BMV UIMAING CT FAQ
When would I perform Standing Equine Leg CT?
• BMV uIMAGING’s Standing Equine Leg CT utilises cone beam technology to optimise images of the distal limb, instead of fan-beam CT, commonly used to image the head.
• It is of benefit in cases where lameness has been localised to the region of foot to fetlock, and primary bone injury is suspected.
• Sub-millimetre resolution images, combined with the ability to perform 3D reconstruction, add detailed information to bony pathology suspected on radiographs.
• This assists with surgical planning and, where a contrast agent is additionally used, can offer information about the articular surface of a joint.
• In cases such as osteochondral fragmentation or fracture, cone-beam CT clearly illustrates pathology, eliminating the issue of superimposition of multiple structures which can contribute to occasional uncertainty when interpreting alternative imaging modalities.
What are the benefits of Standing Equine Leg CT compared to conventional CT ?
• Standing Equine Leg CT is a non-invasive, comparatively low radiation technique allowing images to be taken of a standing patient in a matter of minutes.
• A scan takes just 60 seconds, with the entire procedure complete in around fifteen minutes.
• For horses where general anaesthesia is inadvisable, either due to the suspected pathology causing lameness or other concurrent issues, imaging can be performed whilst the patient is only mildly sedated.
• Radiation dose is comparable to digital radiography enabling both operator and handler to easily remain with the patient whilst imaging is completed.
Can I refer for Standing Equine Leg CT?
Yes, CT is considered advanced imaging and whilst the BMV uIMAGING Standing Equine Leg CT is accessible to most practices, it is also possible to refer patients. The referral clinic will need to know the case history and any previous diagnostic results. After a CT scan, they will provide an interpretation and radiological report. Other options may also be available by arrangement:
• suggestions regarding treatment and prognosis
• an explanation to the client, in the appropriate language
• further case management or treatment
Why would my horse need standing CT?
Standing CT is useful if bony injury is suspected in the lower limb (foot, pastern, or fetlock). After your horse has been examined, and the region causing the lameness localised, first line imaging such as x-ray or ultrasound may be performed, followed by cross sectional or 3D imaging to allow more complete evaluation and assist with any surgical planning. If a soft tissue injury is suspected, MRI may also be recommended.
How does standing leg CT work?
CT is similar to x-ray. It uses ionising radiation to capture multiple images from different angles, combining them all to create a 3D image. The horse is walked onto the flat, open, standing CT platform, and positioned with the limb to be imaged central to the plate and x-ray machine. The CT machine rotates 360 degrees around the leg so that images are taken from every angle. A 3D image of the limb is created using motion correction technology to adjust for any minor movements of the limb. The whole process takes just a few minutes.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Does my horse need to travel for a standing CT scan?
Yes. Advanced imaging techniques, including CT, require specialist equipment which is not usually portable. CT uses ionising radiation, so it is important that imaging is performed at a clinic where appropriate radiation safety measures are in place
Do my horse’s shoes need removing for standing CT?
Not necessarily. Shoes are usually only removed if the foot is being imaged (similar to x-ray). Whilst it is not dangerous for the shoes to remain on whilst CT is performed, it is best to remove shoes when imaging feet so that anatomy can be clearly seen in the image.
Why does the horse need to be sedated for standing CT?
The scanning process takes a minute, during which time movement of the limb may result in a blurry scan. Although, BMV uIMAGING’s award-winning motion correction technology adjusts for slight movement, it is important the horse remains still throughout the procedure. Mild sedation helps keep the patient calm during imaging and encourages even weight bearing on all limbs which helps ensure optimum image quality.
How long does a standing equine CT scan take?
A CT scan takes just 60 seconds to produce 900 images which are reconstructed to create a 3D picture of the limb. Occasionally the scan may need to be repeated, for instance if the horse has made a sudden movement. The whole process from start to finish only takes around 15 minutes.
Who looks at the CT images – will it be my vet?
Images are usually reviewed by the vet responsible for the scan. Depending on the case, images may also be reviewed by a radiologist. Findings on the likely condition or injury are then sent to your own vet to discuss with you if you have been referred for CT.
What does standing CT diagnose?
Standing CT is used where lameness has been localised to either the fetlock, pastern or foot and a bony injury is suspected. It is very useful in providing a clear picture of subtle bony damage such as a small joint chip or change in the density of bone and injuries such as a fracture or a foot penetration where surgery will be performed. A 3D image will give a clear understanding of where the fracture line or penetrating tract extends. Contrast within a joint or tendon sheath can highlight injuries to some soft tissue structures but if a soft tissue injury is suspected, MRI is normally recommended either instead of, or in combination with, standing CT.
How does standing CT compare to other imaging modalities?
The usefulness of each imaging modality depends on the question you are trying to answer. Standing CT produces detailed 3D imaging of bony structures in the distal limbs, providing valuable information to assist with surgical planning and complete evaluation of small bony injuries. CT will be most useful when a bony lesion is suspected and may be used in combination with other complimentary imaging.
Is equine CT the same as human CT?
Yes, all veterinary imaging is very similar to human imaging. Equine standing leg CT uses cone beam CT, the same type of technology commonly used in mammography and dental imaging in people. This has the advantage of visualising fine bone detail whilst exposing the patient to a relatively low dose of radiation.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Will standing CT hurt my horse?
In short, no. This is a non-invasive diagnostic technique. Imaging can be performed under light sedation and only takes a matter of minutes. The process is very similar to x-ray and involves use of ionising radiation. Therefore, safety precautions for the vets and technicians, including use of lead screening, are used.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Is standing CT expensive?
With an accurate diagnosis, you can make the best decision for your horse, moving forward with a treatment plan that is more likely to result in a good outcome. Whilst advanced imaging costs are likely to be higher than first line imaging, the use of empirical treatments may result in a short-term improvement in the horse’s condition, whilst the underlying injury continues to deteriorate.
Will my insurance cover the cost of standing CT?
Most UK insurance companies cover the costs of advanced imaging. Some will ask that you cover a certain percentage of the costs and other policies might exclude certain conditions or treatments. Always check with your own insurance company first.
BMV UIMAING MRI FAQ
Why refer for standing MRI?
Much has been learned about the causes of equine lameness since the advent of MRI. From the previously under-diagnosed, such as collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint, through the previously misunderstood, such as navicular syndrome, to the previously unknown, such as bone marrow oedema, MRI has revolutionised our ability to provide a diagnosis and improve prognosis in equine lameness.
MRI is unparalleled in providing images of both soft and bony tissues. Distinguishing water from fat, it highlights areas of pathology such as inflammation and bruising, in a way that radiography, CT, ultrasound or nuclear scintigraphy just can’t do. By imaging the region of interest in slices orientated in any 3D plane, a lesion can be visualised without superimposition of adjacent structures. Multiple views allow you to appreciate the full extent of the injury.
When would I refer for standing MRI?
It is important to localise the source of lameness before referring a case. In particular, the abaxial sesamoid block alone is not sufficient. Horses referred for a foot scan should have a positive response to a palmar digital or coffin joint block. Additional scans of the pastern and fetlock should be considered for horses that are positive to abaxial sesamoid but negative to more distal blocks. You should ideally consider an MRI referral in the following cases:
• Lameness localised by nerve blocks to a specific region the of limb, where radiographs are negative or unclear and access by ultrasound is difficult
• Penetrating injuries need urgent attention
• Injury assessment where general anaesthesia is inadvisable
• Acute onset of lameness during exercise
• Racehorses at risk of fetlock fractures of palmar osteochondral disease through repetitive fast work
• Monitoring the progress of treatment and to assess readiness for competition
How do I refer for standing MRI?
The referral clinic will need to know the case history and any previous diagnostic results. After the MRI scan, they will provide an interpretation and radiological report. Other options may also be available by arrangement:
• suggestions regarding treatment and prognosis
• an explanation to the client in appropriate language
• further case management or treatment
Why is MRI of the fetlock used for racehorses?
Fast work at high speeds during both training and racing places the fetlock, particularly the back of the joint, under extreme forces. This repetitive, extreme shock absorption by the joint can lead to traumatic lesions affecting the subchondral bone and/or cartilage. Whilst the lesions can be severe, horses can appear only mildly lame, ‘work out’ of the lameness or even appear sound but not performing as well as expectations. If left unchecked, these lesions can lead to catastrophic breakdown of the fetlock joint ending the racing career of an individual or resulting in catastrophic fracture and emergency euthanasia.
Although some of the more severe lesions can be seen on x-ray, often by the time they are visible, the disease has progressed. Detection with MRI, due to the superior ability to identify subtle changes earlier in the progression of the disease process, enables rest periods and training modifications to be made before clinical disease terminally affects the individual’s racing career. MRI can also be used to monitor a return to health of the joint before training for racing performance is resumed.
Why would my horse need MRI?
Often during a lameness workup, your vet will use nerve blocks to locate the area of pain. This may then be followed by x-ray or ultrasound examinations. However, x-ray and ultrasound present a limitation in their ability to assess the limb as a whole. MRI not only allows complete evaluation of soft tissue and bone simultaneously but provides an extremely high level of detail of all structures, enabling more subtle lesions to be clearly visualised where x-ray and ultrasound would fail to identify any problem.
How does MRI work?
Your horse is walked into the MRI scanner, and the lame leg placed between the poles of the magnet. A radiofrequency coil is fitted around the injury site and the operator makes careful adjustments to ensure that both horse and magnet are in the right place. Radiofrequency waves are used to assess changes in the position of hydrogen atoms within the body tissues when minor adjustments are made within a strong magnetic field. These changes are interpreted and used to create the images. The magnetic field or the radiofrequency waves are not harmful to your horse or people. MRI is an extremely safe diagnostic imaging modality.
Does my horse need to travel to have MRI?
Yes. MRI equipment is specialist and importantly requires housing in a shielded room to prevent electrical interference distorting the images as they are acquired. Something as seemingly insignificant as a phone receiving a text message near the equipment can result in a non-diagnostic image. MRI scanners are therefore not portable and require the horse to travel to site.
How long does MRI take?
An MRI scan usually takes between 1-2 hours and produces around 300-500 images of the limb or hoof taken from multiple angles. Your MRI Operator will have been trained and certified by BMV uIMAGING to capture the highest quality images.
What does MRI diagnose?
MRI is most frequently used in cases where lameness has been localised to a specific area of the limb using nerve blocks, but where other imaging modalities such as X-ray and ultrasound are unable to confirm the diagnosis. It is particularly useful for imaging the soft tissue structures within the foot, as ultrasound cannot penetrate the hoof capsule. It is the only modality able to distinguish between the 12 different conditions of navicular disease and can detect bone damage up to 3 weeks before changes can be seen on X-ray.
What’s the difference between standing and lying MRI?
Although some level of sedation is nearly always needed, where imaging can only be done with the horse recumbent or lying down, a general anaesthetic will be required. General anaesthesia, even in a healthy horse, carries increased risk; 1% of horses suffer complications, which can be life-threatening. In addition, imaging the limbs while the horse is standing and gently sedated, allows internal structures to be assessed while they’re load-bearing, which is usually when the lameness is most apparent.
Is it the same as human MRI?
While some vets argue that the higher magnetic field of a human-type scanner gives clearer images, comparison studies have shown the images captured of horses in the BMV uIMAGING low-field MRI scanner to be of comparable diagnostic value.
Why is MRI specifically useful for cases of Navicular disease?
Why is MRI of the fetlock used for racehorses?
Fast work at high speeds during both training and racing places the fetlock, particularly the back of the joint, under extreme forces. This repetitive, extreme shock absorption by the joint can lead to traumatic lesions affecting the subchondral bone and/or cartilage. Whilst the lesions can be severe, horses can appear only mildly lame, ‘work out’ of the lameness or even appear sound but not performing as well as expectations. If left unchecked, these lesions can lead to catastrophic breakdown of the fetlock joint ending the racing career of an individual or resulting in catastrophic fracture and emergency euthanasia.
Although some of the more severe lesions can be seen on x-ray, often by the time they are visible, the disease has progressed. Detection with MRI, due to the superior ability to identify subtle changes earlier in the progression of the disease process, enables rest periods and training modifications to be made before clinical disease terminally affects the individuals racing career. MRI can also be used to monitor return to health of the joint before training for racing performance is resumed.
BMV UIMAING FAQ
Why do the shoes need to be removed?
In most cases, just two shoes are removed, on the leg to be scanned and the adjacent leg. This is for two reasons; firstly, any metallic objects distort the image and secondly steel shoes could become stuck to the magnet.
Why does the horse need to be sedated?
Even the most docile of horses will sway or move slightly when standing and this movement changes the shape of the joint as the horse shifts its weight distribution. As the horse needs to stand as still as possible throughout the process, sedation helps to ensure this and, if necessary, will be topped up. BMV uIMAGING’s award-winning motion correction software has been designed to better manage these slight movements and improve the resolution of the final images.
Who looks at the images – will it be my vet?
The images are carefully reviewed by the vet responsible for the scan, to arrive at an opinion on likely conditions or injury. These findings are sent to your own (referring) vet for review with yourself within around 48 hours.
Will it hurt my horse?
In short, no – this is a non-invasive diagnostic technique. Without the need for anaesthesia, and often allowing for day patient scheduling, gentle sedation is administered via a drip or needle and topped up during the scan if necessary. An added benefit is that unlike radiography and scintigraphy (bone scanning’), MRI does not involve the use of ionising radiation, so there are no hazardous biological effects to either the horse or the vets and technicians carrying out the scan.
Is it expensive?
An MRI diagnosis is far more cost-effective than multiple rounds of the examine-treat-repeat loop, leaving enough funds to cover the cost of treatment. With a clear diagnosis, you can make the best decision for your horse, agreeing on a targeted treatment plan that gets results.
Will my insurance cover the cost?
Most UK insurance companies cover the costs of MRI. Some will ask that you cover a certain percentage of the costs and other policies might exclude certain conditions or treatments. Always check with your own insurance company first.
BMV UIMAING MRI FAQ
Why does my horse need x-rays beforehand?
Why is it better than x-ray and/or ultrasound and/or CT/other imaging modalities?
No single imaging modality gives us all the answers, and it’s important to remember that the information provided by any diagnostic imaging technique must be examined in the context of the individual patient Apart from being an incredibly safe imaging technique, however, MRI delivers a wealth of information about both soft tissue and bones. Unlike other modalities, it can see through the hoof capsule, providing invaluable information about the foot and revolutionising the diagnosis of conditions such as navicular disease and deep digital flexor tendon injuries.
BMV UIMAING FAQ
About BMV Imaging
Who is BMV Imaging, and what is your experience?
BMV Imaging is a leading manufacturer specializing in veterinary ultrasound technology. With a foundation of over 20 years of expertise, we have been established as a primary manufacturer in China since 2006. We provide high-precision imaging solutions to dozens of countries across Europe, South America, and Asia, maintaining a reputation for reliability and cost-effectiveness.
What makes BMV scanners “Tough Enough” for field work?
Our BestScan and FarmScan systems are engineered for the most demanding environments. They feature:
• Mil-spec standards: Transducers tested for extreme durability.
• Bio-secure casing: Sealed designs that are easy to disinfect.
• Ruggedized Build: Designed specifically to withstand the rigors of farm and stable use.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Clinical Applications
Which animals are your ultrasound scanners designed for?
We provide comprehensive solutions for both large and small animals:
• Livestock (Bovine/Swine/Ovine): Ideal for pregnancy monitoring, internal organ exams, and breeding value assessment. (Recommended: BestScan S8, S23)
• Equine: Specialized for Ovum Pick-Up (OPU), tendon diagnostics, and reproduction.
• Companion Animals (Dogs/Cats): Portable units for routine abdominal exams and point-of-care procedures like AFAST and TFAST.
Do you offer wireless solutions?
Yes. The BestScan S8 is a wireless scanner that connects directly to your smartphone or I-Scan wireless goggles, allowing for complete freedom of movement and a “hands-free” experience in the field.
Technical Specifications
Does the software support multiple languages?
Yes. Our interface is user-friendly and allows you to switch freely between English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and other languages.
Can I use third-party accessories with BMV scanners?
To ensure the highest image quality and device longevity, our systems do not support third-party universal accessories. We recommend using BMV-authorized transducers and parts.
Can I customize the equipment with my own logo?
Yes, we support OEM/Logo customization. This typically adds only 5–7 days to the total delivery time.
Shipping & Logistics
What are your standard delivery times?
• Small Orders (<10 units): Dispatched within 3 working days (if in stock).
• Customized Orders: Dispatched within 5–7 working days.
• Large Orders (>30 units): Delivery timelines are negotiable based on production capacity.
How is the equipment shipped?
We primarily ship via Sea (CIF) or via express couriers including UPS, DHL, and FedEx. We provide all necessary documentation, including:
• Customs clearance documents
• Certificates of Origin
• Invoices and Packing Lists
• CE Certification
Is my shipment insured?
Yes. We purchase transportation insurance for all shipments. If damage occurs during transit via our couriers, the express company provides compensation. (Note: If you use your own freight forwarder, they will be responsible for the cargo).
Support & Warranty
How do I learn to operate the equipment?
We provide comprehensive support to ensure you are confident using our tech:
• Video Tutorials: Step-by-step instructional videos.
• Remote Training: Live online practical guidance with our specialists.
What happens if my device needs repair?
Our Customer Support Program is designed to minimize downtime:
• Remote Tech Support: Our technicians troubleshoot issues digitally first.
• Warranty: Damaged equipment or probes are replaced free of charge within the warranty period.
• Loaner Program: We offer a loaner program to ensure your practice continues running while your device is being serviced.
Where do you have local service providers?
We have local cooperative partners in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Peru, Uzbekistan, and Sweden.