upper Airway


Upper airway endoscopy is used to evaluate the upper respiratory tract including the throat (larynx), guttural pouches, and trachea, most commonly in horses with poor performance, abnormal respiratory noise, and nasal discharge or bleeding. The use of high definition imagery allows for the detection of even the most subtle abnormalities. In difficult cases where static endoscopy is not fully diagnostic, dynamic endoscopy can be performed to examine upper airway function while the horse is at work.

Gastroscopy


Gastroscopy is a type of endoscopic exam that allows us to comprehensively evaluate the stomach and esophagus of your horse. This diagnostic modality allows us to diagnose gastric ulcers, esophageal trauma, and can help with resolution of esophageal obstruction, among other uses. It allows for real-time evaluation of your horse's upper gastrointestinal tract health when trouble arises. Gastric ulcers can be a common consequence of stress, illness or vigorous work and can be managed medically with medication and dietary alteration as needed.

Dynamic Endoscopy

Upper airway endoscopy can be performed while the horse is tacked up and under normal working conditions. This is performed when a static endoscopic examination is not definitive or in difficult cases where disease can only be diagnosed while the horse is working in its normal environment. Dynamic endoscopy can be performed at the farm or the riding arena located at CVMC.

MRI

We are proud to announce the newest addition of our standing MRI. Standing foot, fetlock, and even suspensory ligament MRI studies will be available. Visit the Hallmarq website for further information.

CT

We offer a CT or computed tomography services for both small animal and equine through a mobile unit. This allows us to take small beam “x-rays” to get a better picture of a 2D image in a 3D animal. This can be used both as a diagnostic and a surgical aid.