Cadaver studies involving horses provide valuable insights into equine anatomy, pathology, and surgical techniques. These studies involve the examination and dissection of deceased horses to better understand the structure and function of various bodily systems. By utilizing cadavers, researchers and veterinary students can gain hands-on experience in identifying anatomical features, understanding disease processes, and refining surgical skills without the ethical concerns associated with live animal experimentation. Cadaver studies also contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by allowing for detailed exploration of equine anatomy and pathology. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, findings, and applications of cadaver studies in equine science.
Schramme MC, Boswell JC, Hamhougias K, Toulson K, Viitanen M.Numerous different techniques for injection of the navicular bursa have been described but there is little conformity between these descriptions. A literature review was performed and techniques for injection of the navicular bursa were categorised into 5 approaches. This study was performed to evaluate the reproducibility of each technique and to assess which technique was consistently most successful. Five inexperienced operators performed each technique on 5 cadaver forelimbs. Once a needle had been placed, a radiograph was taken to confirm placement was in accordance with the description o...
Blaik MA, Hanson RR, Kincaid SA, Hathcock JT, Hudson JA, Baird DK.The objective of this study was to define the normal gross anatomic appearance of the adult equine tarsus on a low-field magnetic resonance (MR) image. Six radiographically normal, adult, equine tarsal cadavers were utilized. Using a scanner with a 0.064 Tesla magnet, images were acquired in the sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes for T1-weighted and the sagittal plane for T2-weighted imaging sequences. Anatomic structures on the MR images were identified and compared with cryosections of the imaged limbs. Optimal image planes were identified for the evaluation of articular cartilage, subch...
Galuppo LD, Stover SM, Willits NH.To compare the biomechanical properties, in full limb preparations, of intact second phalanx and a simulated comminuted second phalangeal fracture stabilized with either two bone plates or a custom Y-plate. Methods: In vitro biomechanical assessment of intact limbs and of paired limbs with a simulated second phalangeal fracture stabilized by one of two fixation methods. Animal Population-Thirteen pairs of equine cadaveric forelimbs. Methods: A comminuted second phalangeal fracture was created in six paired cadaveric limbs. For each limb pair, the fracture was stabilized with two plates in one ...
Asperio RM, Marzola P, Sbarbati A, Osculati F, Addis F.To analyze the tendon of the deep digital flexor (TDDF) muscle of the forelimb in horses by use of a contrast radiographic agent (gadopentate dimeglumine [Gd-DTPA/Dimeg]) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine the concentration of water protons in the tendons by use of MRI. Methods: 8 TDDF harvested from the forelimbs of 6 horse cadavers. Methods: Examinations were performed on the same portion of each tendon. Tendons were examined by use of two techniques: MRI before and after treatment with Gd-DTPA/Dimeg as well as scanning electron microscopy. Results: Tendons did not have de...
McD￮ LA, Stover SM, Bach JM, Taylor KT.To determine the mechanical properties of Equine Interlocking Nail (EIN; JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of California, Davis) stabilized osteotomized tibiae and compare these variables with estimated in vivo loads. Methods: In vitro biomechanical investigation. Methods: Twelve adult equine cadaveric tibiae. Methods: EIN-stabilized tibiae were tested monotonically under compression, 3- and 4-point bending, and torsion. Mechanical properties were compared with estimated in vivo loads. Results: EIN-tibial composite mean compressive yield load (11 kN) and bending mo...
Lopez MJ, Wilson DG, Vanderby R, Markel MD.To compare the mechanical properties of two stabilization methods for ostectomized equine third metacarpi (MC3): (1) an interlocking nail system and (2) two dynamic compression plates. Animal or Sample Population-Ten pairs of adult equine forelimbs intact from the midradius distally. Methods: Ten pairs of equine MC3 were divided into two test groups (five pairs each): caudocranial four-point bending and torsion. Interlocking nails (6 hole, 13-mm diameter, 230-mm length) were placed in one randomly selected bone from each pair. Two dynamic compression plates one dorsally (12 hole, 4.5-mm broad)...
Cauvin ER, Tapprest J, Munroe GA, May SA, Schramme MC.This study was designed to develop a reliable technique for endoscopic examination of the tarsal sheath of the lateral digital flexor tendon of horses. The anatomy of the tendon sheath and associated structures was studied in detail in cadavers before determining portals for the insertion of an arthroscope into the sheath. Approaches into the sheath through the proximal pouch and through the flexor retinaculum, at the level of the sustentaculum tali, were performed and compared in cadavers. The proximal pouch portal permitted visualisation only of the proximal half of the sheath, while the app...
Reina MA, López A, de Andrés JA.Cauda equine syndrome is a rare neurological complication associated with subarachnoid anesthesia, and particularly with the use of 5% hyperbaric lidocaine and small gauge catheters. Our aim was to study a possible anatomical factor that might impede adequate dilution of local anesthetic and explain the development of cauda equine syndrome and transitory radicular irritation. Methods: The spinal dura matters and their contents from two male human cadavers were examined after organs had been extracted for transplantation. Both men had recently died at ages 56 and 65 years of age. Samples were f...
Southwood LL, Stashak TS, Kainer RA, Wrigley RH.To describe a tenoscopic approach to the carpal sheath for desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon. Methods: The surgical procedure was developed with use of normal forelimbs from equine cadavers and experimental horses. Methods: Twelve equine cadaveric forelimbs, 4 forelimbs from 2 horses anesthetized for terminal surgical laboratories, and 10 forelimbs from five experimental horses were used. Methods: The limbs were positioned lateral side up with the carpus slightly flexed. After distention of the carpal sheath, a portal was made approximately 2 cm proxi...
Widmer WR, Buckwalter KA, Hill MA, Fessler JF, Ivancevich S.We tested an adaptation of a technique for performing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of human cadaver limbs in the horse. The forelimbs from a normal horse were collected, frozen, and sealed with a paraffin-polymer combination prior to imaging with either a high- or midfield magnetic resonance scanner. Each forelimb was defrosted, scanned, and refrozen on two separate occasions. A five-point scale was used to evaluate the quality of each set of sagittal and transverse, T1-weighted images of each digit. There was no difference in image quality between first and second scans of either specimen ...
Tnibar MA, Auer JA, Bakkali S.This study was intended to document normal ultrasonographic appearance of the equine shoulder and anatomic landmarks useful in clinical imaging. Both forelimbs of five equine cadavers and both forelimbs of six live adult horses were used. To facilitate understanding of the images, a zoning system assigned to the biceps brachii and to the infraspinatus tendon was developed. Ultrasonography was performed with a real-time B-mode semiportable sector scanner using 7.5- and 5-MHz transducers. On one cadaver limb, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using a system at 1.5 Tesla, T1-weighted...
Adams MN, Turner TA.Forelimbs from 3 anesthetized horses and 16 fresh cadaver horses were used to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the intertubercular bursa and outline the surgical portals that provide the greatest access to structures within the bursa. A lateral arthroscopic portal was made proximal to the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus into the distal bursal recess. A second portal was created proximal to the humeral tubercles that entered the proximal bursal space. These approaches provided consistent viewing and instrument access to the lateral intertuberal groove, the greater and intermediate humeral t...
Rand T, Bindeus T, Alton K, Voegele T, Kukla C, Stanek C, Imhof H.The authors evaluate the role of low-field strength magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with sonography in the evaluation of degenerative changes of tendons, with histologic correlation, based on investigations of horse cadavers. Methods: Low-field MRI and sonography was performed in 42 hours specimens for the evaluation of tendons and ligaments. Magnetic resonance imaging included sagittal and axial T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and gradient echo images. Sonography and MR images were evaluated for degenerative changes or tears and the findings were correlated with the histologic results. Re...
Whitton RC, Buckley C, Donovan T, Wales AD, Dennis R.A cadaver limb from an eight-year-old horse with right forelimb lameness that was relieved with an intra-articular distal interphalangeal joint block was imaged with radiographs, spiral computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spiral CT demonstrated several lucencies within the deep digital flexor tendon immediately proximal to the navicular bone. On MRI these areas had increased signal and there was enlargement of the tendon at this site. Effusion in the proximal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa and thinning of the fibrocartilage of the navicular bone were also ...
Vazquez de Mercado R, Stover SM, Taylor KT, Zarucco L, Willits NH.To determine anatomic landmarks for a lateral approach for arthrocentesis of the proximopalmarolateral aspect of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in horses and the likelihood of entering synovial structures other than the DIP joint through this approach. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Paired forelimbs of 8 cadavers and 12 horses. Methods: Anatomic preparations were used to determine anatomic landmarks. Positive-contrast arthrography was used to determine which structures were entered. Results: Landmarks for the lateral approach included a depression in the proximal border of the la...
Southwood LL, Stashak TS, Kainer RA.To describe the tenoscopic anatomy of the carpal sheath of the flexor tendons (carpal sheath) viewed from a lateral approach. Methods: Tenoscopic observation of structures within the carpal sheath subsequently confirmed by dissection. Methods: 12 equine cadaveric forelimbs. Methods: The limbs were positioned lateral side up with the carpus slightly flexed. After distention of the carpal sheath, a portal for the arthroscope was made approximately 3 cm proximal to the distal radial physis and 2.5 cm caudal to the radius between the tendons of the ulnaris lateralis and lateral digital extensor mu...
Whitton RC, Rose RJ.To determine the relative contributions of the palmar intercarpal ligaments in the midcarpal joint to the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones. Methods: A biomechanical study of cadaver equine carpi. Methods: Eight equine forelimbs from six thoroughbred horses. Methods: With joints in full extension, the radius was dorsally displaced while midcarpal joint displacement was measured. The restraining force at a joint displacement of 1.5 mm was determined from the load-displacement curve. A ligament or pair of ligaments was then cut and the testing procedure repeate...
Scrivani PV, Barthez PY, Léveillé R, Schrader SC, Reed SM.Three patients (1 dog, 2 horses) are described where myelography was complicated, purportedly by injection of contrast medium into the meninges superficial to the subarachnoid space. Contrast medium injected in this location in a cadaver tended to accumulate dorsally within the vertebral canal, deep to the dura mater but superficial to the subarachnoid space. The ventral margin of the pooled contrast medium had a wavy or undulating margin and the dorsal margin was smooth. Pooled contrast medium was believed to be sequestered within the structurally weak dural border cell layer between the dura...
Hanson PD, Hartwig H, Markel MD.This study compares the mechanical properties of three methods of equine ulnar fixation: dynamic compression plating, pins and wires tension band, and a prototype grip system. Methods: The mechanical properties of dynamic compression plating, pins and wires tension band, and a prototype grip system repair of equine ulnar fractures were evaluated in a cadaveric osteotomy model. Methods: Fifteen pairs of the radius and ulna from equine cadavers. Methods: The three repair techniques were evaluated to mimic the pull of the triceps brachii muscle in single cycle to failure and in cyclic fatigue loa...
Baptiste K.The pharyngeal orifice of the equine auditory tube has not been adequately described. Its larger size and position, further rostral within the nasopharynx compared with other species, cannot be easily explained, but could be important for the proposed brain-cooling function of the guttural pouches; however, unlike other species, it may not be the sole regulator of auditory tube aeration. A 'second orifice' (representing the final entrance to the auditory tube diverticulum) deserves recognition in performing a role in air exchange between the auditory tube, diverticulum and middle ear. The resu...
McD￮ LA, Stover SM, Taylor KT.To determine the monotonic mechanical properties of osteotomized adult equine tibiae stabilized with two dynamic compression plates (DCP) and to compare the mechanical properties with those of intact tibiae and in vivo loads. Methods: The compressive, bending, and torsional mechanical properties of plated and intact tibiae were assessed in vitro. Methods: Twelve pairs of adult equine tibiae. Methods: Tibiae were loaded in axial compression, craniocaudal 3-point bending, or torsion in external rotation in a single cycle to failure. Mechanical properties were determined from load-displacement da...
Ruohoniemi M, Raekallio M, Tulamo RM, Salonius K.One hundred Finnhorse cadaver front feet were measured and examined both radiographically and visually to report the incidence of various foot problems and their relationship to ossification of the cartilages of the foot. Ossification extending above the proximal border of the navicular bone and/or separate centres of ossification were found in 36 feet, and the lateral cartilages showed more ossification than the medial cartilages. The feet were generally broad with well developed frogs, but the long toe-low heel syndrome was a relatively common finding. Ossification of the cartilages correlat...
Keegan KG, Wilson DA, Kreeger JM, Ellersieck MR, Kuo KC, Li Z.To evaluate the distribution of mepivacaine hydrochloride after distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint injection in horses. Methods: Prospective, uncontrolled study. Methods: 10 adult horses. Methods: 30 minutes before euthanasia, 8 ml of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride was injected into the dorsal pouch of a forelimb DIP joint. Synovial tissue from the DIP joint and podotrochlear (navicular) bursa and bone tissue from the medullary cavity of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone were taken from both forelimbs immediately after death. All synovial and bone specimens were analyzed for tissue concentrat...
Matthews GL, Keegan KG, Graham HL.To determine effects of tendon grip technique on in vitro surface strain measurements of equine deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) when loaded in tension. Methods: 12 hind limb DDFT from 8 adult horses (mean age, 9.8 years [range, 4.5 to 17 years]; mean body weight, 472 kg [range, 450 to 509 kg]), with no clinical evidence of hind limb lameness. Methods: After calibration, liquid mercury strain gauges were sutured to plantar surfaces of the tendons at distal (position 1), middle (position 2), and proximal (position 3) metatarsal regions. Each tendon was affixed to a materials testing machine (d...
Bell BT, Baker GJ, Abbott LC, Foreman JH, Kneller SK.The vascular anatomy of the ethmoidal area in six normal horses and two normal ponies was studied using vascular-corrosion casts. The major arterial supply to the ethmoidal area stems from an intracranial source. The internal and external ethmoidal arteries anastomose on the rostral intracranial surface of the cribriform plate to form the arterial ethmoidal rete which arborizes and passes through the perforations of the cribriform plate to supply the ethmoid labyrinth. A minor arterial supply to the ventral portion of the ethmoid labyrinth stems from a small caudal nasal branch of the sphenopa...
Kraus BL, Kirker-Head CA, Kraus KH, Jakowski RM, Steckel RR.The vascular and microvascular anatomy of the equine deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) within the digital sheath was studied by injecting the vasculature with either colored latex or barium sulphate for radiographic, microangiographic, histologic, and computed tomographic (CT) evaluation. Consecutive 4-mm thick two-dimensional CT slice data were reconstructed to 3-dimensional volumetric images to enhance spatial evaluation of the blood supply. Gross dissection and angiographic studies identified three major vascular sources. Above the fetlock, the DDFT was supplied by either a branch of the me...
Parente EJ, Nunamaker DM.Six forelimb specimens from three adult horses had the fetlock joint fused by application of a dorsal plate and by a screw placed in lag fashion through the metacarpus to each proximal sesamoid bone. Five specimens were instrumented on the central dorsal surface of the plate with a single rosette strain gage, and the plate of the sixth specimen was instrumented with four longitudinally oriented single-axis strain gages. The specimens were loaded axially in compression to 4,000 N in a cast (test 1), in a cast with a heel block (test 2), and uncast (test 3). The principal angle of strain in all ...
Trostle SS, Wilson DG, Stone WC, Markel MD.The purposes of this study were to mechanically determine the optimal tissue bite size and to evaluate seven suture materials at their largest commercially available size for breaking strength and stiffness using cadaveric adult equine linea alba. Soft tissues were removed from the abdominal fascia of 16 adult horses. Individual test sections were created from the entire linea alba and labeled (1 through 6) starting at the umbilicus and extending craniad. A single biomechanical test was performed on each test section. Tissue bite size (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 mm) significantly altered brea...
McClure SR, Watkins JP, Bronson DG, Ashman RB.Axial stability of equine oblique proximal phalangeal osteotomies with application of the standard short limb cast or 1 of 3 configurations of transfixation casts was determined in vitro. Transfixation cast methods included use of parallel pins, divergent pins, or parallel pins incorporating a metal walking bar. Displacement at the osteotomy was recorded for each limb at 4,448 N. Standard short limb casts provided significantly (P = 0.0002) less axial stability than did any form of transfixation cast. Significant differences were not found between the 3 transfixation casts.
Ward NI, Savage JM.The elemental (Br, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn) content of blood and wool or hair from animals (sheep, horses and alpacas) exposed to motor vehicle emissions alongside the London Orbital (M25) motorway is reported. Elemental values were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) quality control assessment using flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy (for Pb, correlation coefficients of whole blood r = +0.87, and hair r = +0.82), and replicate (n = 10) analysis of the international reference material IAEA A13 Animal Blood. For Pb very good agreement was obta...
Colla S, Johnson JW, McGilvray KC, Zanotto GM, Seabaugh KA.Therapeutic shoeing for horses is used to affect the palmar angle (PA) of the distal phalanx. These changes may influence the strain on the distal interphalangeal joint collateral ligaments (DIJCLs). This cadaveric study aimed to assess DIJCL strain under varying loads and PA adjustments. Using 26 cadaver forelimbs, eight optical markers were placed on one DIJCL for strain measurement under five different loads (1000-5000 newtons) at a neutral PA, followed by PA increases of 2°, 4°, and 6° and decreases of -2° and -4°. The results indicate that increases in PA corresponded to significantl...
Guerra M, Schnabel LV, Jacobs CC.To determine the utility of a dorsolateral arthroscopic approach to the tarsocrural joint (TCJ) to examine and surgically access the medial malleolus (MM) and compare this to the standard dorsomedial approach to the MM. Methods: Experimental cadaver study. Methods: Six pelvic limbs from four adult horses. Methods: Arthroscopic examination of the dorsal aspect of the TCJ was performed followed by the dorsomedial and dorsolateral surgical approaches to the MM, in randomized order on cadaver limbs (n = 6). The dorsomedial approach involved placing the arthroscope and instrument in the dorsome...
Woods TDC, Dixon J, Fraser BSL, Melvaine C.Exploratory tenoscopy is considered the gold standard technique to identify intrathecal pathology of the equine carpal flexor tendon sheath (CFTS). Preoperative diagnosis allows for more precise prognostication and surgical planning, potentially associated with improved surgical outcomes. This prospective, descriptive, anatomical study aimed to describe the anatomy of the equine CFTS using noncontrast and contrast CT in clinically normal cadaver limbs. Ten pairs of equine forelimbs free of gross external abnormalities were examined from mid-antebrachium to distal metacarpus. Specimens initiall...
Connaughton MT, MacDonald EJ, Ireland JL, Rocchigiani G, Stack JD.Caudal wedge ostectomy has not been investigated for overriding or impinging spinous processes (SPs). Objective: To establish the feasibility of caudal wedge ostectomy and compare measures of surgical trauma and error between hypothetical caudal and cranial wedge ostectomies on SPs of different inclinations. Methods: Experimental, method comparison study. Methods: Computed tomography and caudal wedge ostectomy surgery were performed on four cadavers. Observations, technical difficulties, and surgical errors were recorded. Radiographs from 67 horses with overriding/impinging SPs were reviewed. ...
Velásquez JM, Tamayo-Arango L, Santos-Silva T, Miglino MA.Horse joints are common sites of injury, orthopedic issues, and surgical and clinical interventions. For this reason, a thorough understanding of joint anatomy, including the boundaries of their recesses and their relationships with other structures of the locomotor apparatus, is essential. This study aimed to develop cast anatomical models of the synovial structures of the equine hand and foot, compare different casting materials and visualization methods, and identify the most suitable technique for enhancing the understanding of equine limb arthrology. Additionally, an anatomical descriptio...
Uprety T, Swan M, Kennedy L, Bryant U, Cassone L, Loynachan A, Janes J, Evely MM, Calvaruso FC, Quick M, Morgan J, Abdelrazek S, Lahmers K, Carter C....Clostridium piliforme is an obligate intracellular filamentous bacterium that causes Tyzzer disease (TD) in many animals. The disease manifests as severe, multifocal necrotizing hepatitis, with a high fatality rate in foals. Through retrospective investigation, we detected C. piliforme in 43 equine necropsy cases from 2012 to 2024. Positive cases were diagnosed from February to July, peaking in May. The age of affected foals ranged from 4 days to 2 months. Histologically, all cases had necrotizing hepatitis with multifocal, coalescing pinpoint, tan or reddish foci. Since only a partial 16S rRN...
Strugava L, Gomes ARC, Lorga AD, Bosak VL, Rossa AP, Janiszewski JDR, Machado M, Dornbusch PT, Moreno JCD.To describe anatomical references and sonoanatomy of an echo-guided injection for blocking the tibial and common fibular nerves with the use of a caudocranial midfemoral approach and to evaluate dye spreading in horse cadavers. Unassigned: 1 horse cadaver preserved in glycerin was used for the anatomical study, and 14 fresh horse cadavers were used for the dye spreading study. The experimental procedures were conducted on the first cadaver on March 25, 2021, and on the last cadaver on October 5, 2022. A glycerin-preserved horse cadaver's pelvic limb was dissected to identify anatomical landmar...
Ibrahim L, Vernemmen I, Buschmann E, van Loon G, Cornillie P.The interatrial septum morphology, shaped by the septum primum and secundum fusion, results in the formation of the fossa ovalis (FO) and its limbus. Incomplete fusion can lead to a patent foramen ovale (PFO), while complete fusion may produce septal ridges and pouches (SPs), with SPs in humans linked to ischemic stroke and atrial arrhythmias. In horses, atrial tachycardia and fibrillation often originate near the FO. This study examines adult equine interatrial septum morphology to enhance understanding the region and guide electrophysiological interventions for equine cardiac arrhythmias. Po...
Kadic LIM, Liu CC, Riggs LM.The aim of this study was to compare the monotonic tensile strength and fatigue strength of a stainless steel cable (SSC) compared to a human non-metallic polymer cable (NMPC) in an metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis model lacking a dorsal plate application.An experimental biomechanical equine cadaver limb study. Ten metacarpophalangeal joints were collected from five adult Thoroughbred horses, euthanatized for reasons unrelated to orthopaedic disease. Each pair of metacarpophalangeal joints was randomly instrumented with either a 1.7-mm SSC or a NMPC. Each construct was tested in cyclic ...
Kirkpatrick CJ, Ernst NS, Trumble TN.Injury to the collateral ligament (CL) of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) is recognized as a source of lameness in horses. Intralesional injection has been advocated to increase return to performance. This study was a proof-of-concept study in standing horses to evaluate success of a palmar radiographic-guided approach for injecting insertions of the DIPJ CLs previously described in cadaver limbs. Horses were sedated, nerve blocked, and placed on wooden blocks with the limb to be injected staggered approximately 20cm cranially to the other limb. The DIPJ CL insertion was injected, usin...
Kerbert MP, Delling U, Verhaar N.To investigate the computed tomography (CT) and gross anatomy of the equine medial digital flexor tendon sheath (MDFTS), and the endoscopic anatomy and approach to the MDFTS. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study and one clinical case. Methods: Twelve clinically normal cadaveric hindlimbs. Methods: Dissection, native and contrast CT scans were conducted to evaluate the anatomy of the MDFTS. Based on these findings, the portal locations for the endoscopic approaches were determined. Six hindlimbs were used in the pilot phase and another six limbs were selected for the main study. Endoscopic image...
Brown KA, Engiles JB, de Solis CN, Bills KW, Johnson AL, Davidson EJ.To determine the accuracy of a dorsal ultrasound-guided approach for perineural injection of the sixth and seventh cervical spinal nerves (CSNs) with the use of a clinically relevant volume of injectate (2 mL). We hypothesized that the majority of injections would result in identification of contrast solution in the intervertebral foramen (IVF) on CT and corresponding methylene blue dye staining of the CSN on postmortem evaluation, and distribution of injectate into the epidural space would not occur. Unassigned: 7 horses donated to the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center for euthanas...
Tagliavia C, Pietra M, Salamanca G, De Silva M, Canova M, Cacchione S, Castagnetti C, Bombardi C, Grandis A.Endoscopy of the guttural pouches in neonatal foals occasionally reveals atypical aspects in the course of the extracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs) that are hardly seen in adult horses. While in veterinary medicine the data available on the presence of these anomalies in domestic mammals are limited and incomplete, in human medicine the morphological aspects of the ICAs have been the subject of extensive studies. Anomalies in the course and geometry of ICAs are commonly defined as dolichoarteriopathies, and should be classified as tortuous, kinked or coiled. To document whether the an...
Mendes RP, Lima AE, da Cunha R, Bittar MJ, Vasconcelos CC, Piñeros DDV, Corrêa RR.Radiographic examination of the skull is a well-established and indispensable procedure for the diagnostic evaluation of dental and paranasal sinus disorders in horses. Complementary projections make significant contributions to radiographic diagnosis in nasal conchae disorders. This article describes a complementary radiographic projection designed for the evaluation of the conchal sinuses and bullae in horses. Six equine cadaveric heads were used. Specimens were dissected, and openings were created in the ventral and dorsal nasal conchae for the introduction of radiopaque material. The new r...
Kadic LIM, Liu CC, Leise BS, McCauley CT, Riggs LM.The aim of the study was to determine if a novel arthrodesis technique for the equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint using a human non-contact bridging (NCB), polyaxial locking compression plate system has biomechanical and potential clinical advantages versus a traditional 5.5 mm stainless steel locking compression plate (LCP) under biomechanical testing. Methods: An ex vivo biomechanical equine cadaver study. Methods: A total of 11 MCP joints collected from adult Thoroughbred horses euthanized unrelated to musculoskeletal disease. Methods: Each pair of MCP joints were randomly implanted w...
Foucaud M, Haegeman L, Kadic D, Vinardell T, Mariën T, Declercq J.To describe a direct arthroscopic approach of the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock to facilitate fragment removal, highlighting its advantages over previously described arthroscopic methods for the fetlock. Additionally, to evaluate and present a retrospective case series. Methods: Ex vivo and retrospective clinical study. Methods: A total of 25 fetlocks in 23 horses. Methods: A direct approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock was developed on five cadaveric limbs. Arthroscopic anatomy and landmarks were examined. The approach was clinical...
Baldwin CM, Gillen A.To evaluate three different jejunal transection angles for end-to-end jejunojejunostomies, comparing construction time, lumen size, and suture number. Methods: Ex vivo cadaver study. Methods: Eight euthanized horses each had three mid-jejunal specimens harvested. Methods: Jejunal segments were assigned to one of three groups (A30, A45, and A60) and transected at 30, 45, or 60°, respectively. Following transection, a standardized handsewn single-layer interrupted modified Lembert anastomosis was performed, and construction time and number of sutures placed were recorded. Anastomotic index (AI)...
Bowkett-Pritchard C, Bolt DM, Chang YM, Berner D.Equine foot radiographs are commonly obtained to measure anatomical conformation parameters. Comparison of measurements between radiographs and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been extensively explored. Objective: To compare foot parameter measurements between radiographs and low-field MRI, and assess the effect of hoof wall markers on visualising the hoof capsule (during MRI) and facilitating measurements. Methods: Comparative cadaveric analytical study. Methods: Radiography and MRI of nine equine cadaver front feet were performed with and without hoof wall markers, which w...
Stucki G, Valet S, Fuerst AE, Weisse B, Jackson MA.The aim of this study was to compare the strength (load at failure) and the number of cycles to failure of 3.5- and 4.0-mm cortical screw-bone constructs for repair of navicular bone fractures in horses.This was an in vitro biomechanical study that used a four-point bending apparatus to determine the load at failure of 3.5- and 4.0-mm cortical screw-bone constructs subjected to static and cyclic loading.In static testing, pairwise comparison of 4.0-mm cortical screw-bone constructs demonstrated significantly greater strength (mean increase: +16%, = 0.0135) compared with those in the 3.5-m...
Mathys RA, Schmitz TR, Geyer H, Borel N, Hilbe M, Ohlerth S, Bischofberger AS.This study described, assessed and correlated ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and histological findings in the sacroiliac joints of adult Warmblood horse cadavers. In total, 25 joints from 15 horses were examined post-mortem using transrectal ultrasonography and helical computed tomography. Findings on computed tomography were graded in the caudal joint third (caudally) and for the entire joint as mild, moderate, or severe. In total, 11 joints from nine horses were evaluated histologically. All joints (100%) showed abnormalities on computed tomography, and 92% (23/25) displayed abnorma...
Celik F, Karabulut B, Uslug M, Cankaya E, Eroksuz Y, Simsek S. is a parasitic cestode primarily maintained within an equine-canine life cycle, with horses, donkeys, mules, and other ungulates serving as intermediate hosts. Although has historically been considered non-zoonotic, recent molecular studies suggest that this assumption may need to be reevaluated. This study aimed to investigate the presence and molecular characterization of in equids from Türkiye. A retrospective analysis of 52 equine necropsies performed between 2020 and 2025 identified hydatid cysts in one Arabian horse and two donkeys. Gross and histopathological examination confirmed t...
Germonpré J, Lorenz I, Vandekerckhove LMJ, Duchateau L, Diekhoff T, Vanderperren K.Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is a promising advancement for detecting bone edema-like lesions (BME). However, its application in horses remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate DECT virtual-non-calcium (VNCa) imaging in the equine foot and establish which confounding factors could influence its applicability in clinical practice. The DECT VNCa map of 14 standing and 5 cadaveric (recumbent) cases with foot-related lameness was scored in consensus by two readers in comparison to MRI. Overall, 17/19 cases demonstrated BME on MRI, whereas 2 did not. Agreement between DECT V...
Ysebaert MP, Johnson J, Marie U, Campos A, Verchrerin A, Ducharme NG, Rossignol F, Luedke LK.To compare the biomechanical stability of a novel arytenoid implant (tie-bolt, TB) with a suture anchor (SA) and standard laryngoplasty using suture alone (control) in equine larynges. Methods: Randomized ex vivo controlled experimental study. Methods: Thirty equine cadaver larynges. Methods: Larynges were randomly assigned to TB, SA, or control groups (n = 10 each). The force of abduction was measured for each construct, then constructs underwent cyclic loading (5-50 N for 3000 cycles) to assess elongation, followed by load-to-failure testing to assess ultimate load, displacement, stiffn...
Bosch K, Zsoldos RR, Hartig A, Licka T.The influence of soft tissue structures, including ligaments spanning one or more intervertebral junctions and the nuchal ligament, on motion of the equine cervical joints remains unclear. The present study addressed this using four post-mortem horse specimens extending from head to withers with all ligaments intact. Three-dimensional kinematics was obtained from markers on the head and bone-anchored markers on each cervical and the first thoracic vertebra during rotation, lateral bending, flexion and extension of the whole head, and neck segment. Yaw, pitch, and roll angles in 8 cervical join...
Salinas P, Vergara MA, Tapia D.Navicular syndrome (NS) is a chronic, degenerative condition of the equine thoracic limb that compromises the distal sesamoid bone (DSB) and associated structures responsible for stabilization and load absorption during locomotion. Although historically attributed to vascular alterations, its etiology is now recognized as biomechanical, characterized by chronic overload of the deep digital flexor tendon. Conventional diagnostic techniques-radiography, scintigraphy, and ultrasonography-lack the sensitivity and precision required to detect early microarchitectural alterations. This study aimed t...
Healy SR, Yaffy D, Miller HG.Setaria equina is a species of filarial nematode parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, which infects horses and other equids. Adult worms reside in the abdominal cavity with apparently little pathogenic significance, but larvae can migrate to other regions of the body with resulting clinical disease. Cases in the UK are rare, with the last published report in 2001. A recent case of S. equina infection was detected in a 13-year-old, UK-resident mare during postmortem examination in Hertfordshire, UK. Adult worms were collected from the abdominal cavity, their DNA extracted and subjected to PCR an...
Eren G, López-Albors O, López Corbalán M, Latorre R.Digital technologies have improved the visualization of anatomical structures for veterinary education and clinical practice. In this study, a detailed three-dimensional anatomical model of the equine palmar metacarpal region was generated using E12-based epoxy sheet plastination combined with digital reconstruction in Amira V5.6 software. Serial cross-sections of the metacarpal region provided high-resolution visualization of bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, vessels, fasciae, and synovial structures, with minimal shrinkage or deformation, ensuring improved anatomical accuracy. These section...
Aimonetti E, Genton M, Lischer CJ, Rossignol F.To determine the benefit of using a three-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium aiming device for placing two 5.5-mm transarticular screws during proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis in equine species. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: A total of 40 cadaveric forelimbs from adult horses. Methods: A senior surgeon and a first-year resident each performed 20 constructs: 10 using the device and 10 using a freehand technique. Procedure duration and number of intraoperative radiographs were recorded. Final radiographs were evaluated by an ECVS-certified surgeon unaware of treatment group, b...
Strugava L, Serighelli-Júnior G, Stadler LM, Flores LADS, Minozzo GA, Dornbusch LPTC, Moreno JCD, Dornbusch PT.Rectal amputation is a surgical approach indicated for the management of severe rectal lacerations or extensive rectal prolapse when transmural compromise or primary repair is unfeasible. These conditions, although uncommon, present substantial challenges in equine practice due to the anatomical complexity of the pelvic region and the potential for life-threatening complications if not adequately addressed. This study aimed to describe and standardize a reproducible surgical technique for rectal amputation in horse cadavers. Six equine cadavers (mean body mass, 441.83± 66.84 kg) were position...
Hmb O, L W, M V, Jm W, Ct F.A systematic study of regional skin thickness in different types of horses has not yet been described. Knowledge about regional skin thickness has long been used in human medicine to optimise wound care and skin grafting outcomes and similar knowledge could prove useful in equine wound management. The objective of the current study was to report the topographical variation in skin thickness of Warmblood (WB) and Coldblood (CB) type horses and to compare different methods for measuring skin thickness. Horses free of skin conditions and euthanised for reasons unrelated to this study were include...
