The benefits of computed tomography imaging in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning of equine orthopedic patients illustrated by six cases

Abstract

Radiography and/or ultrasonography are the first imaging modalities for diagnosing orthopedic pathology in equine patients. However, in some cases, cross-sectional imaging is necessary to reach a more accurate diagnosis. Six cases were retrospectively selected from the imaging database of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Ghent University) to illustrate the benefits of computed tomography (CT) in orthopedic patients. In two cases, CT demonstrated osteomyelitis lesions in two young foals, which could not be detected with radiography and ultrasonography. In three cases, CT was performed for surgical planning of fracture repair, and in one case CT demonstrated multiple lesions at the soft tissues and ligamentous insertions in the stifle. In all cases, CT revealed additional findings, which were important for the treatment and prognosis of the patient.