Advanced equine diagnostics – developments in computed tomography

Advancement in veterinary imaging technologies to assess pathology in the horses has been greatly improved since the development of computed tomography in the 1970s. These technical innovations have enabled faster acquisition times, lower patient doses of radiation and easier care of the patient during scanning. A wide range of computed tomography scanners are now available to the veterinary market, from companies providing second hand refurbished scanners, to those tailoring computed tomography scanners to the veterinary market. In turn, this makes the price of purchase, or rental, much more feasible to the industry. The financial implications of purchasing a scanner need to be reviewed to ensure viability, as well as identifying maintenance costs, space, specialist staffing and case load. However, even with access to advanced imaging devices such as computed tomography, imaging the equine patient comes with its own complexities and limitations. Owing to their size and anatomy, passing the relevant structures through the gantry can be difficult in itself, often requiring the administration of general anaesthetic to acquire suitable images, which comes with its own set of risks and additional costs. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to further develop the skills and abilities needed for standing computed tomography.