Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain of normal neonatal foals

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the brain of 5 normal, anesthetized, neonatal (age 3-to-6 days) Quarter Horse foals. The objectives of the study were to develop a technique for imaging the brain of neonatal foals, and to ascertain their normal brain anatomy. Intravenous propofol was administered for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Using spin echo MR techniques, T1 weighted sagittal and transverse views, and spin density and T2 weighted transverse views were successfully made of each foal. MR images provided excellent visualization of many anatomic structures of the brain and head. MRI of the brain is feasible for selected neonatal equine patients.