The Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center is pleased to announce the installation of an Ellegro MRI unit. This will expand the diagnostic capabilities to determine the cause of lameness in areas ranging from the foot through the carpus and the hock.

MRI evaluations are typically performed after the lameness has been localized to a specific area but nuclear scintigraphy, radiographs and ultrasonography do not adequately depict the cause of lameness.

The MRI consists of the area of interest being evaluated in 3 different planes from front to back, top to bottom and side to side to obtain a thorough evaluation. Using the tissue’s response to radiofrequency pulses in the magnetic field, this technique can detect bony and soft tissue lesions such as fractures, bone cysts, erosions, edema, hemorrhage, bony avulsions, ligament and tendon inflammation or core lesions and adhesions.

This MRI unit necessitates general anesthesia to eliminate motion and optimize the image quality. Due to the magnetic field, shoes must be pulled and feet radiographed to ensure no small pieces of nail are left that can distort the image quality. A physical examination and blood work will be performed prior to the anesthesia. 

Horses may be dropped off the night before or early the day of the MRI, held off feed for 8 hours. After the MRI, they are monitored overnight and allowed to go home the next day.

The exam typically requires an hour and a half to complete. Once completed, preliminary results from a boarded radiologist are typically available that afternoon with a final report within 24-48 hours. We work closely with your veterinarian to provide optimal care and communication throughout the process.

Please call the office for further information. (609) 397-0078.