1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Chelsea Fulton

2. MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging is where molecules align on the basis of polarity and become magnetized. Coming together with radio frequency as multiple images, then all images are combined together to make one clear image. Has been around since the 1980s Use of a high power magnet causes the images to be display on to a designated computer for viewing Primarily used to view the spine, brain, and soft tissue

3. MRI Case History 4 year old Quarter Horse, named Goose, comes in with a right front grade 3 lameness that has been present for the past 3 weeks. After flexion test were done the source of the lameness was thought to be located in the suspensory ligament. Recommended MRI

4. Specialty equipment being used is a Standing MRI unit

5. Procedures An MRI is used to see certain body parts that will not show up on an radiography. An MRI can be used when a suspect area is seen on an Ultrasound but a clear picture is not available. Mainly done to view head, spine, and soft tissue.

6. How MRI is performed: Standing Equine MRI Unit With Goose being lame for 3 weeks with no improvement and MRI was recommended after Ultrasound didn’t show anything in the suspensory ligament area. The procedure of an MRI on the suspensory ligament, the horse will be walked in to the unit under sedation, hooked up to a Dormosedan (detomidine hcl) CRI for constant anesthetic drip.

7. How MRI is performed: Standing Equine MRI Unit (cont.) A coil will be placed cranial to the fetlock. Goose will them be placed squarely in the magnetic field and the magnet will be centered with the coil. A series of images will be taken and then the coil will be repositioned up the suspensory ligament. The previous process will be repeated until the entire suspensory ligament is imaged. The process will then be done on the opposite leg for a comparison.

8. Example of Standing MRI Unit Magnet Computer Screen to view images

9. Conclusion After the MRI was completed and viewed, a tear in the distal portion of the suspensory ligament was found. Owner was told to rest Goose, administer 2grams phenylbutazone twice daily for 5 days. The tapering off to 2grams once daily for 5 days. Keep leg in a standing wrap. Bring back in 10 days for an ultrasound recheck.

10. References Brown, M. & Brown, L. (2014). Radiology for Veterinary Technicians. 5 th ed. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier.