The use of computed tomography in two equine patients with basilar skull fractures

For the past 2 years computed tomography is used at the Veterinary School, University of Zurich. This new imaging modality enables the detection of abnormalities occuring in small and large animals which were Previously not visible with imaging techniques. Subjects of this study were a foal and a small pony, both with suspected head trauma. Routine radiography could not explain any of the neurological deficiencies. In the first case a basilar skull fracture along With., a focal brain hemorrhage was detected, in the second case multiple basilar skull fractures were seen. The computed tomographic examination after intravenous injection of an iodine-containing contrast medium also revealed epidural hemorrhage. These two cases demonstrate the diagnostic use of computed tomography as an extremly valuable asset when diagnosing headtrauma in horses.