References
Advanced equine diagnostics – developments in computed tomography
Abstract
Advancement in veterinary imaging technologies to assess pathology in the horses has been greatly improved since the development of computed tomography in the 1970s. These technical innovations have enabled faster acquisition times, lower patient doses of radiation and easier care of the patient during scanning. A wide range of computed tomography scanners are now available to the veterinary market, from companies providing second hand refurbished scanners, to those tailoring computed tomography scanners to the veterinary market. In turn, this makes the price of purchase, or rental, much more feasible to the industry. The financial implications of purchasing a scanner need to be reviewed to ensure viability, as well as identifying maintenance costs, space, specialist staffing and case load. However, even with access to advanced imaging devices such as computed tomography, imaging the equine patient comes with its own complexities and limitations. Owing to their size and anatomy, passing the relevant structures through the gantry can be difficult in itself, often requiring the administration of general anaesthetic to acquire suitable images, which comes with its own set of risks and additional costs. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to further develop the skills and abilities needed for standing computed tomography.
Moving away from the use of general anaesthesia for diagnostic imaging in equine practice is an ongoing challenge. The risk of related injury, myopathy and neuropathy cannot be an overlooked when evaluating the use of new technology. Although marginal advancements in pre-operative and procedural care have been made, the associated risk of anaesthesia in horses is still disproportionally high in comparison to other companion animals (Dugdale, 2016). There are also staff safety concerns to consider in relation to equine computed tomography (CT). The large volume of radiation emitted during scanning increases occupational exposure and subsequent risk to staff, preventing staff from manually restraining patient during the procedure. Many methods have been adapted recently, with these key factors considered, to ensure the continuation of high image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Within this article, some of the different systems that have been created to overcome the complexities faced by those working in the equine veterinary industry are reviewed.
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