THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS FOR MRI-DIAGNOSED LESIONS OF THE PODOTROCHLEAR APPARATUS

摘要

The treatment of pain localized to the foot of the horse has been revolutionized over the last 10 years with the ability to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation in live horses. This imaging modality provides a detailed view of the anatomy and pathology in the foot of the horse at a molecular level. It is possible to evaluate osseous structures, soft tissue structures, and fluid compartments more thoroughly than with any other imaging modality available. This opportunity has enabled the exact cause of foot lameness to be elucidated in each individual horse that undergoes magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. The information obtained from MRI evaluation can then be used to more specifically treat these horses with lameness localized to thefoot. A multitude of different treatment options are now available to potentially treat different types of pathologic change within the foot of the horse. Many of these treatments are still new and work is still being done to determine an accurate prognosis for many of these different disease processes. It will take many more years and many more horses being evaluated with MRI, treated accordingly, and then followed for many years before we have a good idea of how many of these new treatment options will offer help to these horses in the long term.