Standing Equine MRI Scanning
Advanced Lameness Diagnosis Without General Anesthesia
At Cave Creek Equine® Sports Medicine & Surgery, we offer Hallmarq™ Standing Equine MRI, a state-of-the-art imaging technique that allows us to diagnose subtle causes of lameness safely and accurately, without the need for general anesthesia.
This advanced technology helps our veterinarians pinpoint injuries involving bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments that may not appear on X-rays or ultrasound.
What Is Standing Equine MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of tissues inside the body.
Our standing MRI system allows the horse to remain upright under light sedation while the lower limb is scanned. This means there’s no need for general anesthesia — reducing risks, recovery time, and cost.
During a standing MRI, we can capture clear images of:
- The hoof capsule and navicular bone
- Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT)
- Collateral ligaments of the coffin and pastern joints
- Bone and soft tissue structures from the foot up through the fetlock
Why Choose Standing MRI?
Standing MRI has become an invaluable diagnostic tool for equine lameness because it combines detailed imaging with enhanced safety.
Key Benefits:
- No general anesthesia required – the horse remains standing under light sedation.
- Safer for all patients – especially older or severely lame horses.
- High-detail images of both bone and soft tissue in one scan.
- Reduces diagnostic guesswork, often finding the exact cause of persistent or unexplained lameness.
- Natural limb positioning while scanning ensures more realistic imaging results.
Common Uses for Standing MRI
Standing MRI is especially helpful when other imaging methods, such as X-rays or ultrasound, are inconclusive.
Our veterinarians commonly recommend this advanced imaging for:
- Ongoing lameness that localizes to the foot or pastern
- Suspected navicular syndrome
- Deep digital flexor tendon or collateral ligament injuries
- Bone bruising or subtle fractures not seen on X-ray
- Soft tissue injuries inside the hoof capsule
- Joint inflammation or cartilage defects
- Monitoring recovery after treatment or surgery
What To Expect During the Procedure
We want your horse’s MRI experience to be as safe and stress-free as possible. Here’s what to expect:
Before the Scan
- Shoes are removed from the limb being scanned.
- The leg is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or metallic debris.
- A mild sedative keeps your horse calm and comfortable.
During the Scan
- The horse stands quietly in the MRI unit with one leg positioned in the scanner.
- Each scan takes about 45–60 minutes per limb, depending on the area imaged.
- Our team closely monitors your horse throughout the procedure.
After the Scan
- Horses typically recover quickly from sedation.
- MRI images are reviewed by our veterinarians, and findings are discussed directly with you or your referring veterinarian.
- Your veterinarian uses the results to guide treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the procedure safe?
Yes. Because it’s performed under light sedation with no general anesthesia, standing MRI is a very safe diagnostic option.
Will my horse need to stay overnight?
Most horses go home the same day. In some cases, we may recommend an overnight stay for convenience or observation.
How long does it take to get results?
MRI scans are reviewed by our veterinarians, and results are typically available within a few days.
Can you scan both front limbs?
Yes, although each limb is scanned separately. Our staff will help you determine what’s needed based on your horse’s lameness evaluation.
How Standing MRI Helps Our Patients
Standing MRI often provides answers that other imaging methods can’t. By revealing subtle tendon, ligament, or bone changes, we can diagnose conditions earlier — leading to faster, more successful treatment outcomes.
Ready to learn more or schedule a standing MRI?
Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
We welcome both horse owners and referring veterinarians. If you’d like to discuss a case, please call our office to consult with our veterinary team.
623-581-5508