Imaging of the Equine Head

Imaging has challenged equine clinicians for many years. the complex anatomy and dif- ficulties obtaining diagnostic images have resulted in traditional techniques such as radiology showing poor sensitivity and specificity, especially with respect to dental lesions. this is also mirrored in human dental radiography. However the diagnostic use- fulness can be greatly enhanced by employing good techniques and positioning and careful study of radiographic changes. in addition, further diagnostic imaging informa- tion from oral endoscopy, sinus endoscopy and ultrasound can be helpful.

The greatest advance in recent years has been due to the installation of Computed tom- ography units which are accessible to standing conscious horses. the unit at the univer- sity of Bristol combines a state-of the art 16 slice Ct generator with an air sled which enables horses, under sedation, to be carefully positioned and obtain images in a total time of 30 minutes with a scan time of under 2 minutes. the images obtained result in a degree of detail hitherto unobtainable and the three dimensional reconstructed images greatly increase the understanding of students, veterinarians and horse owners.

The indications include dental disease, oral tumours, sinus diseases, headshaking syn- drome ad all cases with suspected head trauma. in addition to being diagnostically invaluable the additional benefits include much more accurate treatment planning and prognoses of horses presented with head lesions.