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.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of caudoproximal humeral stress fracture in thoroughbred racehorses. Humeral stress fractures in racehorses can progress to catastrophic fracture if unrecognised. Scintigraphy is the gold standard diagnostic technique but is limited by accessibility and cost. It was hypothesised that ultrasonography could be used to visualise caudoproximal humeral stress fractures. Objective: To determine the utility of ultrasonography to identify caudoproximal humeral stress fractures in racehorses. Methods: Clinical case series. Methods: Seven racehorses that had a clinical history consistent with the presence of a humeral stress fracture were examined using humeral ultrasono...
Suspensory Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis and Treatment. The location of a suspensory ligament (SL) injury heavily influences the clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment options. Diagnostic imaging is necessary to provide an accurate diagnosis and is critical to ensure the institution of the most appropriate treatment. The hindlimb proximal SL in particular can be challenging to diagnosis, carries a guarded prognosis, and typically requires aggressive treatment to achieve soundness.
Techniques for Equine Tendon Tenorrhaphy. Equine tendon lacerations are not uncommon secondary to traumatic wounds and degloving lacerations. These wounds are often contaminated and, therefore, basic principles of wound assessment and management are critical to identify the extent of an injury. Ancillary tools to aid physical examination include radiography, ultrasonography, and synoviocentesis (eg, if involving a joint and/or tendon sheath). Prolonged convalescence period, continued external coaptation, and controlled exercise are mainstays of treatment following tenorrhaphy. A poor prognosis for return to full athletic function is e...
Current and Emerging Quantitative Imaging Modalities for Diagnosing and Monitoring Equine Tendon and Ligament Injuries. Technological developments in imaging modalities have advanced the diagnostic capabilities for equine tendon and ligament injuries beyond the traditional methods. This review examines elastography techniques in ultrasonography that assess tissue stiffness and strain properties, computed tomography (CT) innovations including PET/CT fusion and dual-energy CT, and emerging applications of diffusion-weighted MRI for evaluating fiber microstructure and functionality. These complementary approaches offer veterinarians improved means to detect early injuries, assess structural integrity, monitor heal...
Diagnosis and Strategies for the Treatment of Infectious Equine Tendon and Ligament Disorders. Diagnostic and treatment strategies for infectious equine tendon and ligament disorders are continually evolving where recent progress is focused on advanced imaging and evidence supporting endoscopic lavage and regional antimicrobial therapy.
[Diagnostic imaging of the equine cervical spine and clinical significance of findings – review of literature – Part two: Ultrasonography, myelography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, and nuclear medicine]. Diagnostic imaging is an important part of the diagnostic approach in equine spinal ataxia especially with the cervical spine being commonly involved. The spinal cord may be affected by a variety of conditions including cervical vertebral malformations, osteoarthritis of the articular process joints or less commonly neoplasia. Advanced imaging techniques such as myelography are more accurate in diagnosing spinal cord compression and may be performed under general anesthesia in neutral, flexed and extended positions of the cervical spine. The use of ultrasound is non-invasive and allows ultraso...
Lag screw compression effectively treats proximal subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the first phalanx of mature performance horses. To determine the outcome of skeletally mature performance horses with subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx treated by lag screw compression. Unassigned: Case records of horses that underwent lag screw compression to treat subchondral bone lesions in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx were reviewed. Performance horses > 5 years old with lameness referrable to the fetlock region; radiographic or other advanced imaging evidence of subchondral bone lesions, with no other concurrent cause for lameness; and at least 6 months of follow-up data were inc...
Navigated minimally invasive puncture of the trigeminal cistern in horses-a cadaveric study in preparation for a controlled rhizotomy. Trigeminal-mediated headshaking is a neuropathic disorder in horses, characterized by signs of regional pain similar to trigeminal neuralgia in humans. The injection of glycerol into the trigeminal cistern to ablate pain-conducting nerve fibers within the trigeminal ganglion -known as glycerol rhizotomy- is a well-established treatment in human medicine. This study compares two approaches to the equine trigeminal cistern using a navigation system for guiding needle placement, a previously described ventral and a newly developed transmandibular lateral approach. The surgical accuracy and risk o...
The cross-sectional area of normal superficial digital flexor tendon of young French Trotters increases during the first months of training. To quantify changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the midmetacarpal superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in young Trotters during training. Unassigned: In this experimental study, 12 healthy 3-year-old French Trotters, assigned to either a soft-track or a hard-track group, were trained for 4 months (June through September of 2012 and 2013). Both groups followed the same exercise program of increasing intensity. Ultrasonographic examinations of both forelimb SDFTs of each horse were performed before the beginning of training (D0), after 2 months of training (M2), and after 4 months o...
Desmitis of the palmar or plantar ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint: A descriptive case series. Limited reports in the literature are available regarding desmitis of the palmar/plantar ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PL-PIPJ); the clinical significance of such injuries is unknown. Objective: To describe the ability to differentiate the PL-PIPJ on low-field magnetic resonance (MR) examination. To describe the injury characteristics of the PL-PIPJ on MR examination and the correlation with clinical features and lameness. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data and MR images of 29 horses were collected from the databases of three institutions. Horses were included...
Pseudomonas-Enterobacter Co-Infection Drives Cellulitis and Lymphangitis in Equines: A Case Report. This case report detailed a rare co-infection of and in a 9-year-old warmblood mare, leading to severe cellulitis and secondary lymphangitis following traditional hoof blood-letting therapy. The mare exhibited acute limb swelling, fever, cutaneous ulceration, lymphatic dysfunction and unknown anemia. Comprehensive diagnostics, including bacterial culture, whole-genome sequencing, anti-elastin antibody (AEAb) ELISA, and diagnostic imaging, confirmed the pathogens causing cellulitis and secondary lymphangitis. AEAb levels were elevated, correlating with lymphatic degradation, while radiography...
Computed tomography and nephrotomy in a Warmblood stallion with bilateral nephrolithiasis. This case report describes the use of computed tomography for the diagnosis and surgical planning in a horse with bilateral nephrolithiasis. An adult Warmblood stallion (460 kg) was presented with chronic weight loss, hypercalcemia and azotemia. Ultrasonographic examination identified hyperechoic masses in both kidneys and dilation of the right renal pelvis. A solid mass was evident upon transrectal examination on the left side. Computed tomography (CT) of the caudal abdomen was performed and provided good quality images that facilitated exact determination of the size, position and extent of ...
Equine Standing Multidetector Computed Tomography of the Distal Thoracic Limb and Tarsus Has a Lower Cumulative Radiation Dose than Digital Radiography. Recent technological advancements in CT have improved the ability to scan standing sedated horses. However, the impact of radiation exposure on veterinary staff while scanning the extremities of standing horses using this technique, compared with digital radiography (DR), remains unknown. This study compares the radiation exposure of imaging technicians assisting with multidetector CT (MDCT) and DR of the distal thoracic limb and tarsus in standing horses. Personal dose equivalent was measured on four body locations: thyroid gland, gonads, hand, and feet. Images of the distal thoracic limb (n ...
Use of 2D-Shear Wave Elastography for the Evaluation of Lens in Horses. Although lens diseases are uncommon in horses, they can be disabling in advanced stages. The B-mode ultrasound is useful for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of ocular diseases such as cataracts. Elastography is an ultrasonographic technique that allows the detection and measurement of tissue stiffness. This observational cohort prospective study aimed to determine the feasibility, reproducibility, and repeatability of 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) of lenses in horses. Forty-six eyes of 23 horses with no evidence of ocular disease were included in this study. The horses underwen...
Computed Tomography of the Hyoid Apparatus in Equine Headshaking Syndrome. Headshaking is a common condition in horses, most cases are presumed idiopathic/trigeminal-nerve mediated. Diagnostic work-up of a headshaking horse may involve computed tomography (CT) of the head to exclude causative structural pathology. The relevance of the presence and severity of hyoid apparatus findings at CT to headshaking is unknown. A retrospective analysis of CT changes in the hyoid apparatus in horses was carried out. Comparisons were performed between horses with signs of headshaking and a control population and a subgroup of horses with signs of headshaking and no other 'likely...
Objective lameness assessment of 235 horses undergoing lameness examination in Brazil: A retrospective study. Lameness, which arises from functional or structural changes in the limbs or axial skeleton, causes asymmetry in the movement of the equine head and/or pelvis. This study aimed to investigate the lameness patterns of horses that underwent lameness examination or monitoring during the years 2016 to 2020. This retrospective study used data from the lameness examination, evaluated using an objective assessment with body-mounted wireless inertial sensors. The lameness examination comprised clinical history, static inspection, palpation, gait evaluation (for which the animals were equipped with a w...
Complementary Radiographic Projection for Evaluation of the Conchal Sinuses and Bullae in Horses. 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...
Thermal Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on the Temporomandibular Joint Area in Clinically Healthy Racehorses-A Pilot Study. The aim of the present study was to assess the thermal effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area of clinically healthy Thoroughbred racehorses. The study was conducted on 21 clinically healthy Thoroughbreds in regular training. The horses were subjected to thermographic examinations before and immediately after a HILT session to measure changes in the body surface temperature in the TMJ area. The left TMJ was subjected to therapy, while the contralateral joint served as a control. Statistically significant differences in the body surface temperatu...
Accuracy of computer-assisted drilling of equine cervical vertebral bodies using a purpose-built cervical frame-An experimental cadaveric study. To assess the accuracy of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) of equine cervical vertebrae using a purpose-built cervical frame (CF) for neck stabilization. Methods: Experimental cadaveric study. Methods: Six whole fresh equine cadavers. Methods: Cadavers were positioned in dorsal recumbency with the neck extended within the CF. A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based surgical navigation system with optical tracking was used. A ventral approach exposed cervical vertebrae C3-C5. In each cadaver, 12 drill corridors were prepared with the patient tracker on the CF (position CF), followed by 12 c...
Sinonasal angiofibroma in a horse. A 34-year-old Haflinger gelding presented with a unilateral, expansile, intranasal mass that regrew after partial excision. After euthanasia, a large pedunculated mass that originated from the left caudal maxillary sinus and obliterated the left nasal cavity was seen by radiological and macroscopic examination. Histopathology revealed a poorly cellular, expansile, well-vascularized neoplasm composed of a loosely arranged meshwork of spindle cells and collagen fibres. Spindle cells were immunopositive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and occasionally for vimentin, whereas endothelial cells immunol...
Diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, bursography and standing magnetic resonance to detect navicular intrabursal pathology in horses with foot pain. Navicular intrabursal pathology (NIP) is a common cause of forelimb lameness in horses. An accurate diagnosis of which structure is involved is essential for therapy and prognosis. Objective: The study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, bursography and standing magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging as diagnostic tools of the proximal NIP using bursoscopy as the gold standard. Methods: Prospective blinded study. Methods: A total of 21 feet from 17 horses were included. The feet underwent ultrasonography, followed by MRI, and thereafter bursography and bursoscopy. The i...
Analysis of different techniques for injection of the interspinal space in horses. Impingement of spinous processes (SPs) is commonly diagnosed in the equine athlete. For diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, local injections are performed at the level of the space between adjacent spinous processes in affected horses. Objective: To assess the accuracy of different techniques for the local injection of the interspinal space in the equine thoracolumbar spine. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study. Methods: Equine thoracolumbar spine specimens were used to compare three techniques for needle insertion (midline; bilateral abaxial; unilateral oblique), two needles (20G-1½″; 20G-...
Differentiation of equine paranasal sinus cysts and progressive ethmoid haematomas on computed tomographic images. Paranasal sinus cysts (PSC) and progressive ethmoid haematomas (PEH) are regularly observed in the paranasal sinus system. Due to their different prognosis and treatment options, differentiation of both lesions prior to surgery on computed tomographic (CT) images is important for guidance. It was hypothesised that PSC and PEH can be reliably differentiated on CT images. The database of four European equine referral centres were retrospectively searched for horses that had undergone a CT examination of the head and had a confirmed PSC or PEH. Additionally, cases with confirmed sinusitis were se...
INJECTION OF THE INSERTION OF THE COLLARAL LIGAMENT OF THE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT IN STANDING HORSES USING THE PALMAR RADIOGRAPHIC-GUIDED APPROACH. 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...
Retrospective radiographic myelogram measurements and long-term outcomes in horses undergoing cervical interbody fusion surgery: 22 cases. Site selection for cervical stabilization surgery in horses with spinal ataxia frequently relies on measurements derived from radiographic myelography. A variety of measurement criteria exist and can provide conflicting results. The main objectives of this study were to assess the correlation between two commonly used myelographic measures, dorsal contrast column reduction (DCCR) and dural diameter reduction (DDR), and their association with previously selected operative sites in a population of horses operated at a tertiary clinic. Secondary objectives were to determine if articular process j...
Surgical technique, outcome, complications, and recurrence rate for removal of extensive perianal melanomas: 50 treated horses. To describe surgical treatment and outcome for horses with extensive perianal melanomas. Unassigned: Gray horses treated surgically for extensive perianal melanoma between July 1, 2020, and July 31, 2023, were eligible. Horses without the entire perianal skin covered with coalescing or ulcerating melanomas were excluded. Unassigned: 59 horses (30 mares, 27 geldings, and 2 stallions) met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 16 years (range, 7 to 28 years). Clinical signs included tenesmus (n = 53), weight loss (3), and hind limb lameness (1). Six horses presented with no complaints; in these ...
Changes in measurable ultrasonographic parameters in growing Arabian foals from birth to 1 year. Utrasonographic measurements of the abdominal viscera and the heart in growing Arabian foals have not been described. Objective: To establish normal intervals for ultrasonographic measurements of cardiac indices and abdominal viscera in growing Arabian foals from birth to 1 year of age. Methods: Prospective longitudinal descriptive study. Methods: Ultrasonographic images were captured from 15 foals every 3 months from 1 week to 1 year of age. During each examination, at least three images were obtained at each location and measurements were obtained using standardised ultrasonographic approa...
Presumptive Lyme disease-associated eosinophilic synovitis in a horse. A 1-year-old American Quarter horse was presented with acute onset of right hind lameness. On physical examination, there was synovial effusion of the right tarsocrural joint. Synovial fluid cytology revealed a marked eosinophilic synovitis. Serology indicated evidence of acute and chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, although PCR of the synovial fluid was negative. The filly was treated with phenylbutazone and oxytetracycline, and repeated synovial cytology indicated improvement. The filly was discharged with a prescription of minocycline for 30 days. Despite initial improvement, recu...
Computed tomography of the equine temporohyoid joint: Association between imaging changes and potential risk factors. Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is characterised by bone proliferation and cartilage ossification caused by infectious and degenerative conditions, amongst others. Objective: To describe the variable appearance of the temporohyoid joint (THJ) on computed tomography (CT) and investigate associations between CT changes and potential risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Head CT examinations were assessed. A grading system was developed for osseous proliferation (grade 0 [normal] to 3 [severe]) and tympanohyoid cartilage change (grade 0 [normal] to 3 [complete ossification])....
Morel-Lavallée lesion on the craniomedial aspect of the stifle in a horse: diagnosis, surgical management and outcome. Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) are post-traumatic, closed, degloving injuries observed in humans and cats. Morel-Lavallée lesions have never been reported in horses. An 8-year-old Warmblood gelding used for dressage presented with a large swelling on the craniomedial aspect of the stifle that did not respond to conservative treatment. Ultrasonography revealed a large anechogenic fluid-filled cavity with a well-defined capsule. Standing endoscopic examination revealed separation between the deep crural fascia, vastus medialis muscle and skin. Cytology of the fluid collected demonstrated a lymp...