Vets develop innovative CT scanning procedure for race horses
Veterinarians hope an innovative approach to CT scanning can advance medical care for horses and possibly be adapted for humans.
Robotic CT at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school allows a horse to remain awake and standing as scanners on two mechanical arms move around it. Developed by New York-based 4DDI, the Equimagine system provides images with detailed anatomical views of the animal in its normal, upright state.
The new system “is much less stressful,” said Barbara Dallap Schaer, VMD, medical director of Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. “It’s a pretty athletic event for horses to recover from general anesthesia.”
While undoubtedly a plus for horses, the technology could lead to more options for human patients. The CT equipment could help when dealing with small children or adults wary of confined spaces.
“This is an interesting concept—the ability to image in your natural state,” said Raul Uppot, MD, an assistant professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School who is not involved in the research. “It does offer something that doesn’t currently exist in the market (for humans).”
For more information on the new method, click the link below:
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.