Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging of a coup contrecoup traumatic brain injury in a horse

Summary A 3‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare found recumbent in the field was referred for further assessment with suspicion of a skull fracture. Neurological examination identified compulsive tight circling to left, and hypermetria all four limbs. The obtunded, mild head tilt right, absent menace response right eye decreased facial sensation on right. Standing computed tomographic revealed subtle depression fracture dorsal calvarium moderate intra‐axial midline shift consistent traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite supportive treatment, deteriorated subjected euthanasia. Post‐mortem high magnetic resonance imaging findings small cerebral contusion adjacent site, severe ipsilateral oedema within caudal cerebrum rostral brainstem, coup contrecoup TBI. Brainstem lesions indicate poor prognosis support decision This is first report TBI horse.