Seeing What Was Once Invisible: How Standing CT Is Transforming Equine Diagnosis
Advances in equine imaging are redefining how veterinarians approach diagnosis and treatment. What once required general anesthesia, recovery monitoring, and extensive preparation can now be performed safely and efficiently while the horse remains standing.
This shift from traditional CT to standing CT represents more than a technological innovation—it’s a fundamental change in the way equine clinicians see, interpret, and treat musculoskeletal disease.
A Case from the Field
Dr. Megan McCraken, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA at Mizzou’s MU VHC Equine Hospital, has been part of this transformation from the start.
“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.”
One recent case involved a horse presenting with bilateral forelimb lameness and positive proximal limb flexions. Nuclear scintigraphy revealed increased uptake in the medial carpus bilaterally. Standing CT provided clear visualization of lysis and bone remodeling between C2 and C3 in the middle carpal joint, along with generalized sclerosis of C2—findings that corresponded precisely with the scintigraphy results.
“Subtle osteophytes and overlapping bone structures often make these lesions difficult to detect on radiographs,” Dr. McCraken explains. “Standing CT makes them visible with incredible clarity.”
Over the past two and a half years, the Mizzou team has scanned more than 200 forelimbs, consistently identifying similar patterns in horses with carpal disease. These insights have refined diagnostic accuracy and improved treatment planning, advancing the standard of care for equine athletes and patients alike.
A Safer, Smarter Imaging Experience
For decades, CT imaging in horses could only be performed under GA, which carries inherent risk even under the care of experienced veterinary anesthesiologists. Standing CT changes that equation. Horses are scanned while lightly sedated, remaining in a natural, stress-free position. This minimizes risk while enabling fast procedures, smooth recovery, and a more comfortable experience for both patient and practitioner.
The Equina® Standing CT system by Asto CT is one of the technologies making this possible. With its bi-axial design capable of scanning the limbs vertically and the head and neck horizontally, the system captures high-resolution, three-dimensional images without the need for general anesthesia. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for diagnosing a range of orthopedic and neurological conditions in horses.
From Concept to Clinical Reality
Adopting advanced imaging technology requires thoughtful planning and collaboration. From site design to training, implementation, and daily operation, each step plays a critical role in ensuring clinical and financial success.
Asto CT’s new eBook, A Practical Guide to Equine Standing CT, was created to help veterinary hospitals and clinics navigate this process. The guide provides:
Criteria for selecting the right CT partner to align with your goals and facility needs
Key milestones for installation, commissioning, and clinical integration
Insights into training programs and workflow optimization
Guidance on maintenance, system updates, and long-term support
It also includes real-world experiences from equine specialists such as Dr. Nicolas Ernst (University of Minnesota) and Dr. Douglas Langer (Wisconsin Equine Clinic and Hospital), who emphasize the importance of dedicated partnership and ongoing support in implementing standing CT successfully.
The Future of Equine Imaging
As standing CT technology becomes more accessible, it’s enabling a new level of diagnostic precision and patient safety. For veterinarians, the ability to visualize subtle, previously undetectable lesions is transforming how lameness is understood and managed.
These advances are not only improving clinical outcomes, but they’re also expanding what’s possible in equine sports medicine. From university research hospitals to private practices, standing CT is helping veterinarians see what was once invisible.
Learn More
Discover how standing CT is transforming equine diagnostics—from early planning and facility design to clinical implementation and patient care.
👉 Download the eBook: A Practical Guide to Equine Standing CT
Gain insights from veterinary professionals and learn how to safely integrate this technology into your practice to enhance diagnostic precision, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.