Imaging techniques in horses encompass a range of diagnostic tools used to visualize the internal structures and systems of equine patients. These techniques assist in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning of various conditions affecting horses. Common imaging modalities include radiography (X-rays), ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Each technique offers unique advantages in terms of resolution, depth of penetration, and the type of tissues that can be examined. For instance, radiography is frequently used for assessing bone structures, while ultrasonography is often employed for soft tissue evaluation. MRI and CT provide detailed cross-sectional images, aiding in the assessment of complex anatomical regions. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the application, advancements, and comparative efficacy of imaging techniques in equine veterinary medicine.
Berner D, Brehm W, Gerlach K, Gittel C, Offhaus J, Paebst F, Scharner D, Burk J.Treatment of tendon disease with multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) is a promising option to improve tissue regeneration. To elucidate the mechanisms by which MSC support regeneration, longitudinal tracking of MSC labelled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide important insight. Nine equine patients suffering from tendon disease were treated with SPIO-labelled or nonlabelled allogeneic umbilical cord-derived MSC by local injection. Labelling of MSC was confirmed by microscopy and MRI. All animals were subjected to clinical, ultrason...
Goodrich LR, Chen AC, Werpy NM, Williams AA, Kisiday JD, Su AW, Cory E, Morley PS, McIlwraith CW, Sah RL, Chu CR.The chondrogenic potential of culture-expanded bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs) is well described. Numerous studies have also shown enhanced repair when BMDMSCs, scaffolds, and growth factors are placed into chondral defects. Platelets provide a rich milieu of growth factors and, along with fibrin, are readily available for clinical use. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of BMDMSCs to an autologous platelet-enriched fibrin (APEF) scaffold enhances chondral repair compared with APEF alone. Methods: A 15-mm-diameter full-thickness chondral defect wa...
Su TW, Choi I, Feng J, Huang K, Ozcan A.Using a high-throughput optical tracking technique that is based on partially-coherent digital in-line holography, here we report a detailed analysis of the statistical behavior of horse sperms' three-dimensional (3D) swimming dynamics. This dual-color and dual-angle lensfree imaging platform enables us to track individual 3D trajectories of ∼1000 horse sperms at sub-micron level within a sample volume of ∼9μL at a frame rate of 143 frames per second (FPS) and collect thousands of sperm trajectories within a few hours for statistical analysis of their 3D dynamics. Using this high-throughp...
Ambrisko TD, Schramel JP, Adler A, Kutasi O, Makra Z, Moens YP.The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in horses. Thoracic EIT was used in nine horses. Thoracic and abdominal circumference changes were also measured with respiratory ultrasound plethysmography (RUP). Data were recorded during baseline, rebreathing of CO2 and sedation. Three breaths were selected for analysis from each recording. During baseline breathing, horses regularly took single large breaths (sighs), which were also analysed. Functional EIT images were created using standard deviations (SD) of pixel signals and correlation coefficients (...
Bogers SH, Rogers CW, Bolwell C, Roe W, Gee E, McIlwraith CW.To compare regional proportions and spatial distributions of volumetric bone mineral density (BMDv) of the palmar aspect of the distal epiphysis of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) in limbs with or without a condylar fracture from Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: McIIIs from cadavers of Thoroughbred racehorses with (n = 6 bones) and without (8) a condylar fracture. Methods: BMDv and spatial distributions of BMDv in peripheral quantitative CT images of the distal epiphysis of McIIIs were quantitatively assessed with spatial analysis software. Relative proportions of voxels within 9 threshold ...
Lascola KM, Joslyn S.Diagnostic imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and monitoring of lower respiratory disease in neonatal foals. Radiography is most widely available to equine practitioners and is the primary modality that has been used for the characterization of respiratory disease in foals. Computed tomography imaging, although still limited in availability to the general practitioner, offers advantages over radiography and has been used diagnostically in neonatal foals with respiratory disease. Recognition of appropriate imaging protocols and patient-associated artifacts is critical for accurate...
Tucker R, Windley ZE, Abernethy AD, Witte TH, Fiske-Jackson AR, Turner S, Smith LJ, Perkins JD.Knowledge of imaging anatomy, surgical anatomy and disorders affecting the sphenopalatine sinus are currently lacking. Objective: To describe the computed tomographic (CT) and surgical anatomy of the sphenopalatine sinus and diagnosis, treatment and outcome in clinical cases with sphenopalatine sinus disease. Methods: Cadaver observational study and retrospective case series. Methods: The sphenopalatine sinuses of 10 normal cadaver heads were examined with digital radiography, CT and sinoscopic examination prior to anatomical sectioning. Sphenopalatine sinus anatomy was described and compared ...
Lacombe VA.Seizures are a diverse and very common set of chronic neurologic disorders in humans and dogs but are less common in horses. Seizures refer to a specific clinical event (described as sudden and severe) regardless of the etiology, which includes both intracranial and extracranial causes. Therefore, after briefly reviewing some definitions, this article aims to describe the use of a standardized classification, which could facilitate a logical approach for the clinician to establish a diagnosis, as well as to use a consistent mode of communication. For instance, seizures can be classified by typ...
Jones LE, Dyson SJ.To describe in detail the radiographic appearance of ossified ungular cartilages in horses and to evaluate the usefulness of a flexed dorsolateral-palmaromedial oblique (flexed oblique) radiographic view in evaluating the ungular cartilages. Methods: Retrospective case series. Sample-Radiographs of 1,255 front feet of horses. Methods: Ossification of the ungular cartilages was graded during evaluation of radiographs on a scale from 0 to 5; feet with cartilages with an ossification grade ≥ 2 were included (386 feet [271 horses]). The shape (straight, curved outward or inward, and dorsopalmar ...
Satchell G, McGrath M, Dixon J, Pfau T, Weller R.Infrared imaging is becoming popular as an aid to traditional diagnostic tools, its repeatability under practically relevant conditions is still discussed. Objective: We hypothesise that time of day, ambient temperature and relative humidity affect thermography readings, and that there is no difference between values from left and right side. Methods: Repeated thermography in a convenience sample. Methods: Fifteen sound horses were thermographically imaged at 3 time points in the same day (08.00, 12.00 and 16.00 h). Images were taken of the following regions: neck, carpus, distolateral thora...
Bullone M, Beauchamp G, Godbout M, Martin JG, Lavoie JP.Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) revealed differences in the thickness of the layer representing subepithelial tissues (L2) between human asthmatics and controls, but whether this measurement correlates with airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling in asthma is unknown. In this study, we sought to determine the ability of EBUS to predict histological ASM remodeling in normal and equine asthmatic airways. We studied 109 isolated bronchi from the lungs of 13 horses. They underwent EBUS examination using a 30 MHz radial probe before being processed for histology. ASM remodeling parameters were e...
Chalmers HJ, Caswell J, Perkins J, Goodwin D, Viel L, Ducharme NG, Piercy RJ.A unilateral neurectomy model was used to study the relationship between histologic and ultrasonographic tissue characteristics during muscle atrophy over time. Methods: This investigation was an in vivo experimental study in an equine model (n = 28). Mean pixel intensity of ultrasonographic images was measured, a muscle appearance grade was assigned weekly, and muscles were harvested from 4 to 32 weeks. Minimum fiber diameter, fiber density per unit area, percent collagen, percent fat, and fiber type profile were measured from muscle cryosections and correlated with the ultrasonographic param...
Brünisholz HP, Hagen R, Fürst AE, Kuemmerle JM.To characterize the configuration of incomplete proximal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in horses not used for racing and compare radiographic with computed tomography (CT) findings. Methods: Historical cohort. Methods: Twenty-four horses with incomplete fractures of P1. Methods: Medical records of horses not used for racing diagnosed with an incomplete proximal fracture of P1 based on clinical and radiographic examination and confirmed by CT between 2008 and 2013 were retrieved. Radiographs and CT studies of these horses were analyzed using a subjective grading system and by measuring...
Bindler D, Koch C, Gendron K, Ferguson SJ, Kaposi AD, Papp M, Bodó G.Mechanical evaluation of a novel screw position used for repair in a type III distal phalanx fracture model and assessment of solar canal penetration (SCP). Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Disarticulated equine hooves (n = 24) and 24 isolated distal phalanges. Methods: Hooves/distal phalanges cut in a sagittal plane were repaired with 1 of 2 different cortical screw placements in lag fashion. In group 1 (conventional screw placement), the screw was inserted halfway between the proximal border of the solar canal (SC) and the subchondral bone surface on a line parallel to the dorsal co...
Khairuddin NH, Sullivan M, Pollock PJ.To record the angiographic anatomy of the equine internal carotid artery (ICA) using angiography techniques. Methods: In vitro descriptive study. Methods: Equine cadaver specimens (n = 50). Methods: Head and neck specimens from horses of mixed breed, age, sex, and use without a history of guttural pouch disease had carotid and cerebral angiography using conventional (n = 7) and rotational angiography (43). Angiographic findings were verified by arterial latex casts. Results: Variation in ICA anatomy was categorized into 4 groups: (1) the internal carotid and occipital arteries arising ...
Aim of this study was to document the normal computed tomographic tenography findings of digital flexor tendon sheath. Six ex vivo normal equine forelimbs were used. An axial approach was used to inject 185 mg/mL of iopamidol in a total volume of 60 mL into the digital flexor tendon sheaths. Single-slice helical scans, with 5 mm thickness, spaced every 3 mm, for a pitch of 0.6, and with bone algorithm reconstruction, were performed before and after injections of contrast medium. To obtain better image quality for multiplanar reconstruction and 3D reformatting, postprocessing retrorecon...
Puhakka PH, Te Moller NCR, Afara IO, Mäkelä JTA, Tiitu V, Korhonen RK, Brommer H, Virén T, Jurvelin JS, Töyräs J.The aim was to investigate the applicability of multivariate analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) information for determining structural integrity, composition and mechanical properties of articular cartilage. Methods: Equine osteochondral samples (N = 65) were imaged with OCT, and their total attenuation and backscattering coefficients (μt and μb) were measured. Subsequently, the Mankin score, optical density (OD) describing the fixed charge density, light absorbance in amide I region (Aamide), collagen orientation, permeability, fibril network modulus (Ef) and non-fibrillar mat...
Nieminen HJ, Ylitalo T, Karhula S, Suuronen JP, Kauppinen S, Serimaa R, Hæggström E, Pritzker KP, Valkealahti M, Lehenkari P, Finnilä M....Collagen distribution within articular cartilage (AC) is typically evaluated from histological sections, e.g., using collagen staining and light microscopy (LM). Unfortunately, all techniques based on histological sections are time-consuming, destructive, and without extraordinary effort, limited to two dimensions. This study investigates whether phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and phosphomolybdic acid (PMA), two collagen-specific markers and X-ray absorbers, could (1) produce contrast for AC X-ray imaging or (2) be used to detect collagen distribution within AC. Methods: We labeled equine AC sampl...
Chalmers HJ, Viel L, Caswell JL, Ducharme N.To describe the ultrasonographic changes in the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis (CAD) and cricoarytenoideus lateralis (CAL) muscles of horses before and at various times during the 32 weeks after unilateral neurectomy of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. Methods: 28 healthy Standardbreds. Methods: For each horse, the appearance of the CAD and CAL muscles on the right (neurectomized) and left (control) sides was serially monitored ultrasonographically by percutaneous (CAD and CAL) and transesophageal (CAD) approaches. The ultrasonographic images were assessed to determine the mean pixel intensity...
Wang X, Thomas CD, Clement JG, Das R, Davies H, Fernandez JW.In this study, the development of a mechanostatistical model of three-dimensional cortical bone remodelling informed with in vivo equine data is presented. The equine model was chosen as it is highly translational to the human condition due to similar Haversian systems, availability of in vivo bone strain and biomarker data, and furthermore, equine models are recommended by the US Federal Drugs Administration for comparative joint research. The model was derived from micro-computed tomography imaged specimens taken from the equine third metacarpal bone, and the Frost-based 'mechanostat' was in...
Gonçalves R, Malalana F, McConnell JF, Maddox T.For accurate interpretation of magnetic resonance (MR) images of the equine brain, knowledge of the normal cross-sectional anatomy of the brain and associated structures (such as the cranial nerves) is essential. The purpose of this prospective cadaver study was to describe and compare MRI and computed tomography (CT) anatomy of cranial nerves' origins and associated skull foramina in a sample of five horses. All horses were presented for euthanasia for reasons unrelated to the head. Heads were collected posteuthanasia and T2-weighted MR images were obtained in the transverse, sagittal, and do...
Pownder SL, Koff MF, Shah PH, Fortier LA, Potter HG.Post operative imaging in subjects with orthopaedic implants is challenging across all modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred to assess human post operative musculoskeletal complications, as soft tissue and bones are evaluated without using ionising radiation. However, with conventional MRI pulse sequences, metal creates susceptibility artefact that distorts anatomy. Assessment of the post operative equine patient is arguably more challenging due to the volume of metal present, and MRI is often not performed in horses with implants. Novel pulse sequences such as multiacquisi...
Bani Hassan E, Mirams M, Ghasem-Zadeh A, Mackie EJ, Whitton RC.To gain a better understanding of the aetiology of articular surface collapse in horses with palmar osteochondral disease. Objective: To determine whether acceleration of focal bone resorption associated with reduced physical activity contributes to articular surface collapse in racehorses with palmar osteochondral disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study comparing metacarpal bones from horses at varying stages of race training. Methods: Metacarpal bones from 36 racing Thoroughbred horses were examined with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography to determine the proportion ...
Lustgarten M, Redding WR, Schnabel LV, Prange T, Seiler GS.Navigational ultrasound imaging, also known as fusion imaging, is a novel technology that allows real-time ultrasound imaging to be correlated with a previously acquired computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. It has been used in man to aid interventional therapies and has been shown to be valuable for sampling and assessing lesions diagnosed with MRI or CT that are equivocal on ultrasonography. To date, there are no reports of the use of this modality in veterinary medicine. Objective: To assess whether navigational ultrasound imaging can be used to assist commonly...
Ley CJ, Björnsdóttir S, Ekman S, Boyde A, Hansson K.Validated noninvasive detection methods for early osteoarthritis (OA) are required for OA prevention and early intervention treatment strategies. Objective: To evaluate radiography and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of early stage OA osteochondral lesions in equine centrodistal joints using microscopy as the reference standard. Methods: Prospective imaging of live horses and imaging and microscopy of cadaver tarsal joints. Methods: Centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joints of 38 Icelandic research horses aged 27-29 months were radiographed. Horses were subjected to...
Herbig LE, Eule JC.The aim of this study was to determine the central corneal thickness (CCT) of healthy equine eyes with high-frequency ultrasound (HF) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and to measure the axial dimensions with B-mode ultrasound. Additionally, the influence of the age on the measured dimensions of the globe was analyzed. Methods: Fifty warm blood horses (mean age 23.0 ± 21.12 months) were divided into 3 age groups (group 1: 0-6 months; group 2: ≥7-30 months; and group 3: ≥31-78 months). Methods: Corneal measurements were performed with a 22-MHz and a 50-MHz transducer. Crystalline lens thi...
Sprackman L, Dakin SG, May SA, Weller R.Osteoarthritis (OA) of the low motion joints of the tarsus, commonly termed 'bone spavin', is common in horses. Whilst the aetiology of this condition is multifactorial, it has been suggested that dorsal wedging of the central tarsal bone (CTB) and third tarsal bone (TTB) may predispose to the development of this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tarsal bone conformation and osteoarthritis of the proximal intertarsal (PIT), distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. It was hypothesised that wedging of the CTB and TTB would be associated ...
Van Hecke LL, De Mil TA, Haspeslagh M, Chiers K, Martens AM.The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy, precision, inter- and intra-operator reliability of a new laser beam (LB) wound camera and a digital photoplanimetry-based (DPB) method for measuring the dimensions of equine wounds. Forty-one wounds were created on equine cadavers. The area, circumference, maximum depth and volume of each wound were measured four times with both techniques by two operators. A silicone cast was made of each wound and served as the reference standard to measure the wound dimensions. The DPB method had a higher accuracy and precision in determining the wound vol...
Schliewert EC, Lascola KM, O'Brien RT, Clark-Price SC, Wilkins PA, Foreman JH, Mitchell MA, Hartman SK, Kline KH.To compare CT and radiographic images of the lungs in sedated healthy foals positioned in sternal recumbency and to investigate whether a relationship exists between CT-derived measurements of lung attenuation and Paco2 and Pao2. Methods: 6 healthy Standardbred foals < 14 days of age. Methods: Thoracic CT images were acquired followed by radiographic views with each foal sedated and positioned in sternal recumbency. For each foal, both CT and radiographic images were evaluated for severity and extent of changes by lung regions on the basis of a subjective scoring system by 3 investigators. ...
Tacchio G, Davies HM, Morgante M, Bernardini D.The aim of this study was to validate a radiographic technique to measure objectively the longitudinal hoof balance in the horse. Ten left third phalanges (P3) obtained from front hooves and 19 left front hooves were used in order to assess the reliability of the radiographic technique and to identify any effect of rotation or alignment of specimens or distance between the X-ray machine and the radiographic cassette, in measuring P3s structures and balance related parameters. A rotational support was made to hold specimens in order to standardise some of the conditions of X-raying. The main ax...
Herbig LE, Köhler L, Eule JC.The aim was to describe the use of the DUB®-SkinScanner v3.9 (taberna pro medicum GmbH, Lueneburg, Germany) for the examination of the equine cornea. Methods: Using the DUB®-SkinScanner v3.9 various pathological corneal conditions were pictured in the A- and B-mode at a frequency of 22 and/or 50 MHz in nine eyes of eight horses. Scans were obtained from standing horses or from horses under general anesthesia non-related to image acquisition. Results: The examination allowed real time imaging and measurement of the equine cornea in vivo. Compared to slit-lamp biomicroscopy additional informa...
Brown MP, MacCallum FJ.Tetracycline-labeled bones of 23 foals from 52 to 104 days old were sectioned and macroscopically examined to assess the extent of ossification or fusion of ossification centers. A grading system was devised with which to record information about the ossification centers and growth plates. The objective was to define anatomic standards which could contribute toward obtaining an accurate radiologic interpretation. Labeled limb bones of 3 neonatal foals were similarly treated, but grading of these was limited to the consideration of whether each site was still cartilaginous or had commenced to o...
Spriet M, McKnight A.Three isolated equine limbs were imaged with a low-field magnetic resonance system with a vertical magnetic field. Each limb was scanned in multiple positions with mild variation of the angle between the magnetic field and the long axis of the limb. When the long axis of the limb was not perpendicular to the magnetic field, a linear hyperintense signal was present at the palmar aspect of one of the deep digital flexor tendon lobes, at the level of the navicular bone and collateral sesamoidean ligaments, in proton density and T1-weighted pulse sequences. With increased angulation of the limb, t...
Hinrichs K, Hunt PR.The ultrasonic appearance of seven cases of granulosa cell tumour is described, and compared with an ovarian haematoma and an ovarian serous cystadenoma. The granulosa cell tumours varied from being uniformly dense to having one or several large fluid filled cysts. Some tumours resembled the haematoma or cystadenoma and also, in some aspects, normal ovarian structures such as corpora haemorrhagica or follicles in early pregnancy. There was no typical ultrasonographic appearance of the granulosa cell tumours which enabled definitive diagnosis. However, ultrasound may be a diagnostic aid when us...
Islam S, Walton GM, Dean F, Hoffman GR.This case report describes an unusual and complicated orbital injury inflicted by a horse. Definitive management required multidisciplinary surgical collaboration to prevent significant ocular sequelae. The diagnostic role of good imaging and the potential use of bio-models are highlighted.
Pirie RS, Mayhew IG, Clarke CJ, Tremaine WH.Intraoperative brain ultrasonography is commonly used clinically
in human and canine neonates (Johnson and Rumack 1980;
Babock and Han 1981; Cappe and Lam 1985; Hudson et al. 1990,
1991) and a single report exists of its use to assist in defining
hydrocephalus in an equine neonate (Foreman et al. 1983). This
technique has also been reported to be clinically useful in human
adults (Rubenstein et al. 1984) and ultrasound-guided brain biopsy
has also been described in mature dogs (Thomas et al. 1993).
%ours of the central nervous system in the horse are
extremely rare, with the exception...
Te Moller NCR, Pitkänen M, Sarin JK, Väänänen S, Liukkonen J, Afara IO, Puhakka PH, Brommer H, Niemelä T, Tulamo RM, Argüelles Capilla D....Arthroscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising tool for the detailed evaluation of articular cartilage injuries. However, OCT-based articular cartilage scoring still relies on the operator's visual estimation. Objective: To test the hypothesis that semi-automated International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scoring of chondral lesions seen in OCT images could enhance intra- and interobserver agreement of scoring and its accuracy. Methods: Validation study using equine cadaver tissue. Methods: Osteochondral samples (n = 99) were prepared from 18 equine metacarpophalangeal joint...
Claerhoudt S, Bergman EH, van der Veen H, Vanderperren K, Raes EV, Saunders JH.The morphological features of the distal border synovial invaginations (SI) of the distal sesamoid bone (DSB) in horses were described by the use of computed tomography (CT). Transverse CT images were obtained on 50 cadaver forefeet from 25 Warmblood horses. Dorsal and sagittal planes were reformatted. The CT images allowed the evaluation of the number, shape, depth of penetration and direction of the SI into the bone. The total number of SI was 295 (mean 5.9). The number of invaginations in a particular DSB ranged from 3 (n = 3), 4 (n = 6), 5 (n = 11), 6 (n = 12), 7 (n = 13), 8 (n = 3), 9 (n ...
Roberts GD, Graham JP.CR is a useful tool for the equine veterinarian and has many advantages. Its only major disadvantage is the initial cost, in dollars and time, for setup in one's practice. CR is already in use at several universities and private practices in the United States and around the world. In the future, as is the case with any computer-based technology, this modality should become more affordable and readily available to smaller practices. The potential of CR in veterinary medicine combined with saturation of the human market is driving the development of specialized software and algorithms for veteri...
Cartee RE, Rumph PF.The results from water-bath studies on equine muscle in which foreign material had been inserted and then scanned ultrasonographically were compared with the results from scanning of the muscles of horses hospitalized for diagnosis of suspected foreign objects embedded in muscle. The water-bath studies showed that bone, wood, and large tendons all will demonstrate acoustic shadowing, but that subtle differences in the characteristics of the relative hyperechogenicity and acoustic shadows facilitate elimination of certain considerations in the differential diagnosis. Ultrasonography was effecti...
Archer DC, Boswell JC, Voute LC, Clegg PD.Gamma scintigraphy is a well established imaging modality, which in equine practice is predominantly used in the investigation of lameness and suspected musculoskeletal problems. Whilst there is a growing literature on the indications for scintigraphy in the horse, there has been little emphasis so far on identifying the validity of scintigraphy as a diagnostic test. In particular, to what extent can the results of a scintigraphic examination be trusted? In this opinionated review the current indications for skeletal scintigraphy in the horse are considered and its validity as a diagnostic tes...
Rose PL, Penninck D.Intraoperative ultrasonography was used in six horses to aid localization and removal of bone fragments (3 horses) and foreign bodies (3 horses). The ultrasound transducer was enclosed in a sterile sleeve containing sterile aqueous gel and the examination was performed after aseptic preparation of the surgical site. Using ultrasound guidance a needle was placed in contact with the bone fragment or foreign body and an incision was made along the path of the needle to expose and remove the object. This technique resulted in decreased operative time and minimal tissue dissection.
Lores M, Stryhn H, McD￮ L, Rose P, Muirhead T.To develop a transcutaneous ultrasonography (TUS) method for measuring the location of the stomach during various levels of fluid distension and evaluate any correlation between gastric fluid distension and stomach position. Methods: 6 adult horses. Methods: Known volumes of water were administered in 2 trials. In trial 1, the stomach was evaluated prior to and after the administration of 2, 4, and 6 L of water. In trial 2, the stomach was evaluated after administration of 6, 8, 10, and 12 L of water. The TUS was performed at the 7th through 16th left intercostal spaces (ICSs). For each volume...
Baratt R.Although diagnostic images can be obtained with traditional rare-earth film-screen combinations, digital radiography (DR) has enhanced the ability of the general practitioner to obtain diagnostic radiographs of the equine head. With the widespread availability of DR in equine practices, the practitioner can more readily learn the correct positioning for the various projections of the equine head that are used to evaluate the dentition and sinuses. Digital systems provide rapid processing of the image, enabling the practitioner to correct positioning errors and retake the image without signific...
Pownder SL, Koff MF, Shah PH, Fortier LA, Potter HG.Post operative imaging in subjects with orthopaedic implants is challenging across all modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred to assess human post operative musculoskeletal complications, as soft tissue and bones are evaluated without using ionising radiation. However, with conventional MRI pulse sequences, metal creates susceptibility artefact that distorts anatomy. Assessment of the post operative equine patient is arguably more challenging due to the volume of metal present, and MRI is often not performed in horses with implants. Novel pulse sequences such as multiacquisi...
Contino EK, Barrett MF, Werpy NM.To determine the effect of limb positioning on the radiographic appearance of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joint spaces of the forelimbs of horses during evaluation of dorsopalmar radiographs. Methods: Evaluation study. Methods: 14 forelimbs from 9 adult horses. Methods: Each horse was in standing position with its forelimbs positioned on blocks. Dorsopalmar radiographs of each foot were obtained with the forelimbs positioned squarely (the metacarpus of both forelimbs was perpendicular to the ground as determined by visual examination [abducted 0°]; baseline) and abducted 5° and 1...
Bonagura JD, Pipers FS.Contrast M-mode echocardiography was utilized to study animals with congenital and acquired cardiac defects. Contrast was produced through the rapid injection of isotonic NaCl solution, the patient's blood, or indocyanine green dye into the circulation. Peripheral vein and intracardiac injections of contrast material were used to document ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, atrial septal defect, and mitral valve regurgitation. The technique was safe and useful for both small and large animals.
Mettenleiter EM.In this presentation, normal sonoanatomy of the horse eye will be introduced and biometrical data of 30 healthy eyes along optical axis will be presented. We used the ultrasound system Philips Diagnost R 1200 in connection with a 5 MHz linear transducer. With this equipment it is possible to visualize and measure at the unaltered eye the cornea, the anterior chamber of the eye, ciliary body, iris, lens, vitreous body, wall of the posterior globe (retina, choroid, sclera) and retrobulbar structures (optical nerve, retrobulbar muscles, orbital fat pad, bony orbita). The echographical examination...
Knuchell JA, Spriet M, Galuppo LD, Katzman SA.Fractures of the central tarsal bone are a rarely recognized cause of acute severe hind limb lameness in nonracehorses. Diagnosis of these fractures can be challenging and little is known about their configuration or outcome. The objectives of this retrospective case series study were to describe the clinical features, imaging findings, and outcomes of fractures of the central tarsal bone in a sample of nonracehorses. Medical records from 2001 to 2014 were searched for cases of central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses. All available imaging findings including radiography, ultrasound, com...
Warmerdam EP.Ultrasonography of the femoral artery in the horse, including color, power and spectral Doppler, provides morphologic and dynamic information. This paper describes the use of the techniques in six clinically normal horses and three with femoral artery thrombosis. Useful landmarks for orientation are the saphenous artery and the medial saphenous vein. The lateral circumflex femoral artery can not be visualized. Recognition of the genus descendens artery is complicated due to the presence of multiple distal caudal femoral arteries. The femoral artery feeds a high resistance bed. In normal horses...
Murray RC, Dyson SJ, Weekes JS, Branch MV, Hladick S.Bone-phase scintigraphy is sensitive to the dynamic process of bone modeling and remodeling, which may be adaptive or pathologic. Our knowledge of normal patterns of radiopharmaceutical uptake (RU) is limited, making interpretation of images problematic. It is therefore important to characterize normal patterns of RU at specific sites and relate these to age and exercise, to ensure valid interpretation of images in clinical cases with subtle lesions. This study aimed to characterize patterns of uptake of radiopharmaceutical in the distal tarsal region in clinically normal horses, and to invest...
Fubini SL, Delco M.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...
Goodwin M, Klufts M, Workman J, Thambyah A, Vanholsbeeck F.To explore the ability of polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) to rapidly identify subtle signs of tissue degeneration in the equine joint. Polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) images were systematically acquired in four locations along the medial and lateral condyles of the third metacarpal bone in five dissected equine specimens. Intensity and retardation PS-OCT images, and anomalies observed therein, were then compared and validated with high resolution images of the tissue sections obtained using Differential Interference contrast (DIC) optic...
Pease A.The use of molecular imaging of cartilage is the next vital step in understanding, treating, and training the equine athlete. Because of the logistics of precontrast and postcontrast medium imaging, the clinical usefulness of the examination has come into question. With the large number of horses undergoing high-field magnetic resonance imaging, the use of contrast medium administration and T1 mapping or T2 imaging precontrast and postcontrast medium administration may add a limited amount of time to the scan and has the potential to provide more detailed information about the chemical composi...
Lean NE, Perkins NR, Ahern BJ.Conventional radiography is currently the most common imaging modality used by veterinarians investigating foals with suspected osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence in adult horses and humans suggests computed tomography (CT) is a superior modality for evaluation of osseous changes in general. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of CT versus conventional radiography in cases of osteomyelitis in foals. Methods: Cases of osteomyelitis in foals under 6 months of age admitted over a 6-year period at a single referral hospital that had both CT and conventional radiography images were ...
Paśko S, Dzierzęcka M, Purzyc H, Charuta A, Barszcz K, Bartyzel BJ, Komosa M.This study consisted in analyzing the asymmetry between bilateral third phalanges (coffin bones) in cold-blood horses based on the angle range of the plantar margin of the bone. The study employed a scanner projecting a hybrid set of images, consisting of sinusoidal stripes preceded by a Gray code sequence. As it turned out, three-dimensional scanning can be used to effectively determine the angle range for a selected portion of the studied bone. This provides broad possibilities for osteometric studies, as it enables the determination of angle distribution in a given fragment. The results obt...
Walter LJ, Davies HM.Accuracy and limitations of a radiographic technique were established for measurement of metacarpal bone shape in horses. A radiographic index (RI) has been used to measure changes in third metacarpal (Mc3) bone shape in response to training in young racehorses. The aim of these experiments was to determine the effects of positioning of the radiographic equipment on RI measurements from lateromedial radiographs of a left ex vivo metacarpus. Repeatability of the RI measurement in left lateromedial and right mediolateral view Mc3s were evaluated. The width of the dorsal cortex (DC), palmar corte...
Freitag GP, de Lima LGF, Jacomini JA, Kozicki LE, Ribeiro LB.This study proposes a standardized image analysis method for assessing horse conformation. A total of 34 adult American Quarter Horses (mean age = 6.7 ± 2.9 years, body weight = 489 ± 44 kg) were used. Reference angular measurements were performed using a digital goniometer, and reference linear measurements were determined using a standard measuring tape. For image analysis, photographs from the animal's left profile were taken at a distance of 3 m using eight markers to facilitate visualization. Images were processed using ImageJ software. Reference and estimated values showed great ac...
