The Equina® by Asto CT 

Why purpose-built equine imaging matters for the horse, the clinical team, and the practice. Read the article to learn what to consider before investing in a standing CT scanner.

It makes sense that any equine practice with an advanced lameness program would have Equine Standing CT installed. For us at Virginia Equine Imaging, it’s a critical tool for diagnosing lameness and developing treatment plans…

What began as a response to an unacceptable injury history has evolved into one of the most comprehensive pre-race veterinary screening programs in global racing, combining advanced imaging, longitudinal clinical assessment, and independent expert review.

Standing CT continues to reshape how we evaluate challenging head and neck conditions in horses. This case‑based review highlights where CT meaningfully changes clinical decision‑making—from acute trauma to neurologic disease.

Can we predict fetlock stress fractures before they happen? New research in Equine Veterinary Journal shows how standing CT combined with virtual mechanical testing can assess fracture risk in elite Thoroughbreds by measuring strain in high-risk regions of the distal MC3.

The resulting Equina® system permits simultaneous imaging of both distal limbs in a weight-bearing stance. This enables assessment of anatomical structures under natural load, improving detection of subtle pathology.

We are proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Asto CT Best CT Cases of the Year, recognizing exceptional clinical cases that highlight the diagnostic power, versatility, and clinical impact of standing CT imaging across equine and veterinary medicine.

“The Equine Standing CT at Mizzou is transforming how my colleagues and I diagnose and treat lameness,” says Dr. McCraken. “We’re identifying lesions in new locations and gaining a deeper understanding of how these findings correlate with clinical signs.” 

Bones, joints, and soft tissues align differently when a horse is non-weight-bearing. Weight-bearing CT captures the structures as they function during movement and while bearing load, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

IMV imaging, a leader in veterinary diagnostic imaging solutions, and Asto CT®, pioneer of the world’s only true weight-bearing fan-beam CT scanner for equine patients, are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at combining their expertise and technology to elevate veterinary imaging capabilities worldwide.

This milestone marks more than a decade of innovation, research, and collaboration between veterinarians, engineers, and industry leaders uniting around a single mission: to make advanced, cross-sectional imaging safer and more accessible for horses.

A Partner in Innovation, Not Just a Product: Installing advanced imaging technology is no small feat, it requires the right technology and the right team. Asto CT approaches every installation as a long-term partnership, supporting clinics not only through equipment delivery but throughout the entire process: planning, design, installation, training, clinical ramp-up, and beyond.

Although both types of CT scanners create 3D images, they work in very different ways. These differences can impact image quality, how accurate the diagnosis is, and how easy the scanner is to use in a clinical setting. Understanding these key differences can help you choose the best option for equine veterinary care.

Advancements in imaging technology have made CT more accessible for equine veterinarians, especially for scanning limbs, head, and neck. Choosing between fan-beam and cone-beam CT is crucial, as each impacts image quality, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical usability differently. Understanding these differences helps determine the best option for equine care.

The impact and potential of the Equina® are unmistakable: greater safety, accuracy, and efficiency translate into lower risk and lower costs for veterinary practices, benefits that can then be passed on to clients. When a solution like Equina® exists—one that offers a greater return on investment, happier horses, and even happier owners—‘good enough’ is no longer good enough.

Looking back, it’s hard to imagine working without the Asto Equina CT. It has transformed the way we diagnose and treat our equine patients, improving efficiency, reducing risks, and enhancing the role of technicians in the process.

The Melbourne Cup’s four-year streak of zero fatalities marks a turning point in horse racing safety. Mandatory weight-bearing CT scans have not only saved lives but also demonstrated that prioritizing welfare does not come at the expense of performance.

Equine Innovative Medicine is setting a new standard in equine healthcare by introducing the state-of-the-art Asto CT Equina® Standing CT Scanner to its suite of diagnostic tools.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging stands at the forefront of equine dentistry, offering unparalleled diagnostic precision and treatment efficacy.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants for submitting such outstanding and diagnostically valuable cases. This year's entries highlight exceptional advancements in 3D imaging, head scans, limb scans, and soft tissue filter scans.

The authors of this research concluded that when using a standing CT system such as the Asto CT Equina system it is possible to scan a large number of horses without personnel exceeding the recommended safe threshold for occupational exposure.

Virginia Equine Imaging, an elite equine sports medicine clinic known for its high caliber diagnostics and treatments, proudly announces the acquisition of the state-of-the-art Asto CT Equina® Standing CT Scanner.

Welcome to our recent case review, where we explore some intriguing and complex cases captured with the Equina by Asto CT. This edition features sinus masses to chronic lameness and bone cysts, these cases illustrate the diagnostic journey and treatment strategies for a range of complex pathologies.