Advanced Equine Diagnostic Imaging

The objectives of this course are to: (1) Review the advanced imaging modalities available for use in equine patients (CT, MRI, nuclear scintigraphy, PET) and their underlying principles (2) Recognize which modality is most appropriate for the diagnosis of commonly seen equine disease/injury (3) Learn how to apply information gained from advanced imaging modalities into general understanding of equine anatomy and pathophysiology. The first part of the course will provide an overview of the underlying principles behind these advanced imaging modalities and discuss the technical limitations and available options for utilizing these modalities in equine patients. Subsequent lectures will focus upon common equine pathologies in which advanced imaging may have diagnostic and/or prognostic utility and case selection for each modality. Case-based examples will be used to facilitate this discussion. Further to this, students will learn how to extrapolate from the cross sectional and/or functional information gleaned from advanced imaging and thereby enhance their general understanding of equine pathology. The final part of the course will discuss current research into the use of these modalities in horses and possible future directions. While the focus will be on equine radiology, the use of these modalities in other large animal patients will be discussed throughout. Seminars will be case-based discussions and linked to the lectures given during that week. Prerequisite: VCSN 6490 3 Credit Hours