Lameness Diagnostics
During a complete lameness examination our veterinarians will determine where the horse is lame and how severe. Diagnostic nerve blocks may be used to pinpoint origins of lameness and this is done by injecting a local anesthetic under the skin by specific nerves. In doing so, the doctor can isolate which part of the leg is causing pain.
Digital radiography is an important tool in diagnosing lameness. Eklin portable digital radiography units consist of a preliminary storage and viewing unit, and a digital plate that captures the image. This allows the veterinarian to see high quality x-ray images immediately on a computer screen and manipulate the image, by magnifying it and adjusting the contrast, to locate minute problems, sometimes in the development stage, allowing treatment to begin quickly. The system also reduces the number of retakes as the radiograph quality can be assessed at the time of the examination. Diagnosis may be made in the field, or radiographs can be stored and viewed at the clinic for further analysis.
The portable unit also allows radiography of area of the body such as the thorax and cervical spine, which were previously impractical to radiograph in the field.
Ultrasound imaging , a tool that was partially developed for universal use at the Randall Veterinary Hospital by Dr. Ronald Genovese, allows doctors to assess soft tissue images in great detail and monitor healing. Ultrasound machines can be used at the clinic or in the field to assist in the diagnosis or numerous joint, tendon and ligament injuries, as well as conditions including pneumonia, abdominal pain, umbilical infection and late term pregnancy. Information about moving structures such as the heart and intestinal tract can also be obtained through ultrasound and Color Flow Doppler Dus.
Cleveland Equine Clinic is proud to offer clients and referrals the region's only Hallmarq standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The benefits of MRI include the highest quality images of bone and soft tissue which promote a clear diagnosis. MRI is the only technique that distinguishes between the many causes of palmar foot pain. Horses are put under light sedation, while standing during the MRI. In over 90 percent of the cases, diagnosis is immediate.
As compared to other MRI procedures in the field, the horse has to be under general anesthesia while laying down, which causes additional stress to the horse. If further diagnostic images are required, this MRI machine is capable of conforming to general anesthesia techniques.
The MRI is ideal when chronic lameness has been localized to the foot or in the distal limb by a nerve block, when radiographs are negative, difficult to interpret or inconclusive, or when access by ultrasound is difficult or not possible. The standing MRI is used to identify bone and soft tissue lesion in the foot, pastern and fetlock including abnormalities, inflammation and fractures in the navicular bone, coffin bone, pastern and foot abnormalities.
During the MRI procedure, the horse arrives at the Ravenna facility in the morning and goes home the same day. The shoes are removed and the horse is mildly sedated. The horse remains standing during the procedure, which typically takes about two hours. When possible, images are taken of both legs for comparison purposes. If a client lives out of state, overnight accommodations are provided for the horse.
A venogram is performed when radio opaque dye is injected into a vessel and follows the blood flow to the tissue to provide another diagnostic tool.