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Topic:Imaging Techniques
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.
Comparison of results of scanning electron microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging before and after administration of a radiographic contrast agent in the tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle obtained from horse cadavers. 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...
Digital angiography of the feet of horses. To describe the vascular anatomy of the palmar digital artery and its major branches in the equine foot and to quantify the diameter of these vessels by use of digital angiograms. Sample Population-6 thoracic limbs obtained from 6 horses. Methods: Distal portions of each limb were perfused with aerated Krebs-Henseleit solution. Digital angiograms were acquired in standing and lateral recumbent positions, following an intra-arterial injection of iopamidol. Select vessels were measured on radiographic views, and values were corrected for magnification. Results: The palmar digital artery tapered ...
Radiographic diagnosis: thoracic spinal fracture resulting in kyphosis in a horse. No abstract available
Structure-related echoes in ultrasonographic images of equine superficial digital flexor tendons. To develop a method to discriminate between structure-related echoes and echoes resulting from interference, as observed in transverse ultrasonographic images of equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendons. Methods: 2 normal (injury-free) SDF tendons obtained from a 3-year-old Thoroughbred and a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood horse. Methods: Tendons were mounted in a custom-made device that permitted exact transverse and perpendicular sequential scanning with precise steps of 0.5 mm along the long axis of the tendon. Photographs of transverse tendon sections at the exact scanning locations wer...
Ultrasonographic tissue characterization of equine superficial digital flexor tendons by means of gray level statistics. To correlate quantitative analysis of ultrasonographic images of normal (injury-free) equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendons and equine SFD tendons that have pathologic changes with corresponding histologic sections. Methods: 4 SDF tendons, 2 of which had various stages of tissue integrity. The 2 ipsilateral tendons were used as points of reference. Methods: Tendons were mounted in a custom-made device that permitted sequential scanning, transversely and perpendicular to the tendon long axis. At precise steps of 0.5 mm, transverse ultrasonographic images were collected. Subsequently, ...
Antemortem evaluation for magnetic resonance imaging of the equine flexor tendon. In this study antemortem evaluation of equine flexor tendons--the superficial digital flexor tendon and the deep digital flexor tendon--using magnetic resonance (MR) images was performed. Postmortem flexor tendons were used to prepare the slice positions, coil and body positions for MR imaging. It was possible by this method to take antemortem MR images of equine limbs that distinguished features as well as postmortem images described in previous studies. The total time of antemortem scanning was about 40 min. This study is the first to report antemortem MR images in horses.
An MRI study of the effect of treadmill training on bone morphology of the central and third tarsal bones of young thoroughbred horses. Training results in marked modelling of the subchondral bone of the carpus, but the effect of training on the subchondral bone of the distal tarsal joints is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether training influenced modelling of the third and central tarsal bones in Thoroughbred horses. Twelve untrained Thoroughbred horses were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 underwent a 19 week progressive training regimen on a high speed treadmill. Group 2 were walked for 40 min daily. Images of left tarsi were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a 0.5 Tesla superconducting mag...
Feasibility of scintigraphy in exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage detection and quantification: preliminary studies. We hypothesised that scintigraphic imaging of the lungs following injection of 99mTc labelled red blood cells (99mTc-RBC) in the exercising horse might enable exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) quantification. Ideally, to favour detection of bleeding, circulating 99mTc-RBC not involved in the haemorrhage should be removed from the circulation quickly. Altering RBC during labelling to stimulate splenic uptake of 99mTc-RBC may encourage this. In order to investigate this hypothesis, 99mTc-RBC distribution was followed for 1 h in 2 groups of horses. Group 1 was injected i.v., at rest, ...
Sonographic observations of the peripheral vasculature of the equine thoracic limb. Investigations of the equine peripheral vascular system have been constrained by the lack of a non-invasive method of examining the arteries and veins of the limbs of the conscious horse. Precise correlations were established between the gross anatomical features of the peripheral vessels and their B-mode sonographic appearance in each thoracic limb of 35 horses. A sonographic imaging protocol was established. Additional Doppler sonographic recordings defined the arterial waveforms and demonstrated that blood flow to the foot could be evaluated in the lateral proper digital artery, distal to t...
Congenital atresia of the parotid duct in a horse. Congenital anomalies of the equine salivary glands and their ductal systems are rare. In man, parotid duct atresia is thought to be due to a congenital malformation of the first branchial arch. One horse with unilateral parotid salivary duct atresia is described. Imaging modalities available for accurate diagnosis, and treatment options, are reviewed.
Diagnosis and surgical treatment of periapical infection of the third mandibular molar in five horses. Diagnosis and treatment of periapical infection of the third mandibular molar in 5 horses was assessed. In 4 of 5 horses, there was a recent history of dental work performed. Diagnosis required multiple imaging techniques. Radiography revealed evidence of periapical bone lysis or tooth root lysis of the third mandibular molar in 3 of 5 horses. Sonographic examination was effective in identifying abscesses within the masseter muscle and defects of the lateral cortex of the mandible in 4 of 5 horses. Nuclear scintigraphy was diagnostic in 1 of 2 horses examined. All horses were treated by repuls...
Laryngeal movements during the respiratory cycle measured with an endoscopic imaging technique in the conscious horse at rest. A video-laryngoscopic method, implemented with an algorithm for the correction of the deformation inherent in the endoscope optical system, has been used to measure the dorsoventral diameter (Drg) and the cross-sectional area (CSArg) of the rima glottidis in five healthy workhorses during conscious breathing at rest. Simultaneous recording of the respiratory airflow was also obtained in two horses. Drg measured 82.7 +/- 4.5 mm (mean +/- S.D.) independently of the respiratory phase, and did not differ from the measurement in post-mortem anatomical specimens of the same horses. CSArg ranged from...
Detection of a radiographically occult fracture of the lateral palmar process of the distal phalanx in a horse using computed tomography. A horse with a suspected injury of the distal phalanx was examined using radiography at day two and 19 after the onset of the lameness, with no definite diagnosis. Using computed tomography an incomplete fracture of the lateral wing of the distal phalanx was diagnosed at day 25. Based on computed tomography it was determined that the fracture probably did not enter the joint or involve the palmar cortex throughout its length which were of prognostic importance. The day following the CT examination a new oblique radiographic projection was made. In this radiography which was based on, and never...
Radiation exposure to personnel during examination of limbs of horses with a portable hand-held fluoroscopic unit. To determine radiation exposure to personnel during fluoroscopic imaging of limbs of horses with a portable unit and to determine distance from the c-arm at which radioprotective clothing is not required. Methods: Repeated-measures cohort study. Methods: Part 1, 1 forelimb and 1 hind limb from each of 5 equine cadavers; parts 2 and 3, personnel involved during imaging of limbs of 5 and 9 horses, respectively. Methods: Radiation exposure rates were mapped around the suspended c-arm of a portable fluoroscopy unit during imaging of various joints of equine cadaver limbs. During similar examinatio...
Ultrasonographic anatomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses. The ultrasonographic anatomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (AL-SDFT) in the horse is presented. Comparison between anatomical sections of isolated limbs and ultrasound scans of the distal antebrachium in sound horses enabled the authors to establish the normal reference ultrasonographic images of this structure. The AL-SDFT inserts 7-14 cm above the antebrachiocarpal joint on the palmaromedial aspect of the radius. Ultrasonographically it appears as an uniformly echogenic structure located deep to the median artery. The knowledge of ultrasonographic anatomy...
A method for determination of equine hoof strain patterns using photoelasticity: an in vitro study. During impact, equine hooves undergo viscoelastic deformations which may result in potentially harmful strains. Previous hoof strain studies using strain gauges have been inconclusive due to arbitrary gauge placement. Photoelastic stress analysis (PSA) is a full-field technique which visually displays strains over entire loaded surfaces. This in vitro study identifies normal hoof strain patterns using PSA. Custom-made photoelastic plastic sheets were applied to the hoof surface. The hooves were axially loaded (225 kg) under level and varus/valgus conditions. Strain patterns were video-recorded...
[Possibilities for computer tomography of the equine head based on two cases with a fracture of the base of the skull]. For the past 2 years computed tomography is used at the Veterinary School, University of Zürich. This new imaging modality enables the detection of abnormalities occurring in small and large animals which were previously not visible with imaging techniques. Subjects of this study were a foal and a small pony, both with suspected head trauma. Routine radiography could not explain any of the neurological deficiencies. In the first case a basilar skull fracture along with a focal brain hemorrhage was detected, in the second case multiple basilar skull fractures were seen. The computed tomographi...
Comparison of radiography, scintigraphy and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a case of temporomandibular joint arthropathy in a horse. Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disease in the horse presents a challenge to the equine veterinarian. This case report illustrates a combined imaging approach using radiography, scintigraphy and ultrasonography in a horse with severe arthropathy of the left temporomandibular joint. Radiographs were inconclusive. Scintigraphy with Tc99m methylenediphosphonate localised, but failed to characterise the disease process; ultrasonography was the only imaging method which both localised and characterised the lesion. Ultrasonography proved to be a relatively cheap, technically easy to perform and...
[Radiologic examination of the spine in “back problems” of the standing horse]. The radiological examination of the thoracolumbar spine of a horse with a potential back problem is most important in order to come to a diagnosis and the imaging method of choice. The use of parallel grid-cassettes, appropriate films, rare earth screens and aluminium filters requires radiographic equipment with an output of 60-120 kV and 25-90 mAs. By use of this technique in the standing horse it is possible to obtain radiographs of the summits of the dorsal spinal processes of the thoracolumbar spine from the first thoracic (T1) to approximately the third of fourth lumbar vertebrae (L3/4). ...
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies on horses. No abstract available
Ultrasonographic evaluation of equine tendons: a quantitative in vitro study of the effects of amplifier gain level, transducer-tilt, and transducer-displacement. The objective of the in vitro experiments described in this paper was to quantify the effects of some instrumental variables on the quantitative evaluation, by means of first-order gray-level statistics, of ultrasonographic images of equine tendons. The experiments were done on three isolated equine superficial digital flexor tendons that were mounted in a frame and submerged in a waterbath. Sections with either normal tendon tissue, an acute lesion, or a chronic scar, were selected. In these sections, the following experiments were done: 1) a gradual increase of total amplifier gain output su...
Back problems. Radiology and scintigraphy. Radiology and, more recently, scintigraphy are important ancillary diagnostic aids in the diagnosis of a horse with suspected back pain. Although the image quality is restricted by the size of the patient, radiographs have been used for several decades. With the introduction of modern fast-screen film systems, the quality of the images has greatly improved. These imaging techniques allow assessment of the anatomy and physiology of structures in the spine that are difficult or impossible to palpate. This article reviews the techniques and limitations of imaging the equine back, in addition to c...
Ultrasonographic evaluation of back lesions. With progressive advances in ultrasonographic equipment, evaluation of a number of axial skeletal structures is now possible. Ultrasonography is presently the best technique for evaluation of the SSpL and lumbosacral intervertebral discs. It is a useful adjunct to radiography for assessment of spinous processes and AP injuries.
Thermographic diagnostics in equine back pain. Infrared thermographic imaging (ITI) is the most sensitive objective imaging currently available for the detection of back disease in horses. It is, however, only a physiological study primarily of vasomotor tone overlying other superficial tissue factors. Interpretation requires extreme care in imaging protocol and in understanding the significance of altered sympathetic nervous tone and the sympathetic distribution. Most discussions on back pain have centered on nociception and inflammatory events. ITI provides information and localization for more significant than diagnosing areas of hot sp...
Structural variation of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones in the horse. This study examined 3-dimensional (3D) distribution of sectors with contrasting density in the equine third metacarpal (McIII) and third metatarsal (MtIII) bones with a view to explaining the aetiology of distal condylar fractures. Macroradiography and computed tomographic (CT) imaging were used in the nondestructive study of bones obtained from horses, most of which were Thoroughbreds in race training. Distal condylar regions of McIII and MtIII were also studied in microradiographs of 100 microm thick mediolateral sections cut perpendicular to the dorsal and palmar/plantar articular surfaces....
