Vision in Motion

The concept for Asto CT is born, driven by a mission to make equine imaging safer and more accessible. Founders David Ergun, Thomas “Rock” Mackie, Peter Muir, and Mark Markel and clinical advisor Sabrina Brounts begin developing a standing CT solution that will transform equine diagnostics.

Early Engineering & Innovation

The first working prototype of the Equina® CT is developed in partnership with Photo Diagnostic System Inc (PDSI) now SureScan. Asto CT collaborates with equine imaging experts and clinicians to address real-world challenges and clinical needs.

First Scan on a Horse Performed

A major milestone is reached as the first successful standing CT scan is performed on a live horse. Volunteer horse, CeCe (Kirker-Head), from Tufts University is brought to the PDSI testing site to be scanned. Additional bench testing and simulated scans validate the system’s readiness for clinical application.

First Installation

The first installation and clinical scans take place at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Standing equine CT proves to be safe, effective, and practical for everyday veterinary use.

Early Adopters

Second and third Equina® CT installations occur at the University of Minnesota–Leatherdale Equine Center and the University of Melbourne Equine Centre. Early client feedback helps refine system performance and workflow integration.

CLinical Validation

Asto CT surpasses 1,000 clinical scans, validating the technology’s value in enhancing diagnostic confidence and patient safety. Interest in standing CT continues to rise.

Innovation in Motion

Software updates and hardware refinements continue during the COVID epidemic, focused on workflow efficiency and image quality. Asto CT continues to evolve to meet the needs based on early adopter feedback.  Asto CT’s presence grows at key veterinary conferences, including AAEP and BEVA.

Expanding Horizons

Following COVID, the fourth installation is placed at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Texas.  And mission complete for Racing Victoria in Australia — compulsory scanning with Equine Standing CT for the Melbourne Cup enters year two in an effort to minimize catastrophic injury. In 2022, 40 horses were scanned and 3 withdrawn (7.5%) with zero CMI’s  This trend continues to this day. Asto CT attends AAEP in San Antonio and BEVA.

Expanding Global Footprint

New installations at SoCal Equine Hospital, MU VHC Equine Hospital, and Sharjah Equine Hospital expand the Equina® footprint. Publications led by Asto CT clinical advisor Dr. Sabrina Brounts contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting standing CT. Asto CT attends AAEP in San Diego and BEVA in Birmingham, UK.

Use of a novel helical fan beam imaging system for computed tomography of the distal limb in sedated standing horses: 167 cases (2019-2020) - PubMed

Use of a novel helical fan beam imaging system for computed tomography of the head and neck in sedated standing horses: 120 cases (2019-2020) - PubMed

Client-Centered Growth

Installations continue at NVA Wisconsin Equine Clinic and Hospital (US) and Cotts Equine Hospital (UK). New publication on radiation exposure levels emitted by the Equina® CT is reinforces Asto CT’s commitment to safety. Asto CT attends BEVA in Liverpool and AAEP in Orlando.

Radiation exposure during simulated equine head and limb fan beam standing computed tomography appears safe for personnel using lead shielding in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume 263 Issue 1 (2025)

A Decade of Impact

Asto CT celebrates 10 years of innovation, collaboration, and clinical success. With over 10,000 scans performed, new installations at Virginia Equine Imaging and Equine Innovative Medicine mark continued growth and a forward-looking commitment to advancing equine diagnostics.