Comparison of cone beam CT and low field MRI findings of the equine foot in 80 standing horses

Introduction<br/>Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the equine foot are increasingly carried out under standing sedation yet there is little published information to guide veterinarians on the selection of each or both modalities to optimise case management.<br/>Methods<br/>A retrospective descriptive study to compare dual modality CBCT and MRI findings in the equine foot of images acquired in the standing sedated horse for clinical purposes. The clinical records and CBCT and MRI DICOM images of patients that underwent advanced imaging with both modalities on the same day (April 2024-March 2025) were reviewed. Key imaging findings were categorised to allow comparison of CBCT and MRI findings.<br/>Results<br/>Imaging studies of 80 horses met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight of 80 horses had a primary soft tissue injury that was detected on MRI but not visible on CBCT. CBCT identified small sequestration of the distal phalanx (Figure 1) that was only identified on MRI retrospectively subsequent to CBCT evaluation. CBCT allowed clearer evaluation of cortical bone specifically at the margins of the flexor cortex of the navicular bone and the articular surfaces.<br/>Conclusions<br/>The primary diagnosis was provided by MRI in more cases than CBCT due to the ability of MRI to identify soft tissue injury. Combined MRI and CBCT imaging of the foot can provide more information in cases of solar penetration or where careful evaluation of cortical bone is needed