Imaging, Not Imagining
Imaging, Not Imagining Animal Health Trust Equine is unique in its ability to diagnose and manage injuries in performance horses, and is a recognised centre of excellence in the field of equine orthopaedics. The team at AHT Equine, including leading clinicians Sue Dyson and Rachel Murray, has built up a wealth of knowledge by comparing images produced by different techniques and relating this back to the clinical problem. |  |
A special gamma camera can then capture images of the region under investigation. Since installing the system in 1997, the Trust has treated over 3,500 cases, but in recent years, technology has progressed rapidly and there is now increased potential for new applications, including the exciting possibility that equine diagnostics could follow the human field and even produce 3D images. AHT Equine has been offered the opportunity to become involved in this exciting innovation if we are able to install a suitable system.
Ultrasonography, also known as ultrasound, is a non-invasive procedure which enables deep structures of the body to be visualised by recording the reflections of high energy sound waves directed at tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. Unfortunately, we are now encountering difficulties relating to the slow speed of image acquisition and digital archiving. This is greatly reducing the number of cases able to benefit from our expertise. Improved efficiency would also increase our ability to undertake clinical research, improving lameness diagnosis, future research and ongoing equine welfare.
Radiography produces images, called radiographs, of internal structures by passing x-rays through the body. AHT Equine already has in place computed radiography technology providing digital images which are of superior diagnostic quality to traditional x-ray images. However, the actual x-ray machine obtaining these images needs to be replaced in order to provide clinical excellence and allow us to undertake research in support of the veterinary profession.
 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (more commonly known as MRI) is a procedure by which a magnet linked to a computer creates a 3-dimensional view of a horse's limbs, head or internal structures. At the AHT, we have two MRI scanners; a high field scanner, also used for small animals, which requires the horse to be anaesthetised, and a new standing MRI system for which they only need to be sedated. No other institute in the world has both systems available for clinical purposes. Annual maintenance costs for both MRI scanners are substantial, but they are working efficiently and we do not envisage needing to replace them for some years. All of the above is required to enable us to fulfill our ongoing commitment to the equine sports disciplines. |
If you would like to help us raise the funds for this appeal, please call the fundraising team on 01638 555648 or email fundraising@aht.org.uk Article and photograph copyright: Aninal Health Trust http://www.aht.org.uk/ |  |
Added on: 07/07/08. Views: 278
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