T2 mapping of cartilage in the equine distal interphalangeal joint with corresponding histology using 0.27 T and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely available to equine veterinarians yet is insensitive at detecting cartilage damage in the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ). T2 mapping is a quantitative imaging technique that can detect cartilage damage before morphological change is apparent.

Objectives: Validation of a T2 mapping sequence on a low-field MR system.