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Topic:Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging in horses encompasses a range of techniques used to visualize the internal structures of the equine body for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment planning. These techniques include radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear scintigraphy. Each modality offers unique advantages in assessing different tissues and conditions, such as bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, and joint abnormalities. Radiography is commonly employed for evaluating bone structures, while ultrasonography is frequently used for soft tissue assessment. MRI and CT provide detailed cross-sectional images, facilitating the examination of complex anatomical regions. Nuclear scintigraphy can detect areas of increased bone activity, often used in lameness evaluations. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the applications, advancements, and comparative effectiveness of diagnostic imaging modalities in equine veterinary practice.
Bilateral thoracic radiographs increase lesion detection in horses with pneumonia or pulmonary neoplasia but do not bring any additional benefit for inflammatory or diffuse pulmonary disease. Published studies describing the effects of bilateral radiographic projections on the detection of equine pulmonary lesions are currently lacking. The objectives of this retrospective, single center, observational study were to compare unilateral and bilateral thoracic radiographic projections for the detection of pulmonary lesions in a group of horses. Based on their clinical diagnosis, 167 adults and foals with bilateral thoracic radiographs were classified as having pneumonia (n = 88), inflammatory or diffuse pulmonary disease (n = 72), and pulmonary masses (n = 7). After an initial i...
Arthroscopic removal of palmar intermediate carpal bone fracture fragments in four horses using a transthecal approach through the carpal flexor tendon sheath. To describe the removal of palmar intermediate carpal bone (ICB) fracture fragments using a transthecal approach through the carpal flexor tendon sheath. Methods: Case series. Methods: Four horses with fractures of the palmar aspect of the ICB. Methods: Two horses were injured when falling and two during recovery from general anesthesia. Three horses underwent MRI to supplement conventional imaging. Three horses had concurrent fractures of the radial and/or accessory carpal bones. Conventional proximolateral carpal sheath arthroscope and instrument portals were used, supplemented with a medial...
Selection of Filtering and Image Texture Analysis in the Radiographic Images Processing of Horses’ Incisor Teeth Affected by the EOTRH Syndrome. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is one of the horses' dental diseases, mainly affecting the incisor teeth. An increase in the incidence of aged horses and a painful progressive course of the disease create the need for improved early diagnosis. Besides clinical findings, EOTRH recognition is based on the typical radiographic findings, including levels of dental resorption and hypercementosis. This study aimed to introduce digital processing methods to equine dental radiographic images and identify texture features changing with disease progression. The radiogr...
Multi-modality imaging of aggressive submural neoplasia of the hoof in two horses. This case series presents a 20-year-old Quarter horse gelding and a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a histologic diagnosis of aggressive submural neoplasia, including an anaplastic sarcoma and a squamous cell carcinoma respectively. The current case series describes these neoplasias with radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology with immunohistochemistry. The purpose of this case series is to identify the clinical pattern of chronic reoccurring lameness in these cases and highlight the appearance of expansile osteolytic pathology of the distal phalan...
A systematic review evaluating the use of ultrasound in the identification of osteochondrosis in horses. Osteochondrosis is commonly encountered in young horses, with welfare, performance, and economic effects. Consequently, pre-purchase radiographic screening for osteochondrosis is routinely performed. Ultrasonographic examination of articular cartilage and osteochondrosis lesions are described in the literature with many case series or single case reports published. This systematic review was undertaken to examine the evidence for using ultrasonography in comparison to traditional radiography, arthroscopy or necropsy findings in the detection of osteochondrosis. The systematic review identified...
Three-Dimensional Modeling and In Silico Kinematic Evaluation of Interspinous Ligament Desmotomy in Horses. Interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD) has been shown to improve the comfort of horses diagnosed with overriding dorsal spinous processes (DSP), but its effects on spine mobility are unknown. To objectively quantify the change in mobility of thoracic vertebrae following ISLD using CT and medical modeling software. Prospective cadaveric manipulation of seven equine thoracolumbar spines collected from T11-L1. Spines were collected from T11-L1 with the musculature intact. Flexion and extension phases were achieved with a ratchet device calibrated to 2000N. Bone volume CT scans were performed ...
Complex central nervous system malformations in a Dutch Warmblood foal. A neonatal Dutch Warmblood colt was evaluated for inability to stand, incoordination and intention tremor. Despite partial improvement in clinical signs during the first 4 days of hospitalization, neurological deficits remained. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a unilateral infratentorial arachnoid cyst-like lesion with ipsilateral compression and displacement of the cerebellar hemisphere, absent corpus collosum, polymicrogyria, suspect leukoencephalopathy, and noncompressive occipitoatlantal malformation. Improvement in clinical signs during the first 6 months of life suggests that ho...
Dual-contrast micro-CT enables cartilage lesion detection and tissue condition evaluation ex vivo. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a frequent joint disease in the horse. Currently, equine medicine lacks effective methods to diagnose the severity of chondral defects after an injury. Objective: To investigate the capability of dual-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (dual-CECT) for detection of chondral lesions and evaluation of the severity of articular cartilage degeneration in the equine carpus ex vivo. Methods: Pre-clinical experimental study. Methods: In nine Shetland ponies, blunt and sharp grooves were randomly created (in vivo) in the cartilage of radiocarpal and middle carpal joi...
Validation of ultrasonography for measurement of cartilage thickness in the equine carpus. Articular cartilage thinning is an important hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA), and ultrasonography (US) is a clinically accessible tool potentially suitable for repeated evaluation. The aim of the present prospective methods comparison study was to validate US as a tool for measuring cartilage thickness in the carpus of the horse. Eight Standardbred trotters underwent US examination with 9 and 15 MHz linear transducers. Six anatomical locations in the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and middle carpal joint (MCJ) were examined. The same joints were assessed by ultrahigh field (9.4 Tesla) magnetic reson...
Perioperative lung ultrasonography in healthy horses undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is poorly evaluated in horses, especially perioperatively. Objective: (1) Describe LUS findings in healthy horses before and after general anesthesia (GA), (2) evaluate if GA induces ultrasonographic changes in healthy horses, (3) suggest a LUS scoring system, (4) identify horse variables that are associated to LUS changes after anesthesia. Methods: Twenty-five healthy adult horses undergoing elective surgery. Methods: Prospective hypothesis-driven observational study. LUS findings were recorded before anesthesia, 5 minutes in recovery, 15 minutes, 2H, 3H, 4H, 6H, and ...
Computed tomographic features of the temporomandibular joint in 10 Jeju horses. The equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has a complex anatomical structure that makes diagnosis of TMJ disorders difficult. Computed tomography (CT) is now available in equine medicine; hence, TMJ evaluation has become more convenient. Objective: The objectives of this study were to describe the CT features of the TMJ in Jeju horses and to compare these features with those of Thoroughbreds. Methods: In this report, the TMJs of 10 Jeju horses (mean age: 4.5 ± 1.9 yr; mean body weight: 282.6 ± 40.3 kg) and 6 Thoroughbreds (mean age: 7.3 ± 1.6 yr; mean body weight: 479.7 ± 44.0 kg) were exam...
Development of an Ultrasound Technique to Evaluate the Popliteal Complex in the Horse. The popliteal tendon and muscle are major stabilizers of the human and dog knee, more specifically the postero-lateral corner. Injury to this complex causes posterior knee pain, and it is generally associated with other injured structures such as the lateral collateral ligament, lateral meniscus, and/or the cranial cruciate ligament. The popliteal complex is poorly reported in the horse, and its specific function has not been determined. Nevertheless, it is likely that it is similar to that of other species, and that injury to it could have similar clinical repercussions. Lameness due to stifl...
Multibody Computer Model of the Entire Equine Forelimb Simulates Forces Causing Catastrophic Fractures of the Carpus during a Traditional Race. A catastrophic fracture of the radial carpal bone experienced by a racehorse during a Palio race was analyzed. Computational modelling of the carpal joint at the point of failure informed by live data was generated using a multibody code for dynamics simulation. The circuit design in a turn, the speed of the animal and the surface characteristics were considered in the model. A macroscopic examination of the cartilage, micro-CT and histology were performed on the radio-carpal joint of the limb that sustained the fracture. The model predicted the points of contact forces generated at the level ...
Ex vivo comparison of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computed tomography arthrography to identify artificial soft tissue lesions in equine stifles. To determine the diagnostic performance of computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting artificial meniscal, meniscotibial ligament (MTL) lesions and cruciate ligament (CL) lesions in horses. Methods: Ex vivo controlled laboratory study. Methods: Nineteen stifles from adult horses. Methods: Stablike defects (n = 84) (16 mm long, 10 mm deep) were created in the menisci (n = 35), CLs (n = 24), and MTLs (n = 25) via arthroscopy prior to MRI and CTA (80 mL contrast at 85 mg/mL per joint). Two radiologists, unaware of the lesions...
Imaging of the Urinary Tract. This article provides a comprehensive review of imaging techniques used to evaluate the equine urinary tract. This overview includes officially recognized modalities and new applications reported in the most current literature. Technical aspects and indications for use of endoscopy and ultrasonography are highlighted. Normal endoscopic and ultrasonographic appearance of the upper and lower urinary tract is described, with characterization of common abnormalities found in patients with hematuria, stranguria, and renal failure. Visual examples of several pathologic conditions from clinical cases...
Surgery of the Equine Urinary Tract. Urinary surgery in the horse may be challenging. More straightforward procedures, such as urinary bladder or urachal defects, do not usually require specialized equipment or imaging, although laboratory work is helpful. Congenital or acquired conditions of the ureters or kidneys may necessitate advanced diagnostic work-ups including advanced imaging /or and minimally invasive procedures. Some surgery of the lower urinary tract is done in the sedated, standing adult horse. Surgery involving the kidney typically requires general anesthesia. Laparoscopy and associated tools are frequently used. A...
Feasibility of Echocardiographic Estimation of Pulmonary Artery Stiffness in Horses. Pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) is an index of pulmonary artery elasticity that permits to evaluate the pulmonary vascular bed in humans. It can early detect an increase in pulmonary artery stiffness as a consequence of remodeling of the vessel wall caused by chronic pulmonary and congenital heart diseases. This remodeling can occur also in horses with chronic respiratory diseases. Thus, PAS could be a useful echocardiographic parameter also in horses. However, in literature, there are no studies regarding PAS in horses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of PAS in horses. F...
The Role of Computed Tomography in Imaging Non-neurologic Disorders of the Head in Equine Patients. Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the head in equine patients is now commonly performed as CT scanners are more readily available. Head CT has proven valuable in evaluating spatially complex anatomic structures, where radiographic superimposition, or restricted access endoscopy or ultrasound, limit complete evaluation of the disease process. Head CT has been demonstrated to be incredibly valuable in the evaluation of dental and paranasal sinus disease, disease of the hyoid apparatus and ear, and in evaluation of skull trauma. CT is an excellent modality for assessment of both osseous and so...
X-ray tube operators can be exposed to equal or higher scattered radiation doses to the hand as cassette holders during diagnostic radiographic procedures of the equine vertebral column and limbs. The objectives of this study were to investigate scattered radiation doses to the hands of equine workers holding the cassette and the x-ray tube by hand, for both limb and vertebral column studies, and to compare the scattered radiation attenuation of lead with radiation protection lead-free gloves. Radiation doses to the hands of the cassette holder in the primary beam were also investigated. Methods: A whole-body horse cadaver. Methods: A portable x-ray unit was used to simulate 6 radiographic study types in the horse cadaver. Doses were measured with no shielding and, for cassette holders,...
Rib fractures in adult horses as a cause of poor performance; diagnosis, treatment and outcome in 73 horses. Rib fractures in adult horses are poorly documented. Objective: To describe the presenting signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of horses diagnosed with rib fracture. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: The clinical records and diagnostic images of all adult horses diagnosed with a rib fracture at three referral centres over a 15-year period were reviewed. Results: Seventy-three horses met the inclusion criteria. Horses presented due to either resistance to ridden work and poor performance (n = 41), lameness (n = 21) or trauma (n = 7). In four horses, the presenting complaint...
Three-dimensional printed surgical guides for keratoma removal in horses using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging-based segmentation. To report the technique, surgical approach, and postoperative features in horses treated via a 3-dimensional (3D) printed guide-assisted keratoma resection created using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based segmentation. Methods: Five client-owned horses. Methods: Short case series. Methods: Horses were placed under general anesthesia for imaging (CT and MRI) and underwent a second anesthesia for surgery. Two horses had guides created from CT-based imaging, 3 horses had guides created from MRI. Various sized nonarbored hole saws were used to create accurate and pr...
Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal equine pituitary gland. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly available for evaluation of horses with suspected pituitary adenomas; however, published studies describing the MRI features of normal equine pituitary glands are currently lacking. This retrospective, descriptive, anatomic study describes the MRI appearance and size of presumed normal equine pituitary glands and assesses potential correlations between pituitary size, brain size, and patient weight. These findings serve as a reference for MRI evaluation of the equine pituitary gland. Inclusion criteria consisted of adult horses (2-15 years old), over ...
Validation of a dedicated positron emission tomography scanner for imaging of the distal limb of standing horses. A positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, with an openable ring of detectors, was specifically designed to image the distal limb of standing horses. The goals of this prospective, preclinical, experimental, methods comparison study were to validate the safety of the scanner, assess image quality, and optimize scanning protocols. Six research horses were imaged three times (twice standing, once anesthetized) and six horses in active race training were imaged once under standing sedation. Multiple scans of both front fetlocks were obtained with different scan durations and axial fields of vi...
Studies on Age-Related Changes in Equine Cheek Teeth Angulation and Dental Drift. Cheek teeth (second through fourth premolars and first through third molars) diastema is a common and painful equine disorder caused by the absence of effective tight interdental contact between these teeth. Limited objective information is available on the angulation of equine cheek teeth that control dental drift or on mesial or distal equine cheek teeth drift that should normally prevent this disorder. Objective: To measure the angulation of the mesial and distal cheek teeth in horses of different ages, quantify age-related cheek teeth mesial and distal dental drift, and measure the cheek t...
Caudal foot placement superior to toe elevation for navicular palmaroproximal-palmarodistal-oblique image quality. Palmaroproximal-palmarodistal oblique (PaPr-PaDiO) radiographs are regularly obtained for a full evaluation of the navicular bone (NB). Despite their routine use, different acquisition techniques are described. Objective: To determine optimal foot placement and beam angle for obtaining PaPr-PaDiO views. Methods: In vitro experiment. Methods: A convenience sample of 26 disarticulated forelimbs were placed in six different positions using a leg press to mimic the weight-bearing position. In each position, navicular PaPr-PaDiO images were obtained with eight different beam angles. The resulting 1...
Microscopic Imaging Technology Assisted Dynamic Monitoring and Restoration of Micron-Level Cracks in the Painted Layer of Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the Western Han Dynasty. Cracks are one of the most common issues affecting colored pottery relics; these can be divided into macroscopic cracks, recognizable by the human eye, and micron cracks, which cannot be observed by the naked eye. The gradual development of micron cracks eventually leads to large-scale cracks and the shedding of the coating layer. The repair of such micron cracks poses a key technical difficulty in restoring painted pottery remnants from the Western Han Dynasty. We attempt to solve this problem by reporting on a method that entails the use of a water-borne fluoropolymer material as the adhesiv...
Hematology and biochemical values in equines naturally infected with Theileria equi in Nigeria. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of equines with resultant economic consequences. To date, little information is available regarding the effects of EP on the health of equids in Nigeria. Therefore, this study was carried out to ascertain the effects of natural sub-clinical infection with T. equi on the hematology and biochemical profiles of horses and donkeys. Blood and serum samples were subjected to hematology and serum biochemistry analyses, respectively. Data corresponding to PCR-positive (infected) and PCR-negative (uninfected) was computed to ascertain changes in any of ...
An objective index for spinal cord compression on computed tomography in Thoroughbred horses. Computed tomographic myelography can be a useful tool for evaluating vertebral canal stenosis. However, an index of spinal cord compression is yet to be established. This observational descriptive study aimed to establish an index for spinal cord compression using computed tomography (CT). Twenty-three Thoroughbred horses (age, 155-717 days; weight, 205-523 kg) with suspected cervical vertebral malformation were subjected to computed tomographic myelography in dorsal recumbency using large-bore gantry CT to define the entire cervical vertebrae from C1 to C7. Subsequently, the height of the sp...
Treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in a Miniature Horse using chemical ablation of abnormal parathyroid tissue localized by 3-phase computed tomography. A 15-year-old Miniature Horse mare with persistently increased plasma calcium (total and ionized) and serum parathyroid hormone concentrations was presented for suspected primary hyperparathyroidism. Ultrasonography of the thyroid region identified an enlarged heterogeneous mass axial to the right thyroid lobe suggestive of an enlarged parathyroid gland, which was further confirmed using sestamibi nuclear scintigraphy and 3-phase computed tomography. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of the mass, a method not previously described in the horse, was performed under general anesthes...
Radiographic changes of the proximal third metatarsal bone do not predict presence or severity of proximal suspensory desmopathy in a predominately Quarter Horse population. Comparison of radiography to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help objectively assess the value and limitations of radiographs in orthopaedic disease processes. The tarsus and proximal suspensory origin of the metatarsus are commonly imaged regions for lameness. The knowledge gained by comparison between imaging modalities will aid in improving accuracy of radiographic interpretation. Objective: To compare the radiographic and MRI findings of the proximal third metatarsal bone (MTIII) and proximal suspensory ligament using MRI as the gold standard. Methods: Retrospective observational stud...
