The clinic is now equipped with a state-of-the-art Aquilon Large Bore Scanner, a veritable technological revolution in the field of veterinary medical imaging.
This state-of-the-art equipment offers exceptional diagnostic capabilities, enabling detailed and accurate assessment of anatomical structures in horses and other animal species.
Head CT scan
The head CT scanner is particularly powerful for fast, efficient diagnosis, far surpassing the results obtained with traditional radiography. Thanks to its high resolution, it can accurately detect a variety of pathologies. Dental anomalies, sinus problems, guttural pouches and neurological pathologies, particularly those affecting the brain, can all be identified. This technology contributes not only to the early detection of ailments, but also to the planning of specific treatments, such as minimally invasive surgery, which can be anticipated thanks to detailed imaging. The precision of these images enables veterinarians to better understand the topography and nature of lesions, thus considerably improving the therapeutic management of the horse.
Distal limb CT scan
The distal limb scanner offers undeniable advantages, particularly for assessing the feet of sport horses, which are often subjected to intense stress. This latest-generation scanner enables detailed analysis of tendons, ligaments and cartilage, surpassing even MRI in the assessment of podotrochlear syndrome. Thanks to the use of arterial and intra-articular contrast, early lesions of the finger’s deep flexor tendon are highlighted with remarkable precision. Early detection of these lesions is crucial to the implementation of appropriate treatments, thus preventing the pathology from worsening and preserving the performance of competition horses.
CT scanning is also used to examine the cannonballs. It is 80% superior to radiography in detecting early osteoarthritis, cystic lesions in the condyles, cracks in the cannon and P1, and complex fractures. The image quality obtained by this scanner offers a detailed view of bone and joint structures, facilitating the detection of micro-trauma and damage that might otherwise go unnoticed with less precise techniques.
CT scanning of the fetlock suspensory ligament is another major application. Like MRI, CT allows detailed assessment of this ligament, particularly in cases of proximal insertion desmitis, often associated with bony sclerosis of the cannon. A considerable advantage of this scanner is that it can be used on animals with screws or metal plates, which is not always possible with MRI. This opens up new prospects for post-operative follow-up and assessment of possible complications associated with metal implants.
CT scan of proximal limbs
The Large Bore scanner, with a diameter of 92 cm, offers unrivalled access to very proximal anatomical regions such as stifles, shoulders and even thoracic vertebrae in adults. This capability enables veterinarians to gain a comprehensive view of the complex structures of the horse’s body. In the case of young, medium-sized racehorses, the scanner can even provide an integral assessment of the pelvis, an area often difficult to examine using other imaging techniques. For foals, whole-body scanning becomes indispensable in cases of osteomyelitis, septic arthritis or rhodococcosis, offering a global analysis that facilitates early diagnosis and rapid management of infections or inflammations.
Full body scan for foals and ponies
The wide-bore scanner can also be used to perform a full-body examination. This “full body” approach is particularly useful for detecting and assessing various pathologies such as abdominal masses, portosystemic shunts, pneumonia or rib fractures. This panoramic view of the whole body is essential for establishing a global diagnosis, especially in young animals such as foals, where several systems may be affected simultaneously by congenital or acquired affections. The whole-body CT scan thus provides an overview that helps to quickly determine the extent of the disease, and to optimally guide treatment.
Myeloscanner
In cases of ataxia, particularly Wobbler syndrome, myeloscanner is a crucial diagnostic tool. This technique, which consists of a CT scan performed with contrast, identifies the area of spinal cord compression, as well as the cause, whether related to a malformation, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), fracture or tumor. Myeloscanning can be performed on both young and adult patients, providing a solution for a wide range of clinical cases. The precision of the images obtained helps to plan surgical interventions or medical treatments in a much more targeted and effective way.
Scanner for dogs, cats and other animals
The clinic’s scanner is not just for horses. In fact, we have opened up access to this scanner for fur-bearing animals such as dogs and cats. The range of examinations is very broad, covering everything from herniated discs and masses to tumors, nasal turbinates, thoracic and abdominal structures and fractures. This versatility enables practitioners to offer fast, accurate diagnoses for a multitude of conditions, improving pets’ quality of life.
NAC (new pet) and wild animal scanners
The clinic is also equipped to receive so-called “wild” or unconventional animals of all sizes and types. Whether they are exotic animals or those recently adopted as companions, the scanner enables in-depth diagnoses to be made. This ability to treat a wide variety of species is testament to the clinic’s commitment to providing quality care for all patients, whether domestic or wild. By offering cutting-edge technology accessible to a wide range of animals, the clinic has positioned itself as a leader in the field of veterinary medical imaging.
