Equine MRI
Advanced Imaging for Precise Injury Diagnosis
When lameness is persistent or difficult to pinpoint, MRI provides the most detailed internal view of your horse’s musculoskeletal system. At Cave Creek Equine™ Sports Medicine & Surgery, we offer both standing and recumbent MRI options, allowing us to select the safest and most effective approach for each individual case.
Our clinic is proud to be the only veterinary facility in Arizona equipped with the Esaote MRI, a state-of-the-art machine specifically designed for large animal imaging. With its advanced capabilities, we can obtain high-resolution images of both bone and soft tissue—including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the hoof capsule—helping us diagnose issues that other imaging methods can miss.
What is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create highly detailed, cross-sectional images of your horse’s internal structures. Unlike X-rays or ultrasound, MRI excels at visualizing soft tissue and subtle bone changes, especially in the lower limb and foot, where lameness often originates.
At Cave Creek Equine™, we use MRI to:
- Identify deep or hidden sources of lameness
- Diagnose soft tissue injuries inside the hoof capsule
- Evaluate cartilage and joint abnormalities
- Detect early signs of stress fractures and bone bruising
- Guide regenerative therapies and surgical decisions
Standing vs. Recumbent MRI: Tailored to Your Horse’s Needs
We provide two approaches to equine MRI:
Standing MRI: Ideal for horses who are stable and able to remain still with light sedation. This approach avoids general anesthesia while still producing detailed limb and foot images.
Recumbent MRI (Esaote MRI): Provides superior image quality and allows for imaging of areas beyond the distal limb. This system is especially useful when deeper diagnostic clarity is needed, or when a standing scan is not feasible.
Your veterinarian will determine the best method based on your horse’s condition, temperament, and diagnostic goals.
Why MRI Matters in Sports Medicine
In equine athletes, even subtle injuries can progress if missed or misdiagnosed. MRI offers a level of precision that allows our board-certified sports medicine veterinarians to:
- Detect injuries before they worsen
- Develop targeted treatment and rehabilitation plans
- Monitor healing and guide return-to-work timelines
- Deliver regenerative therapies with pinpoint accuracy
Trust Your Horse’s Care to Arizona’s Equine Sports Medicine Experts
At Cave Creek Equine™ Sports Medicine & Surgery, MRI isn’t just about better pictures—it’s about better outcomes. Our facility is home to Arizona’s only Esaote MRI , and our veterinarians are leaders in advanced diagnostics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation.
Whether your horse is struggling with unexplained lameness, recovering from injury, or preparing to return to work, our customized MRI capabilities provide the answers you and your horse need to move forward with confidence.
For more information or to schedule a visit with a sports medicine specialist, please contact us at 623-581-5508.
