Radiology for horses involves the use of imaging techniques to diagnose and monitor various conditions affecting equine health. These techniques include X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each modality provides different types of information, aiding in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory issues, and abdominal problems, among others. Radiographic imaging is instrumental in identifying fractures, joint abnormalities, and dental issues. Ultrasound is often used for soft tissue evaluation and reproductive assessments. CT and MRI offer detailed cross-sectional images, enhancing the understanding of complex anatomical structures and pathologies. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the applications, advancements, and findings in the field of equine radiology.
Lloyd KA, Ayodele BA, Hitchens PL, Beck C, Mackie EJ, Whitton RC.Abnormalities in vascular channel appearance within the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) are the most common findings in Thoroughbred yearling presale radiographs and are often evaluated on radiographs of adult racehorses. Despite this, their pathogenesis and clinical significance are poorly understood, and associations with racing performance are inconsistent. Objective: To determine microstructural characteristics of the PSBs associated with the radiographic appearance of vascular channels using microcomputed tomography (µCT) and to determine associations with past racing performance in mature ...
Ellis KL, Barrett MF, Selberg KT, Frisbie DD.Pathology involving the oblique sesamoidean ligaments (OSLs) is commonly diagnosed during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the equine distal limb. Presence of striations within the ligament and magic angle artefact can result in an incorrect diagnosis of pathological change. No studies have been performed using histopathology, the gold standard, to corroborate their imaging diagnosis. Objective: (a) To determine which MRI characteristics are associated with normal vs abnormal OSLs and (b) to evaluate the ability of MRI to correctly identify abnormal vs normal oblique sesamoidean ligaments u...
Saliou G, d'Ablon X, Théaudin M, Saliou T, Bourassi S.Performing a brain computerized tomography scan (CT scan) on a foal requires specific equipment and anesthesia for large animals. However, the information obtained may demonstrate lesions responsible for the neurological deficits. Especially, CT scan findings may help to understand a mechanism of cerebral ischemia. Indeed, categories of cerebral ischemia are divided in three types: territorial infarctions (downstream of the territory of an artery), watershed infarctions (slow-flow at the junction of two arterial territories), and lacunar infarctions (small-vessel occlusions). Hypersensitivity ...
Vidović A, Jansen D, Schwan S, Goldstein A, Ludtka C, Brehm W.This study compares the mechanical stability and surgical usability of 2 locking plate systems (Kyon ALPS-20 and Synthes PIP-LCP system) for arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ). Methods: The experimental ex vivo study included 6 pairs of cadaver distal limbs (n = 12). All specimens were derived from Warmblood horses of various ages that were euthanized for non-orthopedic reasons. Of the 12 limbs collected, 3 left and 3 right distal limb specimens were randomly assigned to each system for implantation. Two abaxial 4.5-mm cortical screws were inserted transarticularly ...
Ostrowska J, Lindström L, Tóth T, Hansson K, Uhlhorn M, Ley CJ.Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to investigate equine paranasal sinus disease, however, only limited information is available in the literature about the detailed CT appearance of equine paranasal sinus cysts. Objective: To investigate if paranasal sinus cysts have specific characteristics in CT images that allow differentiation from other sinus diseases. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Evaluation and comparison of CT studies of eight horses with surgically and/or histopathologically confirmed paranasal sinus cysts and 10 horses with other confirmed paranasal sin...
Santschi EM, Whitman JL, Prichard MA, Lopes MAF, Pigott JH, Brokken MT, Jenson PW, Johnson CR, Morrow C, Brusie RW, Juzwiak JS, Morehead JP.To describe subchondral lucencies (SCL) in the equine proximal tibia, several treatment options, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Seventeen horses with proximal tibial SCL. Methods: Medical record and radiograph review. Follow-up was obtained via examination and radiography when possible and by telephone and race records when required. The median duration of follow-up was 20 months (range, 0-48). Results: Proximal tibial SCL were associated with lameness in 14 of 17 horses. Subchondral lucencies were primary in 11 horses and secondary to an ipsilateral medial fem...
Souto MTM, Fantoni DT, Hamaji A, Hamaji M, Vendruscolo CP, Otsuki DA, Pinto ACB, Ambrósio AM.To develop a technique for ultrasound-guided continuous median and ulnar peripheral nerve block in horses. Methods: Anatomical and prospective experimental study. Methods: A total of 16 thoracic limbs from horse cadavers and 18 adult horses. Methods: This study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1: Dissection of median and ulnar nerves in the antebrachial region of two cadaver limbs to identify localizing landmarks. Description of sonoanatomy in 14 cadaver limbs using ultrasound-guided perineural infiltration of a combination of cellulose gel (5 mL), contrast medium (4 mL) and methylene blue...
Rijckaert J, Raes E, Buczinski S, Dumoulin M, Deprez P, Van Ham L, van Loon G, Pardon B.Spinal cord dysfunction/compression and ataxia are common in horses. Presumptive diagnosis is most commonly based on neurological examination and cervical radiography, but the interest into the diagnostic value of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with recording of magnetic motor evoked potentials has increased. The problem for the evaluation of diagnostic tests for spinal cord dysfunction is the absence of a gold standard in the living animal. Objective: To compare diagnostic accuracy of TMS, cervical radiography, and neurological examination. Methods: One hundred seventy-four horses ad...
Kadic LIM, Rodgerson DH, Newsom LE, Spirito MA.Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia (DIRT) is commonly identified on either the lateral to medial (LM) or dorso45°medial-plantarolateral oblique (D45M-PLO) projection of the tarsus. This manuscript describes a retrospective case series out of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, for which medical records and radiographic projections of the tarsus were reviewed, consistent with Keeneland's repository requirements. This original investigation identified seven yearling Thoroughbred horses between 2008 and 2018 with radiographic signs of atypical osteochondr...
Delco ML, Goodale M, Talts JF, Pownder SL, Koff MF, Miller AD, Nixon B, Bonassar LJ, Lundgren-Åkerlund E, Fortier LA.Early intervention with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after articular trauma has the potential to limit progression of focal lesions and prevent ongoing cartilage degeneration by modulating the joint environment and/or contributing to repair. Integrin α10β1 is the main collagen type II binding receptor on chondrocytes, and MSCs that are selected for high expression of the α10 subunit have improved chondrogenic potential. The ability of α10β1-selected (integrin α10high) MSCs to protect cartilage after injury has not been investigated. To investigate integrin α10high MSCs to prevent postt...
van Zadelhoff C, Schwarz T, Smith S, Engerand A, Taylor S. To describe detectable and non-detectable naturally occurring cartilage damage of the equine distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint using plain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and gadolinium and saline MR arthrography. The second objective was to quantify the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in detection of cartilage damage. In a pilot study, the distal limbs of two horses with confirmed osteoarthritis of the DIP joint were imaged with low-field MR. Magnetic resonance images were assessed in consensus by three observers and compared to gross pathological findings. Subsequently, a prospectiv...
Andrade DGA, Basso RM, Castiglioni MCR, Silva JP, Machado VMV, Laufer-Amorim R, Borges AS, Oliveira-Filho JP.Four causative mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) of chondrodysplastic dwarfism have been described in the equine () gene. Homozygotes for one of these mutations and heterozygotes for any combination of these mutations exhibit the disproportionate dwarfism phenotype. However, no case description of homozygotes for D4 (D4/D4) has been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. We report 2 Miniature horses with the genotype D4/D4 in the gene. Clinically, the 2 dwarfs had a domed head that was large compared to the rest of the body, mandibular prognathism, and short and bowed limbs, mainly in t...
Frazer LL, Santschi EM, Ring SJ, Hewitt RE, Fischer KJ.Equine subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) develop most often in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of yearlings intended for performance. SBCs often cause lameness and can cause secondary injuries to the meniscus and tibial cartilage. A novel surgical technique using a transcondylar lag screw (TLS) across an MFC SBC has shown success in lameness resolution and radiographic healing of MFC SBC. In a previous study using finite element analysis, our lab showed that a TLS stimulated bone formation on the inner surface of the SBC and altered third principal stress vectors to change the direction of surfac...
Sprick M, Koch C.A 12-year-old, 170 kg, Shetland pony mare was presented with an acute severe right pelvic limb lameness and concurrent upward fixation of the right patella. The affected limb was rotated externally and adducted with a prominent greater trochanter and the right calcaneal tuber being more proximal than its left counterpart. Radiographic examination revealed complete dislocation of the right femoral head from the acetabular cavity in a dorsal and caudal direction. A closed reduction of the coxofemoral luxation was performed successfully under general anaesthesia. A full-body animal rescue and t...
Norvall A, Cota JG, Pusterla N, Cissell D.Equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are increasingly recognized as a problem for the well-being and performance of horses. Diagnosis is confounded by overlap of clinical signs associated with pathology of the oral cavity, poll, and cervical vertebrae. Arthrocentesis for intra-articular analgesia, sampling of synovial fluid, and medication is needed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ultrasound features of the normal TMJ and a blind arthrocentesis technique have been described, but a systematic approach to ultrasound-guided (USG) arthrocentesis has not been reported. Ultrasound ...
Veerasammy B, Delli-Rocili M, Jensen M, Cribb N, Zur Linden A.A 3-year-old gelding was presented for further evaluation and treatment of a swelling over the left mandible and inability to eat and drink. Radiographs of the mandible were unremarkable. Computed tomography (CT) of the head demonstrated a fracture of the basihyoid bone and partial avulsion of the medial pterygoid muscle. Ultrasound examination was performed to establish a baseline and confirmed the fracture. The gelding was managed conservatively, recovered uneventfully, and was able to return to training after 4 months of rest. Key clinical message: Computed tomography and ultrasonography in...
El-Gendy SAA, Alsafy MAM, Rutland CS, El-Khamary AN, Abu-Ahmed HM, El-Kammar MH.The donkey is of socio-economic value yet imaging techniques in both healthy and abnormal limbs are a limiting factor in research and medicine. The objective was to determine anatomical features of both healthy and clinically abnormal donkey metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints (n = 13) using anatomical dissection, casting, X-ray and computed tomography. The joint capsule contained two palmar/plantar and two dorsal recesses. The proximal-palmar or plantar recess was larger than the distodorsal recess and potential sites of approaches to the recesses were determined. Soft tissue ...
Suen WW, Zedler S, Price R, Maguire T, Halliday C, Rosenblatt AJ, Allavena RE, Owen H, Medina-Torres CE.We describe herein the clinical, endoscopic, computed tomography (CT), pathologic, and microbiologic features of an infection caused by an under-recognized fungal pathogen, , in a 25-y-old Australian Quarter Horse. The horse had a unilateral obstructive nasal mass, resulting in stertor and dyspnea. On endoscopy, the mass was tan, multinodular, and completely obstructed the nasal passage. CT analysis revealed a large, soft tissue-attenuating and partially mineralized mass in the right nasal passage and dorsal-conchofrontal sinus, expanding into adjacent paranasal sinuses with associated bone ly...
Ball AN, Hoaglund EL, Pool R, Barrett MF, Bass LD.Lameness remains a common cause of retirement in the equine athlete and among hobby enthusiasts. The distal limb is one of the most frequently imaged areas, and recent advances in diagnostic imaging capabilities help practicing veterinarians differentiate normal variants from informative pathology. Although acute, non-weight-bearing lameness is commonly associated with etiologies, such as fractures, abscesses, and laminitis, other uncommon differentials such as cystic lesions and neoplasia might also be considered. This report describes the characterization of a large, cystic lesion in the thi...
Saito Y, Amaya T.There have been few reports about temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in Japanese horses. The aim of this study was to describe the symptoms and management of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy and to investigate its association with crib-biting behavior, which is commonly observed in Japanese horses. The data concerning case details, signs, diagnosis procedures, treatment, and outcomes were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 11 Thoroughbreds with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy. The trainers and owners were asked whether the horses had displayed crib-biting behavior. Nine of the horses ...
Pollaris E, Staszyk C, Proost K, Boone MN, Josipovic I, Pardon B, Vlaminck L.Fissures on the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination. Generally, their presence is considered abnormal but their aetiopathogenesis and clinical impact on pulp disease is still undetermined. The aims of this research were to study the extent of occlusal cheek teeth fissures using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (μCT) imaging and their histological characteristics. Twenty-seven teeth (of 15 horses) were scanned using μCT imaging to analyse fissure extent. Histological examination of a subset of teeth (n=7) was performed. Forty-three ...
Davies T, Skelly C, Puggioni A, D'Helft C, Connolly S, Hoey S.Multiple published studies involving computed tomographic (CT) examinations of the equine head utilise a wide range of mAs parameters for image acquisition. This prospective, experimental study assessed the effects of lowering mAs during CT image acquisition on image quality and scatter radiation on 10 cadaver equine heads. Each head was scanned three times at 300, 225, and 150 mAs, with all other scanning parameters remaining constant between series. An anthropomorphic phantom was positioned adjacent to each equine head during image acquisition, mimicking a human bystander, with an ionizatio...
Röttiger C, Hellige M, Ohnesorge B, Bienert-Zeit A.The use of cadavers for radiology research methodologies involving subjective image quality evaluation of anatomical criteria is well-documented. The purpose of this method comparison study was to evaluate the image quality of dental and adjacent structures in computed tomography (CT) and high-field (3 T) magnetic resonance (MR) images in cadaveric heads, based on an objective four-point rating scale. Whilst CT is a well-established technique, MR imaging (MRI) is rarely used for equine dental diagnostics. The use of a grading system in this study allowed an objective assessment of CT and MRI a...
Moshage SG, McCoy AM, Polk JD, Kersh ME.Bone adaptation is in part driven by mechanical loading, and exercise during youth has been shown to have life-long benefits for bone health. However, the development of early exercise-based interventions that reduce the incidence of fractures in racing horses is limited by the lack of characterization of normal development in growing bone. Previous efforts to quantify bone development in the horse have relied on repeated radiographs or peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans, which are limited in their assessment of the entire bone. In this study, we acquired computed tomography sca...
Luna SPL, Schoen A, Trindade PHE, Rocha PBD.Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effects depend on the energy settings and laser penetration. We investigated the penetration time profiles of two different light therapy devices, at the dark and light skin regions in horses. Six light skin and six dark skin adult clinically healthy Arab and Quarter horses were used. A cutometer was used to measure the width of the skin fold from both sides of the cervical area, followed by three measurements of the thickness of the same skin fold by transversal and longitudinal ultrasonography (US). The depth of light penetration was compared based on the pe...
Labens R, Schramme MC, Murray RC, Bolas N.High-field MRI of the proximal metacarpal/metatarsal region has been associated with great diagnostic potential and clinical reports of standing low-field MRI of the forelimb suggest the same. To better understand diagnostic outcomes with standing low-field MRI of the proximal suspensory region, a prospective survey study was conducted and users of a widely available system questioned on their experience, operating procedures, and interpretation of standing low-field MRI findings. Response data included scores on a modified Likert scale from which weighted ratings were calculated for statistic...
Domanska-Kruppa N, Venner M, Bienert-Zeit A.Class II malocclusion is the most frequently occurring congenital malocclusion in horses. Radiographic cephalometric procedures adopted from human dentistry were used to study the development of overjet in a population of 650 Warmblood foals. Thirteen foals were diagnosed with measurable overjet at the beginning of the study. The malocclusion in nine foals resolved spontaneously and four foals without overjet at 2 weeks of age developed the condition during the first year of life. A cephalostat used in human orthodontics to immobilize the patient's head while being radiographed was replaced by...
Meisfjord Jørgensen GH, Mejdell CM, Bøe KE.Horse owners may lack knowledge about natural thermoregulation mechanisms in horses. Horses are managed intensively; usually stabled at night and turned out during the day. Some are clipped and many wear a blanket, practices which reduce the horse's ability to regulate heat dissipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hair coat characteristics, body condition and infrared surface temperatures from different body parts of horses. Under standard conditions, the body surface temperature of 21 adult horses were investigated using infrared thermography. From severa...
Coppelman EB, David FH, Tóth F, Ernst NS, Trumble TN.Osteoarthritis (OA) of the distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints occurs commonly. Synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers of collagen and bone turnover have potential clinical value. Objective: To measure SF biomarker concentrations from DIT and TMT joints in adult horses and determine if they correlate with radiographic OA severity and are higher in joints with radiographic OA compared to controls. Methods: Cross-sectional. Methods: Radiographic OA of DIT and TMT joints was evaluated from adult horses (5-35 years old). Overall radiographic scores divided horses into those with mil...
Gonçalves LM, Pozzobon R, Dos Anjos BL, Pellegrini DCP, Azevedo MS, Dau SL, Oliveira GP, Klaus R.The term juvenile osteochondral condition (JOCC) has been used to identify developmental changes in the growth plates. The condition is characterized by a set of changes with similar pathogenesis that affect the immature skeleton and joints of growing foals. The aim of the current study is to investigate the prevalence and degree of severity of osteochondral changes in Brazilian warmblood (BW) foals in two farms in the south of Brazil. Radiological evaluation was applied to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), carpal (C), metatarsophalangeal (MTP), tarsal (T), and femorotibiopatellar (FTP) joints of...
Yamada K, Sato F, Hada T, Horiuchi N, Ikeda H, Nishihara K, Sasaki N, Kobayashi Y, Nambo Y.Five Thoroughbred foals (age, 8-33 weeks; median age, 31 weeks; weight, 122-270 kg; median weight, 249 kg) exhibiting ataxia with suspected cervical myelopathy (n=4) and limb malformation (n=1) were subjected to computed tomographic (CT) myelography. The areas of the subarachnoid space and cervical cord were measured on transverse CT images. The area of the cervical cord was divided by the area of subarachnoid space, and stenosis ratios were quantitatively evaluated and compared on the basis of histopathological examination. The sites with a ratio above 52.8% could have been primary lesion sit...
Hampson BA, de Laat MA, Mills PC, Pollitt CC.To better understand the morphology of, and the effect of different travel patterns and varying substrate environments on, the feral horse foot to better manage the feet of domestic horses. Methods: The left forefeet of 20 adult feral horses from each of five geographically separated populations in Australia (n = 100) were investigated. Populations were selected on the basis of substrate hardness under foot and the amount of travel typical for the population. Feet were radiographed and photographed and 40 morphometric measurements of each foot were obtained. Results: Of the 40 parameters, 37 d...
Werpy NM, Ho CP, Pease AP, Kawcak CE.Six cadaver forelimbs were imaged in two high-field magnetic resonance (MR) systems and one low-field MR system following the creation of osteochondral defects on the palmar distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone. The following sequences were performed using all three systems: proton density (PD) turbo spin echo, T2* gradient echo (GRE), T2-weighted fast spin echo, and short tau inversion recovery. In addition, 3D T1 GRE sagittal standard and motion insensitive sequences were obtained using the low-field system. PD fat saturated and 3D T1-weighted spoiled GRE images with and without fat su...
Gündemir O, Szara T, Pazvant G, Erdikmen DO, Duro S, Perez W.In this study, it was aimed to determine the statistical differences between Arabian horses and Thoroughbred horses based on X-ray images of forelimb digital bones. Latero-medial X-ray images of digital bones of thoracic limbs were taken of 25 Arabian horses and 50 Thoroughbred healthy horses. The difference between males and females within the breed was statistically analyzed as well. Nine measurements and three indexes taken from phalanges of thoracic limbs were used. Thoroughbred horses did not differ significantly between sexes, as indicated by the ANOVA. For the Arabian horses, the length...
Barr ED, Clegg PD, Mark Senior J, Singer ER.To describe focal destructive lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) as a complication of dorsal metatarsal artery catheterization performed for direct blood pressure monitoring during equine general anesthesia. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Three client-owned horses. Methods: A dorsal metatarsal artery was catheterized in each of 3 horses for direct blood pressure monitoring during anesthesia. Radiography, ultrasonography, synoviocentesis, and arthroscopy were used to diagnose postoperative lameness that occurred in the limb used for blood pressure monitoring. Results: Horses ...
Latorre R, Arencibia A, Gil F, Rivero M, Henry RW, Ramírez G, Váquez JM.To correlate anatomic features of the equine tarsus identified in plastinated sections with images obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: 4 horses. Methods: MRI (1.5-Tesla magnet) of the tarsus was performed on the pelvic limbs of 4 clinically normal horses following euthanasia. After imaging, tarsocrural joint spaces and vasculature were injected with colored latex. Sagittal and transverse sections of the tarsi were plastinated to facilitate interpretation of MR images. Results: Relevant anatomic structures were identified and labeled on the plastinated tissue slices and corr...
Woodford NS, Lane JG.The spectrum of clinical presentation, methods of diagnosis, management and prognosis in cases of sinunasal cysts (SNCs) requires more extensive study. Despite the extensive nature of SNCs, the prognosis for afflicted horses appears to have improved since earlier studies were conducted. Objective: To evaluate prognosis and cosmetic outcome of surgical ablation in 52 cases of SNCs. Methods: Fifty-two case records (1982-2005) of horses affected with SNCs were retrieved from the archives. Subject details, clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, surgical management and post surgical complications w...
Spargo KE, Rubio-Martinez LM, Wheeler DP, Fletcher L, Carstens A.The incidence and types of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbreds that resulted in euthanasia on selected racetracks in South Africa between 1998 and 2012 were investigated by an observational retrospective investigation. Data from the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa for these racetracks were used to calculate incidence rates in Thoroughbreds (n = 114) that sustained catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries during racing that required immediate euthanasia, based on the diagnosis made by the on-site veterinarian as well as on fetlock radiographs and dissections o...
Pauwels F, Hartmann A, Alawneh J, Wightman P, Saunders J.The poor soft tissue conspicuity of CT can be improved by using intra-arterial CT Angiography (CTA), and intra-articular and intra-bursal contrast enhanced CT (CTAR). This retrospective study describes a combination protocol of CT and CTA of the horse's foot, and CTAR of the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa. It is hypothesized this would provide a comprehensive overview of the range and severity of distal limb pathology. Radiology reports of all horses admitted for distal limb CT over a 5 year period were reviewed. All horses with a complete four stage CT examination and radiol...
Rovel T, Zimmerman M, Duchateau L, Delesalle C, Adriaensen E, Mariën T, Saunders JH, Vanderperren K.To describe articular process joints (APJs) of the cervical spine in horses on the basis of CT and to determine whether abnormalities were associated with clinical signs. 86 client-owned warmblood horses. Horses that underwent CT of the cervical spine between January 2015 and January 2017 were eligible for study inclusion. Medical records were reviewed for age, body weight, breed, sex, history, clinical signs, and CT findings. Horses were divided into 3 case groups and 1 control group on the basis of clinical signs. 70 warmblood horses were cases, and 16 were controls. Abnormalities were more ...
Wright IM, Minshall GJ.Although a well recognised clinical entity, only small numbers of osteochondromata on the caudal distal radius have previously been published and its occurrence in young racing Thoroughbreds has not previously been reported. Identification and management of associated lesions in the deep digital flexor tendon have received scant attention in the literature. Objective: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius occur commonly in young racing Thoroughbreds. They vary in size and location, sagittally and proximodistally, but the majority cause impingement damage to the deep digital flexor tendo...
The study evaluated the intra- and inter-observer measurement variability of an osteophytosis metacarpophalangeal joint scoring system. Ten () dorso/palmar, latero/medial, and oblique views of equine metacarpophalangeal joints affected by osteoarthritis were examined. Nine assessment points were graded (scale: 0-3) twice by five veterinary students (inexperienced group, I) and four equine veterinary surgeons (expert group, E). The grades for each of the nine factors were summed to obtain the osteophytosis score. The variability between the two measurements was -2.04 ± 3.5, 95% CI -3.04 to -1....
Drum MG, Kawcak CE, Norrdin RW, Park RD, McIlwraith CW, Les CM.Comparison of subchondral bone density determined by quantitative computed tomography (CT) with gross and histopathologic changes have not been made in horses. The goal of this study was to determine if mean quantitative CT density and mean voxel standard deviation are associated with the presence and severity of osteochondral lesions in the palmar aspect of the distal third metacarpal bone in racing horses. Metacarpophalangeal joints from nine racehorses were imaged using CT and scored for gross damage. Four-millimeter-thick sagittal and 30 degrees palmar dorsal plane sections were cut, decal...
Purefoy Johnson J, Stack JD, Rowan C, Handel I, O'Leary JM.To compare accuracy of the ultrasound-guided craniodorsal (CrD) approach with the dorsal (D) approach to the cervical articular process joints, and to evaluate the effect of the transducer, needle gauge, and operator experience. Methods: Cervical articular process joints from 14 cadaveric neck specimens were injected using either a D or CrD approach, a linear (13 MHx) or microconvex transducer (10 MHz), and an 18 or 20 gauge needle, by an experienced or inexperienced operator. Injectate consisted of an iodinated contrast material solution. Time taken for injection, number of redirects, and ret...
Ellenberger C, Bartmann CP, Hoppen HO, Kratzsch J, Aupperle H, Klug E, Schoon D, Schoon HA.Benign (n=33) and malignant metastasizing (n=1) granulosa cell tumours (GCTs) from 34 mares aged 3-21 years, and normal (control) ovaries from nine mares aged 3-10 years, were examined histologically and immunohistochemically (for inhibin alpha, glutathione S-transferase alpha [GSTalpha], c-erbB-2 oncoprotein [cerb], cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin and alpha-actin), the results being related where appropriate to clinical signs and endocrinological data. Availability permitting, serum samples from GCT-affected mares before and several weeks after ovariectomy were examined for the following hormon...
Nagy A, Dyson S.There is limited information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the carpus and proximal metacarpal region of lame horses. Objective: To document MRI findings in horses with lameness localised to the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region. Methods: Clinical records of horses that underwent MRI of the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region at the Animal Health Trust between January 2003 and September 2010 were reviewed. Magnetic resonance images of all horses and available radiographs, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images were assessed. When possible, MRI findings were rela...
Lee JY, Na HJ, Kim HM, Lee SC, Lee JY, Chung CP, Seol YJ, Park YJ.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of equine-derived bone matrix as a carrier for recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rhPDGF-BB) versus beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for the treatment of intraosseous periodontal defects in adult patients. This study was performed on 32 adults with advanced periodontal disease. Eligible subjects were randomized in 1:1 ratio into a test (rhPDGF-BB-coated equine-derived bone matrix) or control group (rhPDGF-BB-coated β-TCP). Probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), a...
Young BD, Samii VF, Mattoon JS, Weisbrode SE, Bertone AL.To evaluate and correlate patterns of subchondral bone density and articular cartilage degeneration (derived by use of gross, histologic, and computed tomographic [CT] examinations) in equine third metacarpal condyles with and without osteoarthritis. Methods: 8 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (n = 4 horses) without osteoarthritis and 6 osteoarthritis-affected MCP joints (4). Methods: Horses were euthanized. The third metacarpal condyles of the joints were examined grossly and via CT (3 slice images/condyle). For 6 condylar zones, mean bone density and pattern of density distribution were dete...
Withers JM, Voûte LC, Hammond G, Lischer CJ.Plain radiography is the standard imaging technique for investigation of diseases associated with the articular process joints (APJ) of the caudal neck; however, the radiographic anatomy of these structures on both lateral and oblique radiographic projections has not previously been described in detail. Objective: To determine the optimal technique for obtaining oblique radiographs of the APJ of the caudal cervical vertebrae (C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7) and to provide a detailed description of their normal radiographic appearance, on both lateral and oblique radiographic projections. Methods: Radiopa...
Howard RD, McIlwraith CW, Trotter GW.Clinical signs, radiographic and arthroscopic findings, and outcome for 41 horses with subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle treated by arthroscopic surgery were reviewed. There were 17. Quarter Horses, 15 Arabians, 8 Thoroughbreds, and 1 Holsteiner, with 28 (68%) of the horses being 1 to 3 years old. For all horses, the owners' complaint was mild to moderate hind limb lameness or an altered gait. Bilateral radiographic abnormalities of the medial femoral condyle were detected in 27 horses. Nineteen of the 27 horses had lesions identified bilaterally at arthroscopic surgery....
Dyson S.Clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic features of proximal suspensory desmitis in the forelimb and the hindlimb are described. Acute cases may present with slight, localised, oedematous swelling, heat, distension of the medial palmar (plantar) vein and/or pain, whereas chronic cases or those rested immediately after onset of lameness usually have no detectable clinical signs suggestive of the source of pain. In these cases local analgesia is required to identify pain in the proximal metacarpal (metatarsal) region. Transverse ultrasonographic images of the suspensory ligament usually yiel...
Koenig TJ, Dart AJ, McIlwraith CW, Horadagoda N, Bell RJ, Perkins N, Dart C, Krockenberger M, Jeffcott LB, Little CB.To assess the effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS), N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and sodium hyaluronan (HA) in horses with induced osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Experimental. Methods: Adult Standard bred horses (n = 16). Methods: OA was induced arthroscopically in 1 intercarpal joint; 8 horses were administered 3 mg/kg PPS, 4.8 mg/kg NAG, and 0.12 mg/kg HA (PGH), intravenously (IV), weekly and 8 horses were administered an equivalent volume of saline IV until study completion (day 70). Horses underwent a standardized treadmill exercise program. Clinical and radiographic findin...
Plevin S, McLellan J, O'Keeffe T.Sesamoiditis is a common radiological finding in yearling Thoroughbreds. The condition is believed to be associated with suspensory ligament branch injury (SLBI), which is known to affect racing performance. The presence of subclinical suspensory ligament branch change (SSLBC) in untrained yearlings has not been investigated. Associations between sesamoiditis, SSLBC and subsequent SLBI would allow more accurate prognoses to be made regarding the development of SLBI. They could also provide opportunity for intervention and prevention of SLBI. Objective: To test our hypotheses that untrained yea...
Morgan JW, Santschi EM, Zekas LJ, Scollay-Ward MC, Markel MD, Radtke CL, Sample SJ, Keuler NS, Muir P.To compare the orthogonal radiographic (OR) and computed tomographic (CT) appearance of paired Thoroughbred racehorse limbs with severe condylar fracture. Methods: In vitro study. Methods: Cadaveric paired limbs with severe condylar fracture (n=11 horses). Methods: Four standard radiographic and multiple transverse CT images were obtained of the fractured and contralateral limbs centering on the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joints. Radiographs and CT images were graded by 4 raters, and interobserver agreement was calculated. Imaging evaluations were supplemented by fetlock joint dis...
Colón JL, Bramlage LR, Hance SR, Embertson RM.The purpose of this study was to examine the longevity of postoperative careers and quality of performance of 461 Thoroughbred racehorses after arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal first phalanx (P1) osteochondral fractures. Six hundred and 59 dorsoproximal P1 chip fractures were removed arthroscopically from 574 joints in 461 horses presented for lameness or decreased performance attributed to the chip fractures. Radiological and arthroscopic examination revealed an average of 1.43 fragment sites/horse, 1.15 fragment sites/joint and 1.25 affected joints/horse. Eighty-nine percent of the hors...
Nappert G, Vrins A, Breton L, Beauregard M.A retrospective study of 19 ataxic horses admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal during the period of January 1985 to December 1988 is presented. There were 11 cases of cervical vertebral malformation, four of equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy, two of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, one each of vertebral osteomyelitis and intervertebral disc protrusion. The clinical diagnosis of ataxia in horses requires neurological, radiographic, myelographic, and laboratory examinations.
Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM.Laminitis has been a recognized disease since early Greek and Roman times, but it is still bothering both practitioners and scientists. In the last decade a lot of new fundamental research has been done to elucidate the pathogenesis of laminitis. New insights into the pathogenesis, the predisposing factors (including nutritional overload, endotoxaemia, shock, management, etcetera), clinical and radiological signs, differential diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of the disease are described. The data, however, are not always in agreement with each other, giving further proof of the complexity of...
Crevier-Denoix N, Roosen C, Dardillat C, Pourcelot P, Jerbi H, Sanaa M, Denoix JM.Five sound mature horses, age 8-14 years, with toe angles 45.5-55.0 degrees were placed on a specially designed platform with only the left forelimb weightbearing, which allowed the successive production of 7 different conditions of foot orientation: neutral position (N), 5, 10, 15 degrees heel (H5, H10, H15) and toe (T5, T10, T15) elevation, performed according to 2 different sequences. For each condition, 2 lateromedial radiographs were taken to evaluate the metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) and both interphalangeal joint (PIPJ and DIPJ) angles, respectively. In addition, two-dimensional (2-D)...
Kadic DTN, Miagkoff L, Bonilla AG.To develop a technique for standing diagnostic needle arthroscopy of the radiocarpal and middle carpal joints in standing sedated horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Six cadaveric forelimbs (phase 1) and six healthy horses (phase 2). Methods: In phase 1, six cadaveric forelimbs were used to assess needle arthroscopic evaluation of both joints. Six healthy horses were subsequently enrolled in phase 2 to validate the procedure in live animals. The joint was maintained in flexion with a custom-made splint and base. Results: In phase 1, needle arthroscopy allowed thorough evaluation of t...
Du Toit N, Kempson SA, Dixon PM.Post-mortem examination of 19 donkey skulls showed that donkeys have a greater degree of anisognathia (27% width difference between upper and lower jaws) compared to horses (23%). Teeth (n=108) were collected from 14 skulls and examined grossly and by computed axial tomography (CAT). A greater degree of peripheral enamel infolding was found in mandibular cheek teeth (CT) compared to maxillary CT (P<0.001). A significant increase in peripheral cementum from the apical region to the clinical crown was demonstrated in all CT (P16 years) than in the younger (<15 years) donkeys studied. Based...
