Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Technology.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is simply the most powerful diagnostic imaging modality available today. By using magnetic fields to scan the water content of your horse's tissue, MRI is capable of providing a clear precise three-dimensional image that is more detailed than radiography of even ultrasound. MRI allows our specialists to examine your horse's inner structure in a safe, non-invasive procedure, and because of its unparalleled accuracy, MRI allows us to better diagnose conditions such as lameness or head and neck problems.

MRI is considered the gold standard in human sports medicine.
It is both highly sensitive and specific with regards to identifying the underlying problem.

Options.

Our equipment is a standing, open MRI system, which allows patients to stand under mild sedation, so distal extremities (feet, pasterns, and fetlocks) and other body parts can be scanned in a weight-bearing state. This enables doctors to more precisely pinpoint your horse's source of pain. Your horse may also be scanned lying down under general anesthesia. This allows us to obtain images of the proximal limbs, which include hocks, knees, and suspensory ligaments.

Wisconsin Equine Clinic & Hospital  is one of only 16 equine veterinary clinic worldwide, and one of 8 in the United States to have this type of equipment. If you would like more information on our MRI department, our veterinarians and staff would be happy to arrange a consultation, or a tour of our facilities.