Topic:Pelvis
The equine pelvis is a complex bony structure that forms the posterior part of the skeletal framework in horses. It consists of several bones, including the ilium, ischium, and pubis, which are fused to provide support for the hind limbs and serve as attachment points for various muscles. The pelvis plays a significant role in locomotion, enabling propulsion and stability during movement. Its anatomy and biomechanics are subjects of study to understand conditions affecting equine performance and health. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, function, and clinical implications of the pelvis in horses.
A technique for pelvic radiography in the standing horse. An alternative technique of radiographing the pelvis in the standing horse is required, to avoid the risks associated with general anaesthesia. Objective: That lateral oblique radiography in the standing horse would be a useful technique in the investigation of pelvic injury. Objective: To describe the technique of lateral oblique pelvic radiography in the standing horse and demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of this technique. Methods: A technique for lateral oblique radiography in the standing horse was devised and retrospective review made of radiographic findings in 18 clinical cas...
Functional specialisation of pelvic limb anatomy in horses (Equus caballus). We provide quantitative anatomical data on the muscle-tendon units of the equine pelvic limb. Specifically, we recorded muscle mass, fascicle length, pennation angle, tendon mass and tendon rest length. Physiological cross sectional area was then determined and maximum isometric force estimated. There was proximal-to-distal reduction in muscle volume and fascicle length. Proximal limb tendons were few and, where present, were relatively short. By contrast, distal limb tendons were numerous and long in comparison to mean muscle fascicle length, increasing potential for elastic energy storage. W...
Objective determination of pelvic movement during hind limb lameness by use of a signal decomposition method and pelvic height differences. To evaluate pelvic movement over a large number of strides in sound horses and in horses with induced hind limb lameness by applying methods to the pelvis that have been described for evaluating vertical head movement in horses with induced forelimb lameness. Methods: 17 adult horses. Methods: Horses were filmed while trotting on a treadmill before and after induction of transient mild and moderate hind limb lamenesses. Vertical pelvic movement was measured by a signal decomposition method. The vertical pelvic signal was decomposed into a periodic component (A1) that occurred at half the strid...
Scintigraphic abnormalities of the pelvic region in horses examined because of lameness or poor performance: 128 cases (1993-2000). To identify scintigraphic abnormalities in the pelvic region of horses examined because of hind limb lameness or poor performance and determine the clinical relevance of areas of abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake (ARU) in these horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 128 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, history, admitting complaints, physical examination findings, and results of lameness examinations was recorded. Clinical relevance of areas of ARU was determined by comparison with results of other diagnostic tests. For horses with clinica...
Scintigraphy of the sacroiliac joint region in asymptomatic riding horses: scintigraphic appearance and evaluation of method. The sacroiliac region in 33 clinically normal riding horses was examined with scintigraphy to determine the normal scintigraphic appearance, to evaluate a semiquantitative method used to calculate a sacroiliac joint (SI joint) ratio, and to identify factors that affect the scintigraphic appearance of the pelvis. The scintigraphic examination included dorsal views of each SI joint region and one lateral view of the urinary bladder. Two predefined areas (the SI joint and the area between the tuber sacrale and the SI joint) were evaluated subjectively by comparing the intensity in each area to th...
Evaluation of the effects of penicillin G potassium and potassium chloride on the motility of the large intestine in horses. To evaluate effects of IV administration of penicillin G potassium (KPEN) or potassium chloride (KCl) on defecation and myoelectric activity of the cecum and pelvic flexure of horses. Methods: 5 healthy horses. Methods: Horses with 12 bipolar electrodes on the cecum and pelvic flexure received KPEN or KCl solution by IV bolus 4 hours apart. Each horse received the following: 2 X 10(7) U of KPEN (high-dose KPEN) followed by 34 mEq of KCl (high-dose KCl), 1 X 10(7) U of KPEN (low-dose KPEN) followed by 17 mEq of KCl (low-dose KCl), high-dose KCl followed by high-dose KPEN, and low-dose KCl follo...
[Malignant melanoma of the pelvis as a possible cause of pelvic limb lameness in two gray mares]. Two grey mares, a 12-year-old Arabian and a 13-year-old Lippizaner cross, were referred for chronic pelvic limb lameness and abduction of the limb during the non supporting phase of the stride. The clinical examination revealed melanomas under the tail and on the perineum, and oedema of the proximal lame limb. A mass in the pelvic area was detected on rectal palpation. Laparoscopy was performed and the provisional diagnosis of malignant melanoma was made. Histological examination of the biopsy taken under laparoscopic control from the mass in the pelvis confirmed the diagnosis of malignant mel...
The sacroiliac joints: evaluation using nuclear scintigraphy. Part 2: Lame horses. Sacroiliac (SI) joint disease is difficult to diagnose definitively on clinical grounds. Objective: Lameness not attributable to SI joint pain may result in asymmetrical uptake of radiopharmaceutical in the tubera sacrale and SI joints; and that horses with clinical signs suggestive of sacroiliac joint disease would have differences in the ratios of radiopharmaceutical uptake between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and either the tubera sacrale or SI joints compared with normal horses. Objective: To determine whether differences in radiopharmaceutical activity could identify individuals with pr...
Osteomyelitis of the pelvis caused by Rhodococcus equi in a two-year-old horse. A 2-year-old female Quarter Horse was evaluated for hind limb lameness, fever (40 degrees C [104 degrees F]), and lethargy of 2 weeks' duration. Hypoproteinemia characterized by hypoalbuminemia and hyperfibrinogenemia was detected. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed thickening of the right dorsal colon wall. Treatment was instituted for putative right dorsal coliis. Lameness evaluation localized signs of pain to the lumbar vertebrae or pelvis. Radiography performed with the horse standing and nuclear scintigraphy revealed no abnormalities. Ventrodorsal pelvic radiography revealed a focal area ...
Effect of conformational aspects on the movement of the equine back. The relationship between structure and function is important in the judgement of the horse. Twenty sound riding horses walked and trotted on a treadmill. The movement of the backs of each of the horses was measured using a commercially available movement analysis system. Morphometric, spatiotemporal and kinematic information were correlated to investigate the effect of conformation on movement. Taller and heavier horses seem to have longer thoracic and lumbar backs, and are wider at the pelvis. Horses with longer strides extended and flexed their backs in the caudal saddle region to a greater ...
The scintigraphic anatomy of the equine sacroiliac joint. The aim of this study was to describe the scintigraphic appearance and location of the sacroiliac joint (SI-joint) in dorsal and dorso 30 degree lateral views of the equine pelvis in a scintigram. The pelvis from 10 different horses was prepared by attaching plastic tubes along relevant margins of the bone and around the SI-joint. A radioactive solution was injected into the tubes, and scintigraphic images were acquired with a gamma camera. Five specific landmarks were identified on the left and right sides of the pelvis. There was no significant difference in the distance measurements between...
Detailed ultrasonographic mapping of the pelvis in clinically normal horses and ponies. To map the equine pelvis using ultrasonography, validated by use of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and measurements of frozen cadaver slices. Methods: 6 ponies and 6 horses. Methods: Ultrasonographic examination of the pelvis was performed on 6 clinically normal ponies. Measurements were obtained for imaged structures. Computed tomography, MRI, and measurements of frozen sections were performed after death and used to verify measurements. Linear regression determined the degree of correlation between measurements obtained ultrasonographically and the other modaliti...
Fourier analysis of acetabular shape in native American Arikara populations before and after acquisition of horses. The goal of this study was to identify changes in acetabular morphology associated with the use of horses by Native Americans. Previous studies reported "elongate" acetabula in horseback-riding members of the Omaha and Ponca populations. Such a difference in acetabular shape is a potentially useful osteological marker of habitual horseback riding. This report compares acetabula of adult males from two Native American Arikara populations known to have differed substantially in their use of horses. Population samples were from separate sites in South Dakota: Larson (nonriding) and Leavenworth (r...
Clinical findings associated with chronic ischial fracture in a gelding. An 8-year-old show-jumper gelding was referred for examination as a result of a purchase dispute for reported back pain. Clinical examination identified back pain and atrophy of the left semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles, but no lameness. Standing pelvic radiography demonstrated a chronic nonunion fracture of the left ischium, the clinical significance of which was uncertain. The apparent back pain was thought to be probably unrelated to the pelvic lesion. We conclude that chronic ischial fracture in the horse can lead to specific atrophy of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus musc...
In vitro investigation of the effect of prostaglandins and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on contractile activity of the equine smooth muscle of the dorsal colon, ventral colon, and pelvic flexure. To determine the in vitro effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), PGF2alpha, PGI2; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID; ie, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, carprofen, and phenylbutazone) on contractile activity of the equine dorsal colon, ventral colon, and pelvic flexure circular and longitudinal smooth muscle. Methods: 26 healthy horses. Methods: Tissue collected from the ventral colon, dorsal colon, and pelvic flexure was cut into strips and mounted in a tissue bath system where contractile strength was determined. Incremental doses of PGE2, PGF2alpha,, PGI2, flunixin meglumine, carp...
Kinematics of the hind limb in trotting horses after induced lameness of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints and intra-articular administration of anesthetic. To identify hind limb and pelvic kinematic variables that change in trotting horses after induced lameness of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints and after subsequent intra-articular administration of anesthetic. Methods: 8 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: Kinematic measurements were made before and after transient endotoxin-induced lameness of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints and after intra-articular administration of anesthetic. Fourteen displacement and joint angle (metatarsophalangeal [fetlock] and tarsal joints) measurements were made on the right h...
Osseous spinal pathology. Pathologic changes have been observed at the spinous processes, intervertebral articulations, and sacroiliac joints in horses. Varying severity of degenerative articular changes are found in many articular processes, intertransverse, lumbosacral, and sacroiliac joints. Pathologic lesions tend to affect multiple vertebral locations within a specimen. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of the numerous vertebral and pelvic pathologic findings found in a sample of Thoroughbred racehorses that died because of unrelated injuries. Increased knowledge of osseous...
Pathologic changes in the lumbosacral vertebrae and pelvis in Thoroughbred racehorses. To describe the prevalence, characteristics, and severity of soft-tissue and osseous lesions in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral vertebral column and pelvis in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: 36 Thoroughbred racehorses that died or were euthanatized at California racetracks between October 1993 and July 1994. Methods: Lumbosacral and pelvic specimens were collected and visually examined for soft-tissue and osseous lesions. Results: Acute sacroiliac joint injury was observed in 2 specimens. Signs of chronic laxity or subluxation of the sacroiliac joint were not observed in a...
Stress fractures of the vertebral lamina and pelvis in Thoroughbred racehorses. Thirty-six Thoroughbred racehorses that died at California racetracks between October 1993 and July 1994 were evaluated for stress fractures in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions of the spine and the pelvis. The lumbosacral spine and pelvis were collected, debrided of soft tissues and examined visually for the presence of an incomplete fracture line and focal periosteal proliferation, characteristic of a stress fracture. Sixty-one per cent of specimens had evidence of stress fracture in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions of the spine and the pelv...
Developmental variation in lumbosacropelvic anatomy of thoroughbred racehorses. To describe the incidence and types of gross osseous developmental variations and ages of physeal closure in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine and the pelvis in a sample of Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Thoroughbred racehorses (n = 36) that died or were euthanatized at California racetracks between October 1993 and July 1994. Methods: Lumbosacropelvic specimens were collected, and all soft tissues were removed. The osseous specimens were visually examined. Results: Only 22 (61%) specimens had the expected number of 6 lumbar and 5 sacral vertebrae. Eight (22%) specime...
Major pelvic injuries in equestrian sports. A series of pelvic and acetabular injuries caused by horse riding accidents is reported. The importance of wearing appropriate protective clothing when riding is emphasised.
First-pass radionuclide angiography in the diagnosis of aortoiliac thromboembolism in a horse. First-pass radionuclide angiography of the terminal aorta was performed in 3 normal horses and a 6-year-old Standardbred intact male with aortoiliac thromboembolism. Thromboembolism caused chronic bilateral hind limb lameness, more severe in the right hind limb, was detected by rectal examination, and confirmed using transrectal ultrasonography. Using 99mTc-HDP, first-pass radionuclide angiography was combined with hind limb and pelvis bone (delayed) scintigraphy and revealed marked reduction in blood flow through both external iliac arteries and absence of blood flow in the internal iliac art...
Effects of trot quality and collection on the angular velocity in the hindlimbs of riding horses. The angular velocities of the hindlimb angles of 14 horses, including 6 Grand Prix dressage horses, 4 horses judged as good at the trot and 4 horses judged as poor, were analysed. The horse material was the same as previously used by Holmström (1994) in studies on conformation and trotting gaits in the Swedish Warmblood riding horse. Four consecutive strides of each horse and the corresponding pace were analysed and mean velocity curves (Xh) for each angle were calculated. Before calculation the data were filtered forwards and backwards with a Butterworth third order filter with a cut off fre...
Kinematic comparison of the leading and trailing fore- and hindlimbs at the canter. The canter is a 3 beat asymmetrical gait with a difference in timing between left and right limbs. To evaluate intralimb asymmetry at the canter, a group of 24 Dutch Warmbloods was evaluated on a treadmill (7 m/s) using a modified CODA-3 optoelectronic gait analysis system. Thirteen horses cantered in the left lead ('leading limb' group) and 11 in the right lead ('trailing limb' group) during left forelimb recordings, while 11 horses were at the left and 13 were at the right lead during left hindlimb recordings. Kinematic differences between horses from the 'leading limb' and 'trailing limb' g...
[Observations of the development of the equine distal interphalangeal joint cavity concerning the pelvic limb of fetuses, fillies and adult horses]. Ten horses, younger than 1 year, were used to investigate the articulatio interphalangea distalis of the pelvic limb. The expansion of the dorsal recess was compared to those of adult horses. The recessus dorsalis always formed a shape like the letter 'm' or like a triangle with oblique angles. Consequently the great proximo-distal expansion on the medial side of the dorsal recess very probably has nothing to do with the age of horses.
Fracture of the wing of the ilium, adjacent to the sacroiliac joint, in thoroughbred racehorses. During a two year period, sagittal fractures of the wing of the ilium were diagnosed in 10 Thoroughbred horses. All were spontaneous fractures sustained during normal exercise in training and racing, with no history of inciting trauma. When ultrasound scans of the surface of the pelvis were performed, the fracture was clearly visible as a discontinuity of the sacral wing of the ilium. In 3 horses, an irregular contour suggestive of periosteal callus was seen in the vicinity of the acute fracture. All horses examined by gamma scintigraphy had a focal increase in uptake of isotope just lateral t...
An improved method for the scintigraphic detection of acute bone damage to the equine pelvis by probe point counting. A fracture of the pelvis in a horse can be detected scintigraphically by probe point counting. However, the pelvis is covered by a large and variable muscle mass, and is close to the urinary bladder, both of which can introduce errors. This paper describes an improved technique which uses a larger set of sampling points and analyses the data with a small computer to construct a three dimensional graph of the gamma-ray output across the pelvis, thus helping to improve the interpretation of the data. The scintigraphic plot from a normal horse, three cases of fracture (confirmed by radiography, u...
Bone biopsy in the horse. 2. Evaluation of histomorphometric examination. The histomorphometrical examination of a series of bone biopsies from the wing of ilium of foals and older horses is reported. Biopsies were obtained from 20 clinically normal horses, which had previously been infused with tetracycline intravenously twice at a 7 day interval at a dose rate of 10 to 15 mg kg-1. The horses were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 10 foals (mean age: 4 +/- 1 months) which were biopsied at 3 different sites in the wing of ilium. Group 2 comprised 10 older horses (mean age: 91 +/- 63 months) which were biopsied from only one site in the left ilium. A system...