State-of-the-Art Digital Imaging Technology Columbia Equine Hospital
Digital Radiography (X-rays)
We are able to take high-quality digital X-rays in the hospital or in the field. Our cordless portable digital radiography units allows immediate evaluation of positioning, exposure, and motion to ensure quality radiographs and eliminate the need for retakes and multiple farm trips. Veterinarians, staff, and clients may instantly review images, allowing rapid diagnosis and treatment. The images are digitally archived and loaded on a secure website to allow web-based sharing between clients, their farriers, and other veterinarians.
Ultrasound
This non-invasive high-resolution diagnostic tool allows your veterinarian to evaluate soft tissue of all types. We have three state-of-the-art digital ultrasound units used for evaluation of lameness cases, colic cases, thoracic and abdominal pathology, urinary system and reproductive system. Ultrasound examinations can be performed on your farm or at Columbia Equine Hospital. The images are digitally archived and can be shared between clients and with other veterinarians.
Nuclear Scintigraphy (Bone Scan)
Nuclear scintigraphy is available at Columbia Equine Hospital. This advanced diagnostic tool allows veterinarians to evaluate the entire equine skeleton (or region), making it an ideal tool for diagnosing difficult or multifactorial lameness. Scintigraphy involves the use of a bone-seeking isotope that concentrates in areas of increased activity associated with arthritis, infection, fracture, or soft tissue injury.
Our MIE digital unit with a Siemens Large Field of View Digitrac Gamma Camera is state-of-the-art. The updated motion correction software and high-resolution collimator allow for pristine diagnostic images. The large field of view allows for faster studies and better comparisons of anatomic areas.
Bone scans are performed on a standing, sedated horse. The camera moves around the horse on a rolling gantry system that is quiet and easily adjusted to a variety of positions. All scintigraphy studies can be sent via email and on a CD, which enable specialists as well as referring veterinarians to receive these images digitally.
Things to know when scheduling a Bone Scan appointment for your horse:
- Your horse will need to arrive to Columbia Equine Hospital the day prior to the Bone Scan appointment.
- For 24 hours after the isotope is injected into your horse for diagnostic imaging they will be radioactive. Therefore, they cannot be discharged until the day after the Bone Scan is complete.
- In some cases, further imaging or treatments are performed after the Bone Scan, which may delay your horse’s discharge time.
- Front shoes will be removed with a Full Body or a Front End bone scan.
- Your horse should not have any injections into a joint or a nerve within two weeks prior to the scan.
Endoscopy
A fiber optic endoscope is a long, narrow tube with a tiny camera at the tip. Our veterinarians perform endoscopic examinations to evaluate the upper airway, guttural pouches, and proximal esophagus. Endoscopic procedures are minimally-invasive and only require the horse to be lightly sedated. Our equipment is portable and endoscopy appointments can be made at Columbia Equine Hospital or at your farm.