Advanced
diagnostic imaging equipment gives MEC the leading edge
in diagnosing lameness problems.
MEC uses a wide array of non-invasive diagnostics, including
modalities such as digital radiology, CAT scans, ultrasound, and Nuclear
Medicine. Each of these techniques has advantages (and disadvantages)
which makes
them useful for specific conditions. A consult is recommended to determine which
modality will be appropriate for your horse's condition. (click
here for our nuclear medicine page)
 Digital radiology:
(x-rays/radiographs)
Digital radiology
is used after a clinical examination to diagnose any boney changes
or remodeling including but not limited to arthritis and
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), fractures, cysts, joint collapsing, Navicular Disease
and laminitis. This technique produces a far more advanced image than a
typical x-ray. A computer is utilized to enhance the x-ray (darken
or lighten, change the contrast, enlarge it to focus on a specific
area) which is very helpful in making a diagnosis
MEC operates the
MedLink imagind and Fugifilm system.
Ultrasonography:
Using ultrasound to
get a better image for tendon evaluation is a common technique in
veterinary medicine. Using the same ultrasound techniques for
evaluation of a joint to acquire more information about the soft
tissues in a joint (capsule, synovial membrane, quality of the
synovial fluid, quality of the cartilage) is a relatively new
purpose. Ultrasound can produce an image of muscle properties and
tendons and ligaments involved injuries. The MEC's ultrasound
machine has special probes and frequencies that can produce a better
resolution than the typical machine and allows us to analyze tissues
such as joint capsules, tendons, ligaments, cartilage in joints, the
menisci in the stifle, and attachments of ligaments and tendons on
bone and muscles.
MEC utilizes its Sonoace Pico ultrasound machine
which transmits high-frequency sound
pulses into the body using a probe. The sound waves travel into the
body and hit a boundary between tissues (e.g. between fluid and soft
tissue, soft tissue and bone). Some of the sound waves get reflected
back to the probe, the image we see on the screen is then
transmitted from the probe to the computer where the image is
complied. The clearly defined two-dimensional image can be used to
better visualize tendon and ligament injuries, muscle damage
conditions affecting the joint and joint components (capsule, synovial membrane, quality of the synovial fluid, quality of the
cartilage). Ultrasound can also be used to detect pregnancy,
diagnose types of colic and detect foreign objects.
Digital radiographs and
digital ultrasounds
are made
right in the Clinic, which decreases the length of time clients
spend waiting for results. Images acquired with these techniques can
be digitally stored in an electronic database for future reference.
The information can also be put on a CD for the client to take home
along with information about the causes and prevention of lameness,
and prescribed treatment for the client's horse. In most cases,
appointments and consultation will be completed within 2-3 hours and
the client will have all the results of any procedures performed on
the horse.
Computer Tomography (CAT scan)
produces cross sectional and 3-D images of injuries and can further
qualify the degree of structural damage to area of concern. Contrast C.T. adds physiological imaging
to the structural imaging.
This modality can be beneficial in diagnosing hair-line fractures,
joint damage, tumors, masses and is fundamental in diagnosing
lameness. Anatomical areas such as head and neck, distal limbs and
abdomen/chest of smaller sized patients can be imaged.
The technology
behind Computer Tomography has advanced greatly during the more than
three decades it has been used. Today's fourth generation 'Helical'
machine, like that available at MEC, allows continuous rotation of
the x-ray tube for increased image quality and quantity and rapid
test speed.
(click here to view/download MEC's CAT scan
brochure)
MEC's scintigraphy equipment (nuclear medicine)
can localize increased bone activity or soft inflammation anywhere
in the body. This bone scan is the best means of identifying the
source of a lameness problem is not obvious. It is the closest that
we can get to having the horse tell us from where the pain
originates.
Nuclear medicine is a
subspecialty within the field of radiology.
(click here for more information about our
Nuclear Medicine Imaging)
MEC schedules
appointments Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
We are
open for
emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For after-hours emergency care phone 603-335-4777 and you will be
directed on how to get in touch with our on-call staff.
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