04/14/2026
You know your horse better than anyone. You can feel it in the way they move — something just isn't right. But after X-rays, ultrasound, and nerve blocks, you're still without a clear answer.
Here's something many horse owners love to hear: we work collaboratively with your current equine veterinarian to get to the bottom of it.
At San Dieguito Equine, we've been performing Standing MRI procedures for over 20 years. That's two decades of experience, thousands of cases, and a dedicated imaging team that is exceptionally well trained and certified in equine MRI. When your horse steps into our facility, they're in the care of people who have seen it all — and who bring genuine expertise and compassion to every scan.
We partner with referring equine vets throughout the southern California region. Your vet refers your horse to us for a Standing MRI, a detailed diagnostic report is provided, and your horse goes right back to the vet you already know and trust for treatment and ongoing care. It's a true team approach — and it means your horse gets the best of both worlds.
✅ 20+ years of Standing MRI experience. We were among the early adopters of this technology and have spent over two decades refining our process. Our imaging staff is experienced, highly trained, and dedicated specifically to equine MRI — this isn't a side service, it's what we do.
✅ A true partnership with your vet. We're an imaging resource for your veterinarian, not a replacement. Many of the most skilled equine vets in our region regularly refer their most challenging lameness cases to us — because having the right images changes everything.
✅ No general anesthesia required. Your horse remains standing and sedated throughout the scan — eliminating the risks associated with general anesthesia and making the process far less stressful for your horse.
✅ Diagnostic in over 90% of lameness cases. Our Hallmarq Standing MRI detects bone inflammation, soft tissue damage, navicular disease, early-onset degenerative joint disease, and subtle lesions that X-rays and ultrasound can miss entirely.
✅ Full distal limb coverage. We image from the hoof all the way to the carpus or tarsus — the regions where most lameness originates.
✅ iNAV motion correction technology. Hallmarq's iNAV technology corrects for patient movement during scanning, producing clearer, more precise images of the fetlock, pastern, proximal suspensory, and more. Better images = better diagnoses.
✅ Most horses are seen as day patients. No extended stays. Your horse comes in, gets scanned, and heads home to their regular barn and care team.
✅ Comprehensive reports go directly to your vet. After the scan, your referring veterinarian receives a full imaging report so they can immediately build a targeted treatment and rehabilitation plan.
If your horse has unexplained lameness, talk to your equine vet about a referral to San Dieguito Equine for a Standing MRI.
Orthopedic consultations with our staff of experienced doctors are available at your doctor’s request.
20+ years of expertise. The gold standard in imaging. A team that truly cares. 🐎❤️
