Diagnostic imaging allows veterinarians to see inside the horse's body to identify the cause of lameness, illness or poor performance that may not be apparent on physical examination alone.
High quality imaging and expert interpretation can:
We provide access to a wide range of advanced equine imaging modalities, supporting both ambulatory referrals and hospital‑based cases.
Our diagnostic imaging services include:
Digital radiography provides detailed images of bones and joints, supporting the diagnosis of fractures, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Modern digital imaging allows for rapid image acquisition and accurate assessment as part of comprehensive patient care.
We also perform radiography of non-musculoskeletal areas, including the head (for dental and sinus conditions), lungs and abdomen. Our in-house high-powered gantry system allows us to image areas such as the neck, spine, thorax and abdomen, which can be difficult to assess with ambulatory equipment. Portable x-ray systems are also available for use in clinics and on ambulatory consults.
Equine MRI provides imaging of soft-tissue structures, supporting the diagnosis of complex musculoskeletal conditions. It is especially useful in cases lameness that has been localised to a region but other image modalities have been inconclusive.
MRI provides advanced 3D imaging and is the gold standard for assessing soft tissue structures, including tendons and ligaments. It is particularly useful for evaluating injuries within the foot, where ultrasound has limitations, and can detect bone bruising and early stress injuries that may not be visible with other imaging modalities such as CT.
Ultrasonography is a non‑invasive imaging technique used to assess soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments, as well as internal organs in real time. It is commonly used to investigate lameness, monitor healing of injuries, and support clinical decision-making, and is also an important tool for cardiac assessments and the investigation of conditions such as colic.
Nuclear scintigraphy is an advanced diagnostic imaging technique that highlights areas of increased bone activity.
A bone scan. Nuclear scintigraphy is most commonly used to screen and diagnose pathology involving the bone in horse with multiple limb lameness or subtle lameness.
A radioactive isotope (low level) is injected into the horse, which then distributes around the horse’s body. Areas of increased uptake (hotspots) can indicate bony changes/pathology causing lameness.
Nuclear scintigraphy is highly effective for detecting bone injuries such as stress fractures, as well as pathology in the upper limbs, back and pelvis, where radiography may be limited or not possible. It is particularly useful in cases where lameness cannot be localised with nerve blocks, when behavioural concerns or safety prevent thorough examination, or when imaging of higher limb structures is required.
This modality is also indicated when a full lameness work-up cannot be performed due to the risk of exacerbating underlying pathology (e.g. suspected fractures), and can identify marked muscle injury, including conditions such as “tying up”.
Our diagnostic imaging services support:
Imaging may be recommended following an on‑farm assessment, a hospital consultation, or referral from your local veterinarian.
As part of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden, diagnostic imaging at the Equine Centre is fully integrated with specialist services including:
This collaborative approach ensures imaging findings are interpreted within the full clinical context of your horse.
A veterinary assessment is required prior to imaging. This can be performed by one of our veterinarians at the clinic or provided via referral from your regular veterinarian.
Some imaging can be performed during a day visit or on the farm. Other imaging may require hospital admission, depending on the modality and your horse's needs.
Yes. Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in emergency and urgent cases and may be recommended once your horse is clinically stabilised.
No. A catheter will be placed. Standing sedation only, and the horse will be closely monitored throughout the scan.
We don’t have a CT, but we do have an MRI here if advanced imaging is needed.
