Cone-beam computed tomography of the head in standing equids.
Authors: Bregger M D Klopfenstein, Koch C, Zimmermann R, Sangiorgio D, Schweizer-Gorgas D
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Cone-beam CT Imaging of the Standing Equine Head Standing computed tomography has transformed equine diagnostic capabilities, yet imaging the entire head has remained technically challenging. Researchers adapted the O-arm® CBCT scanner—a human neurosurgical device with a 96.5 cm gantry opening—to image standing horses' heads, first validating the system on cadaveric specimens to optimise positioning and determine scan requirements. Each individual scan acquired a cylindrical field of view measuring 21 cm diameter by 16 cm height within 13 seconds, with complete head examination requiring one to six sequential scans depending on anatomical region and horse size. Between 2015 and 2016, the team successfully imaged horses with naturally occurring head pathology using this protocol, establishing a practical framework for high-resolution CBCT of equine cranial structures without general anaesthesia. For practitioners managing horses with suspected dental disease, sinusitis, temporomandibular joint pathology, or other cranial conditions, this advance offers significantly improved diagnostic resolution compared to conventional radiography whilst eliminating anaesthetic risk—though the requirement for multiple positioned scans means careful protocol planning and patient cooperation remain essential.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standing head CBCT is now available as a diagnostic option that avoids general anesthesia risks and recovery complications associated with CT imaging
- •Plan for multiple image acquisitions (1-6 scans) when imaging the full head, depending on which structures are the clinical focus
- •This technology enables image-guided interventions for head and neurological conditions in standing horses, improving surgical precision
Key Findings
- •O-arm cone-beam CT successfully acquired head imaging in standing horses with a 21 cm diameter field of view in 13 seconds per scan
- •Multiple scans (1-6 depending on region of interest) were required to image the entire equine head in adult horses
- •Standing CBCT imaging of the head is technically feasible using human neurosurgical equipment adapted for equine patients