A new equine imaging tool has been launched which will have a positive impact on horse health by transforming the way vets diagnose and treat complex lameness cases.
Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging’s new iNAV software builds on established correction software techniques to track real time movement in the limb and corrects for motion artefact (movement) when processing the images.
These two techniques enable the software to produce much clearer images, particularly in the proximal limb, which previously was hard to scan, and allow vets to diagnose conditions with greater accuracy and confidence.
“Our commitment to innovation ensures that standing MRI continues to evolve, with iNAV setting a new standard in what’s possible in veterinary diagnostics,” said Annie Makin, chief commercial officer at Hallmarq.
“Where previously scans may have been non-diagnostic due to patient movement, iNAV delivers transformational results to drive better patient care.”
Bone fracture
Donnington Grove Equine Vets in Berkshire used iNAV to obtain an accurate diagnosis of a horse that had sustained an avulsion fracture of the right forelimb suspensory six months prior to referral.
An avulsion fracture is a bone fracture which occurs when a fragment of bone tears away from the main mass of bone.
Despite following a rehabilitation programme, the condition had failed to fully resolve and lameness persisted.
By using iNAV, Donnington Grove Equine Vets were able to obtain a more detailed evaluation of the affected region and identified fluid signal within the suspensory ligament which was a sign of ongoing inflammation.
This knowledge allowed the team to create a new rehabilitation plan.
The horse showed huge progress at its next MRI scan three months later.
Exhibiting at BEVA
“For us, the addition of iNAV should reassure referring vets that sending more proximal limb cases to their nearest Hallmarq MRI system will pay dividends,” continued Annie.
“The higher limb is notoriously difficult to image and motion can prove a problem. iNAV significantly reduces the impact of limb movement during image acquisition, helping to maintain diagnostic integrity.”
Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging will showcase these new advancements at the BEVA Congress which takes place at the ICC in Birmingham from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 13 September.
Image © Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging.
