Feasibility, indications, and radiographically confirmed diagnoses of standing extremity cone beam computed tomography in the horse

Objective. To report on the feasibility, indications, and diagnostic yield of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of horses' extremities performed under standing sedation. Study design. Retrospective clinical case series. Sample population. Fifty-nine CBCT examinations in 58 horses. Methods. Examinations were categorized for indications for CBCT dependent on a suspicion, presence, or absence of a diagnosis prior to CBCT. The number of acquisitions per examination, total time for the examination, diagnostic score of each acquisition (diagnostic, diagnostic-compromised, nondiagnostic), and additional diagnostic information regarding preexisting diagnostic information were recorded. Results. Three (median) acquisitions were performed per examination in a median study time of 14 minutes. In 24 of 33 cases with a suspected diagnosis, this diagnosis was confirmed or definitively refuted; in seven of 33 cases, the suspected diagnosis was refuted without a new diagnosis; and, in two of 33 cases, the suspected diagnosis could not be confirmed nor could a new diagnosis be made. In five of nine cases without a preexisting diagnosis, a diagnosis was established. In 16 cases with a diagnosis prior to CBCT, additional information was recorded, or a surgical plan was prepared. In 14 of 18 cases in which additional contrast techniques were used, additional information was gained. Conclusion. Standing CBCT of the horses' extremities is feasible and can produce diagnostic information in a timely fashion. Clinical significance. The results provide evidence of the practicality and diagnostic potential of standing CBCT of horses' extremities.

Automated summary

The feasibility and diagnostic potential of standing CBCT of horses' extremities were demonstrated in this study, with the majority of suspected diagnoses either confirmed or definitively refuted. The ability to establish diagnoses and gain additional information in a timely manner highlights the practicality of this imaging technique.