Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is the gold standard in human medicine for diagnostic imaging of orthopedic, brain and soft tissue injuries. MRI utilizes a strong magnetic field (30,000 times as strong as the Earth’s magnetic field) to orient the atoms of the body. By changing this field temporarily, these atoms react and emit radio waves which are detected and interpreted by a computer to create the image. No radiation is used and there are no known side-effects to the use of MRI at this field strength in the horse.
Our state of the art, high field (1.5T) Siemens Magnetom Espree installed in a customized facility at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center. allows for effective, time efficient imaging of orthopedic, soft tissue and head/brain pathology of the horse.
Understanding Equine MRI
“Having access to the most cutting edge technologies and tools available, means getting the most definitive diagnosis for the horse. ”
Reading & Interpreting an MRI
Just as important as obtaining quality imaging with MRI is who reads and interprets the images. At Alamo Pintado, each MRI is read by an absolute expert in the field, Dr. Carter Judy. He has performed or read literally thousands of MRIs over his many years in practice. Dr. Judy lectures on MRI at veterinary events around the world.
The Physics of MRI
Magnetic Resonance results from the effect of magnetic properties of atoms found in tissues. Atoms consist of a nucleus containing both protons and neutrons. Electrons orbit the nucleus resulting in a spinning motion that is specific to each element. Since hydrogen is the most common element located within the body of mammals, it is the element with the most recognizable and useful magnetic moment. When an animal is placed in a strong magnetic field, the magnetic spins which are normally randomly oriented align in the direction of the magnetic field. A short pulse of high energy radio-frequency is applied and this disrupts the alignment of the hydrogen atoms. As the atoms re-align in the magnetic field they emit a very small radiofrequency wave that is captured and interpreted as the signal from the tissue. This is then transferred to a computer which transforms the raw data into a two dimensional representation of the tissue.
Complete Suite of Imaging Modalities
Carter Judy, DVM, Dip. ACVS
BOARDED SURGEON, ALAMO PINTADO EQUINE
Dr. Judy is an international authority in MRI, bringing an unmatched level of expertise to Alamo Pintado Equine. Dr. Judy supervises and reads each MRI performed at Alamo Pintado, ensuring the highest accuracy. With a far-reaching understanding of equine imaging, Dr. Judy is able to apply that knowledge to his surgical work, creating more successful outcomes for patients.
