Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Navicular MRI and Diagnosis Welfare

MRI diagnosis of navicular and foot conditions has transformed management by enabling targeted treatment of specific lesion types.

Key Facts

Low-field standing MRI allows investigation without general anaesthesia in horses
MRI distinguishes navicular bone lesions, impar ligament injuries and flexor tendon pathology
Treatment can be targeted to specific lesion types improving welfare outcomes significantly
Horses with inconclusive lameness workups often benefit from MRI to reach definitive diagnosis
MRI also diagnoses soft tissue and joint conditions throughout the musculoskeletal system

Welfare Considerations

MRI diagnosis enables treatment to be matched to specific pathology rather than generic remedial management. This precision medicine approach substantially improves welfare outcomes for horses with chronic foot pain by identifying treatable specific conditions.

What You Can Do

Discuss MRI investigation with your vet for horses with chronic foot lameness unresponsive to standard treatment
Seek referral to a specialist with standing MRI facilities for complex cases
Use MRI findings to guide targeted treatment with appropriate specialists