Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging has been named as a winner of The Institute of Physics Innovation Award 2015 for their development of the EQ2, the world’s first and only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for the standing horse in 2002.

The Institute of Physics (IOP) Innovation Award is an accolade that recognize companies that achieve significant commercial success built on physics. IOP Award winners must have demonstratively generated profit, secured jobs and improved efficiency across a range of sectors, from oil and gas to renewable energy, medical technologies to high-tech manufacturing.

MRI technology enables equine veterinarians a unique ability to visualize complex soft tissue ligaments and tendons of the foot, fetlock and knee joints, as ultrasounds cannot penetrate the hoof wall or other structures in the leg. MRIs can also reveal subtle changes in bone at an earlier stage than x-rays or CT.

“I am especially delighted that our development team has been recognized by the Institute of Physics,” says Dan Brown, Hallmarq Business Development Director who is also a vet. “These innovations have allowed the Hallmarq EQ2 to deliver exceptional image quality under challenging conditions.”

The Hallmarq development team recognized the importance of correcting for the slight movement of the foot and leg of a standing horse during the imaging process. Their innovative solution uses MRI itself to detect movement and, if found, “rewinds” and repeats part of the scan, adjusting for the new location. The standing MRI has allowed horses to undergo an MRI procedure without the need for anesthesia. Anesthetic injury and death are significant risks in horses, so the EQ2 means that MRI can be used as a diagnostic tool safely and routinely, not just for high performance horses, but also recreational and hobby horses too.

The ability of veterinarians to successfully treat all kinds of lameness has changed forever as a result of its use, thanks in part to an approximate 90 percent diagnostic success rate.

“Hallmarq’s EQ2 has genuinely helped alleviate pain and saved the lives of thousands of horses around the world,” adds Brown. “That in itself is very rewarding. Innovations in our latest product, the 1.5T PetVet MRI, will equally help veterinarians to diagnose and treat companion animals.”