Transforming Equine Diagnostics: How Asto Equina Has Changed Our Approach
Author: Shannon Vesledahl, B.S., CVT
A New Era in Equine Imaging
As a surgery technician at the University of Minnesota Leatherdale Equine Center, I have spent nine years assisting in equine diagnostics, with the last five years specializing in surgery. When I first began, our imaging options were limited to radiology, ultrasound, and standing MRI. We did have a general anesthesia (GA) CT, but the process was time-consuming—requiring extensive planning, multiple days for preparation and recovery, and, in many cases, alternative diagnostics like radiographs (rads) were used instead.
That all changed in 2019 when we introduced the Asto Equina CT. From the moment it was implemented, we saw an immediate and significant impact on how we diagnose and treat our patients.
Quarter horse mare receiving a hindlimb scan at UMN Leatherdale Equine Center.
Faster, More Efficient Diagnoses
One of the biggest advantages of the Asto Equina CT is speed. What used to take an entire day—lameness evaluation, radiographs, and additional tests—was suddenly reduced to just minutes. We can now scan a horse’s head, front legs, or back legs almost instantly. Not only does this accelerate the diagnostic process, but it also significantly reduces sedation time, lowering the risk of colic and saving owners money on sedation costs.
We've developed a streamlined system where referring veterinarians (rDVMs) send horses specifically for CT scans. In less than 20 minutes, we can complete a scan and send the images back to the rDVM. In fact, we often tell owners that their horse will spend more time waking up from sedation [from rads] than it will in the CT scanner.
Improved Accuracy & Accidental Findings
Biarticular left talar fracture with mild to moderate callus formation. Moderate tarsocrural joint effusion. Moderate to marked distal intertarsal osteoarthritis.
Beyond speed, the Asto Equina CT has also enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Over the past six years, we've identified conditions that traditional radiographs simply couldn’t detect. We’ve seen an increase in cases of temporal hyoid osteopathy (THO), fractures, and navicular disease—many of which were incidental findings that would have gone unnoticed otherwise.
For example, we recently had a case where a horse became acutely lame after barrel racing. Radiographs showed no clear fractures, but a bone scan revealed increased uptake in the tarsus. The horse then underwent a CT scan, where we found a minimally displaced fracture—something radiographs had completely missed. The CT provided a diagnosis in minutes, saving the owners months of uncertainty and trial-and-error treatments.
Empowering Technicians & Enhancing Workflow
CVT Shannon Vesledahl pitching the scanner from leg mode to head mode.
The Asto Equina CT isn’t just a game-changer for diagnostics—it has also revolutionized the role of veterinary technicians. In the CT room, our certified veterinary technicians (CVTs) are able to manage the entire process. We handle sedation (under the veterinarian’s guidance), operate the machine, and determine whether scans are diagnostic—without having to wait for a doctor’s approval. This increased efficiency allows veterinarians to move on to other cases while we complete the imaging process, ultimately enabling us to see and treat more patients in less time.
The Future of Equine Imaging
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.
From faster diagnoses to more accurate imaging and greater technician involvement, this technology is truly shaping the future of equine veterinary medicine. As we continue to refine our protocols and discover new applications, it’s clear that CT imaging is the next big step in large animal diagnostics—and we are proud to be a part of it.
CVT Shannon Vesledahl setting up a quarter horse mare for a head CT.