Posted: 8th October 2013 | Back to news feed
With Hallmarq MRI Equine Scanners in veterinary practices across the country having your horse or pony scanned to help diagnose the cause of lameness is now widely available.
Here we look at some of the common misconceptions found amongst horse owners when it comes to Standing Equine MRI.
- MRI is expensive - A clear diagnosis by MRI can end up costing less than conventional diagnosis. And MRI is covered by veterinary fee insurance (within policy limits).
- MRI is only for sport horses – MRI can give a valuable diagnosis for many types of horses, from family ponies to elite competition horses.
- My horse is lame, but I feel I should try other options before using MRI – MRI helps achieve rapid diagnosis, therefore eliminates the risk of further damage during the conventional cycle of block-treat-rest-reexamination.
- My vet doesn’t have a MRI scanner so I can’t use one - Vets are more than happy to refer horses to other practices. This is a regular occurrence.
- I’m afraid to ask my vet for a MRI scan – If you feel your horses lameness is not being diagnosed and you are going round in circles, MRI should be considered. The vet should be exploring this option.
- It takes too long – The procedure usually takes a day, an overnight stay is usually not necessary. The horse can be dropped off in the morning and collected in the evening.
- It’s only for lameness in the foot – Standing MRI is also valuable for problems higher up the leg, and for monitoring the progress of recovery from injury.
- Is it safe? – Yes. Your horse should normally only need sedation to ensure no movement and good image quality. No ionising radiation is used, and there are no known hazardous biological side effects.
- Is MRI accurate? - In 90% of cases MRI results in a clear diagnosis. Eliminating unnecessary and costly repeat tests and rest periods. The system allows precise targeting of the treatment required.
- It isn’t a common procedure - More than 40,000 horses have been scanned so far using a Standing Equine MRI Scanner.
For further information on MRI or to find your nearest MRI scanner contact Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging on (01483) 877812 or visit www.hallmarq.net.
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