Standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging of a comminuted central tarsal bone fracture in a horse

This report describes the use of low-field standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and clinical decision making process in a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare with a comminuted central tarsal bone fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging in the standing horse was preferred over computed tomography examination under general anaesthesia because the animal had sustained the injury during a poor recovery from a previous general anaesthetic episode. Magnetic resonance imaging examination identified a comminuted central tarsal bone fracture with a configuration that was not identifiable with radiography. Due to extensive comminution of this fracture, conservative management was pursued. Standing low-field MRI examination enabled safe examination of this animal and provided useful diagnostic information whilst facilitating the clinical decision making process.