Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI works by using strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. It aligns hydrogen atoms in the body, then measures the energy they emit as they return to their natural alignment. This information is processed by a computer to generate clear images without using radiation. At our clinic, we are equipped with a Hallmarq standing MRI unit, which is an 'open permanent magnet' with a low-field magnetic strength of 0.27T (Tesla) designed to examine the lower portion of the leg (up to and including the knee/carpus or hock) in a standing horse. The examination is carried out after pinpointing lameness through diagnostic analgesia, which can be performed by either your referring veterinarian or our team. The primary candidates for MRI scans are horses experiencing lameness localized in the lower leg, yet abnormalities remain undetectable through radiography or ultrasonography. MRI offers a a very high contrast resolution for soft tissue imaging and is the only modality delivering a detailed view of so-called bone marrow lesion or edema-like injuries. Accurate diagnosis of the injury enables us to determine the appropriate treatment and enhance our guidance for rehabilitation and prognosis. It is a non-invasive imaging technique without using ionizing radiation, making it safe for repeated use in follow-up or preventive scanning.