Diagnostic Imaging

Equine Diagnostic Imaging

Computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) are employed at the UQ VETS Equine Specialist Hospital to obtain high quality diagnostic images. A powerful ceiling mounted tube and vertical bucky enables high quality images of larger parts (adult thorax, neck) to be obtained. Myelography is performed under general anaesthesia.

The UQ VETS Equine Specialist Hospital has the first dedicated equine CT in Australia. The Toshiba 16 Slice CT Scanner provides cross sectional imaging with resolution to 0.5mm slices and rapid acquisition (often less than 30 seconds). CT is particularly useful for detecting lesions in bone. Contrast enhancement also enables the use of CT as a sensitive diagnostic tool for soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) particularly within the hoof capsule. We are also able to obtain CT imaging of the equine head, neck and limbs.

The nuclear scintigraphy suite is the first nuclear medicine facility for veterinary use in Queensland. Nuclear scintigraphy, also known as ‘bone scanning’, is a useful tool to locate areas of increased metabolic activity "hot spots" in bone and sometimes soft tissue. Done with the horse standing and horses can be discharge

d two days after the examination is completed when they are no longer radioactive. Nuclear scintigraphy is particularly useful for diagnosing complicated problems such as subtle or high speed lameness, multiple limb lameness, and problems in the back and pelvis.

Ultrasound and Cardiology

Ultrasonography of the musculoskeletal system, thorax and abdomen is performed using state of the art equipment including a top-of the range human ultrasound machine and a high resolution portable unit for cases unable to get to the ultrasound suite. For complex ultrasound cases the hospital employs a dedicated clinician, Dr. Claire Underwood, who is one of the few in the world that have spent several years training in equine ultrasound and cardiology under ultrasound guru Dr Virginia Reef in the USA. Ultrasound is particularly useful for diagnosis of tendon and ligament injuries, chronic colic, weight loss and respiratory problems. Ultrasound guided injections of the back (articular facets) and tendon and ligament injuries are performed frequently.

The UQ VETS Equine Specialist Hospital offers the only dedicated equine cardiology service in Australia staffed by both a cardiology specialist (Dr Fiona Campbell), equine internal medicine specialists (Dr van Eps and Dr Norton), and a clinician with specific training in equine cardiology (Dr Underwood). Resting electrocardiograms (ECGs), 24 hour ECGs and exercising ECGs are used to investigate heart rhythm abnormalities. 2D

echocardiography, colour Doppler, tissue Doppler and speckle analysis are used to diagnose structural and functional cardiac abnormalities and establish the cause of heart murmurs. Treatment of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation is performed in hospital under 24 h ECG surveillance.