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.
Nicholson CL, Firth EC.To assess the effect of conditioning exercise on bone parameters at multiple sites in the radius and tibia of young Thoroughbred horses. Methods: The left and right radius and tibia were obtained from twelve horses, six of which had received conditioning exercise and six which formed the control group. Each bone was scanned at 5% intervals along its entire length using pQCT. Results: Bone strength, bone area and periosteal circumference were significantly greater for the group of conditioned horses in both the radius and tibia. Volumetric bone mineral density was lower while bone mineral conte...
Dimock AN, Spriet M.The effect of the chemical shift artifact, resulting from misregistration or phase cancellation at the interface between compact and trabecular bone, on apparent bone thickness was quantified in six isolated equine limbs. Sagittal T1-weighted spin echo (SE) and in-phase three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) images were acquired twice with a 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) unit, switching the frequency encoding direction between acquisitions. Out-of-phase SPGR images were also obtained. MR images with different frequency encoding directions were compared with each other and to radiograph...
Young AC, Hoffmann KL, Begg AP, Major DA.We present a case of aggressive metastatic carcinoma in a horse that was initially presented for shoulder lameness. Although radiography and scintigraphy were useful for localising a lesion in the proximal humerus, subsequent development of non-specific signs of systemic disease prompted further evaluation. Haematology and blood biochemistry, urinalysis and ultrasonography were all instrumental in identifying renal involvement. A diagnosis of a peri-renal mass causing secondary renal failure prompted euthanasia of the horse because of the poor prognosis. Antemortem findings were supported by n...
Townsend NB, Hawkes CS, Rex R, Boden LA, Barakzai SZ.Radiography is commonly used for the diagnosis of equine cheek teeth (CT) infection but, to our knowledge, no study to date has evaluated the relative values of individual specific radiographic signs when making a diagnosis. Objective: To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of individual radiographic signs identified from the literature for the diagnosis of CT apical infection using a retrospective case-control study. Methods: Cropped radiographs taken using computed radiography of 41 apically infected CT and 41 control CT were independently blindly evaluated by 3 clinicians for the pr...
Parker RA, Bladon BM, Parkin TD, Fraser BS.Increased radio-isotope uptake (IRU) in the subchondral bone of the plantaro-lateral condyle of the third metatarsus (MTIII) is a commonly reported scintigraphic finding and potential cause of lameness in UK Thoroughbred racehorses in training and has not been fully documented. Objective: To characterise lameness attributable to IRU of the subchondral bone of MTIII, compare the scintigraphic findings of these horses with a normal population and evaluate the use of scintigraphy as an indicator of prognosis. Objective: IRU will be in significantly higher in horses with subchondral bone injury an...
Sinding MF, Berg LC.The aetiological factors behind impinged or overriding of dorsal spinous processes ('kissing spine syndrome', KSS) are not clearly understood. Back conformation, breed, age, training and gender may play important roles in this condition. Radiographic changes vary and abnormalities are seen in many clinically normal horses, but the conclusion of previous studies in mature horses is that interspinous spaces <4 mm are considered too narrow and potentially indicative of KSS. Objective: To evaluate whether narrowing of the interspinous space was present in a population of normal Warmblood foals....
Dyson S, Brown V, Collins S, Murray R.Associations between degree of ossification of the cartilages of the foot and injuries to other structures of the foot have been suggested, but have not been investigated by large scale studies. Objective: To describe the frequency of grade >3 ossification of the cartilages of the foot (possibly significant ossification, PSO), mediolateral symmetry of ossification and left-right symmetry between feet; and to investigate associations between PSO and injury of either the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint or the distal phalanx. Objective: Possibly significant os...
Nagy A, Bodò G, Dyson SJ, Compostella F, Barr AR.Evidence-based information is limited on distribution of local anaesthetic solution following perineural analgesia of the palmar (Pa) and palmar metacarpal (PaM) nerves in the distal aspect of the metacarpal (Mc) region ('low 4-point nerve block'). Objective: To demonstrate the potential distribution of local anaesthetic solution after a low 4-point nerve block using a radiographic contrast model. Methods: A radiodense contrast medium was injected subcutaneously over the medial or the lateral Pa nerve at the junction of the proximal three-quarters and distal quarter of the Mc region (Pa inject...
Tóth P, Horváth C, Ferencz V, Nagy K, Gligor N, Szenci O, Bodó G.In the first part of this methodological study eleven metacarpi of 9 skeletally normal horses were examined from 4 directions by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The differences between the dorsopalmar-palmarodorsal and lateromedial-mediolateral (opposite sites) bone mineral density (BMD) values were found to be nonsignificant. In the second part of the study the precision of the Norland XR-26 densitometer was tested by measuring 34 metacarpal bones and 34 proximal phalanges, each of them three times, from a single direction. The difference between the individual measurements of the fir...
Eustace RA.The terminology relating to laminitis is confusing. This article describes how equine veterinarians, by using their eyes and fingers alone, can diagnose and evaluate a case of chronic laminitis. This evaluation will enable veterinarians to give a statistically significant prognosis that can be further refined by measurements taken from plain, weight-bearing lateromedial radiographs of the affected hooves. Should invasive techniques such as digital venography also be used, the results of both techniques are complementary.
O'Grady SE.Laminitis is considered chronic once the distal phalanx has displaced within the hoof capsule. Chronic laminitis generally occurs as a direct sequel to acute laminitis. Clinical evaluation of chronic laminitis is best performed with a thorough clinical examination and radiography. The mainstay of hoof care is therapeutic farriery. In this article, the goals and principles of hoof care, the appropriate trim and various shoes that form the bulk of farriery for chronic laminitis, and surgical treatments are discussed.
D'Arpe L, Bernardini D.Clinical diagnostic venography allows in vivo visualization of the digital venous system and the effects of venocompression related to foot load and laminitis pathology. Venography has predictive potential and helps the clinician anticipate and treat laminitis tissue damage before it is detectable by plain radiography. The authors describe the podiatry radiographic technique to correctly perform digital venography and the modifications they have developed. The authors provide guidelines for the interpretation of laminitis venograms in the context of laminitis chronology. Frequent venographic m...
van Eps A, Collins SN, Pollitt CC.Supporting limb laminitis poses a threat to all horses suffering from severe unilateral lameness. Despite its devastating effects, relatively little is known about the precise pathologic processes that lead to its development. This article reviews the potential mechanisms of supporting limb laminitis, and the authors present some preliminary data based on advanced imaging and computer-based modeling techniques aimed at further elucidating the etiology of this unique form of laminitis. Gaining a better understanding of the pathologic processes that lead to supporting limb laminitis is essential...
McClure SR, Miles K, Vansickle D, South T.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variable waveform low-intensity ultrasound on the healing of a fracture gap of the fourth metacarpal bone in horses. A randomized, blinded, controlled trial was conducted in eight healthy adult horses. In each horse, a 1-cm osteotomy of the fourth metacarpal bone was created. One randomly selected metacarpal gap was treated daily with a 40-min session of ultrasound and the opposite gap was managed similarly with an inactive transducer. The fourth metacarpal bones were radiographed weekly. Fluorescent markers were administered at 14, 28...
Ebert LC, Schön CA, Ruder TD, Thali MJ, Hatch GM.Horse kicks are rare incidents-especially, if they end in fatality. In this case, a 13-year-old girl collapsed 3 minutes after sustaining a kick to the chest from a pony. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Postmortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed before autopsy.Imaging revealed a 3-cm long laceration of the left ventricle and a large pericardial effusion. Using segmentation techniques, the amount of blood inside the pericardium was determined. These findings correlated well with the autopsy findings. Pericardial tamponade was determined at autopsy to ...
Flores J, Corvera Poiré E, del Rio JA, López de Haro M.We consider a simple model to give a plausible mechanical explanation of what are the actual resting heart rates of mammals optimized for. We study what is the optimal frequency for a viscoelastic fluid circulating in a pulsatile way through a network of tubes and conclude that the heart rate is not optimized to transport blood through the whole net. Rather, actual resting heart rates of mammals happen at frequencies that optimize flow in vessels of radii that correspond to large arteries, which bring oxygenated blood rapidly far away from the heart, towards head and limbs. Our results for the...
Xie L, Spencer ND, Beadle RE, Gaschen L, Buchert MR, Lopez MJ.Equine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a debilitating condition that has limited response to rest and stall confinement. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that mild to moderate DSLD is not worsened by consistent exercise. Paso Fino and Peruvian Paso horses (two normal horses and four horses with DSLD) were exercised for 30 min every other day for 8 weeks and then pasture rested for 4 months. Gait analysis, radiographs, ultrasound and serum insulin and glucose concentrations were performed prior to the exercise trial and at each time point. Vertical impulse incr...
Gough MR, Thibaud D, Smith RK.Tiludronate regulates bone remodelling through a decrease of the resorptive process and should therefore ameliorate the remodelling processes active in osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints ('bone spavin') and alleviate pain associated with abnormal bone lysis. Objective: To confirm the efficacy of tiludronate, administered as a single infusion at a dose of 1 mg/kg bwt, in the treatment of bone spavin in the horse. Methods: A double blind placebo controlled trial on 108 clinical cases of bone spavin was undertaken. The lameness score of the lamest limb was assessed following distal tarsal...
Naylor RJ, Perkins JD, Allen S, Aldred J, Draper E, Patterson-Kane J, Piercy RJ.The aetiology of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is unknown; both primary infectious and degenerative causes have been suggested. Objective: There is a significant association between increasing age and severity of temporohyoid joint degeneration. To examine the histopathology of the temporohyoid articulation in aged horses and to compare the appearance of the joint with computed tomography (CT) and peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT). Methods: pQCT scans of the temporohyoid articulations were obtained bilaterally from 31 horses (range age 1-44 years) post mortem and images were graded by 2 ...
Lacombe VA, Sogaro-Robinson C, Reed SM.The use of computer tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced CT (CCT) to image the head is common. However, the validity of CT as a neurodiagnostic indicator of intracranial diseases in horses is unknown. Objective: To define the validity of CT and CCT in horses with suspected intracranial disorders. Methods: The validity of CT imaging was estimated by comparing clinical, clinicopathological and histopathological findings to CT findings in 15 horses presented for intracranial disorders, for which pre- and post contrast CT images and post mortem examination of the brain and skull were reviewed. Po...
Kamm JL, Bramlage LR, Schnabel LV, Ruggles AJ, Embertson RM, Hopper SA.Analysis was performed to examine a method for refining the preoperative prognosis for horses that had surgery to remove apical fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs). Objective: To determine if: 1) there was a difference in size or configuration of apical fractures between the different anatomical locations of the PSBs, which have been shown to affect the prognosis; and 2) the size or configuration could predict the prognosis for racehorses with these fractures. Methods: The study included 110 weanlings and yearlings and 56 training racehorses that underwent surgery to remove apical ...
Magata F, Ishii M, Oikawa E, Furuoka H, Yamada K, Sasaki N, Shimizu S, Inokuma H.A 42-day-old heavy draft horse fell into sudden astasia. Significant swelling and heat sensation of the left femoral region were observed. Because of a friction sound in the left hip, we supposed that the hip joint was dislocated or the hip bone was fractured. Computed Tomography (CT) examination showed that the left hip joint was dislocated and the left femoral head was disjunct. We carried out a pathological autopsy, and made a diagnosis of the foal as fracture of the hip bone and femoral head with suppurative umbilical arteritis. Pathologic changes in the umbilical artery and hind leg were ...
Anthenill LA, Gardner IA, Pool RR, Garcia TC, Stover SM.To compare macrostructural and microstructural features of proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) from horses with and without PSB midbody fracture to gain insight into the pathogenesis of PSB fracture. Methods: PSBs from 16 Thoroughbred racehorses (8 with and 8 without a PSB midbody fracture). Methods: Parasagittal sections of fractured and contralateral intact PSBs from horses with a PSB fracture and an intact PSB from age- and sex-matched control horses without a PSB fracture were evaluated for visual, radiographic, microradiographic, histologic, and his-tomorphometric differences in bone porosity,...
Crijns CP, Gielen IM, van Bree HJ, Bergman EH.A 5-year-old Rheinlander gelding was evaluated for left hindlimb stifle lameness. The lameness was localised to the stifle, but source of the lameness was not specifically diagnosed from the physical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. Computed tomography (CT) and CT arthrography were therefore used for further investigation since these imaging techniques image bony structures, cartilage and soft tissues. This examination showed multiple lesions in the stifle: an osteochondrosis dissecans like lesion of the medial femoral condyle, bony fragments, cartilage trauma and caudal crucia...
Dyson S, Pool R, Blunden T, Murray R.There is limited knowledge about the interpretation of alterations in the distal sesamoidean impar ligament (DSIL) detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their correlation with histopathology. Objective: There would be: 1) a correlation between histopathology and MRI findings; and 2) a relationship between MR abnormalities at the origin and the insertion of the DSIL, between insertion and body; and origin and body. Methods: Fifty limbs from 28 horses were examined using high-field MRI and histopathology. MR abnormalities of the DSIL, its origin on the navicular bone and its insert...
Grinninger P, Skalicky M, Nell B.To assess natural variations in degree of refraction, corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, corneal radius, and intraocular distance of healthy equine eyes. Methods: 159 horses with healthy eyes that were admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital for nonophthalmic surgeries. Methods: Eyes of horses were examined with a retinoscope prior to anesthesia and with a keratograph and A- and B-scan ultrasonographic biometers during surgery. In addition, manual caliper measurements of horizontal and vertical corneal radii were obtained. Results: Mean +/- SD degree of refraction in the horizontal mer...
Powell SE.Multidetector-row computed tomographic contrast angiography (MDCTA) is routinely employed to investigate vascular masses in human patients but, to date, the use of this technique to investigate an aneurysmal mass has not been reported in an equine case. The potential of MDCTA to investigate a right-sided parapharyngeal mass in a 6-week-old Thoroughbred foal was therefore investigated. A 4-slice helical computed tomography scanner was used on a superficial, firm, ovoid mass yielding arterial blood on fine needle aspiration. MDCTA enabled identification of the vessels involved thus assisting in ...
Rodríguez MJ, Agut A, Soler M, López-Albors O, Arredondo J, Querol M, Latorre R.In human medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the 'gold standard' imaging procedure to assess the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, there is no information regarding MRI evaluation of equine TMJ. Objective: To describe the normal sectional MRI anatomy of equine TMJ by using frozen and plastinated anatomical sections as reference; and determine the best imaging planes and sequences to visualise TMJ components. Methods: TMJs from 6 Spanish Purebred horse cadavers (4 immature and 2 mature) underwent MRI examination. Spin-echo T1-weighting (SE T1W), T2*W, fat-suppressed (...
Schramme M, Kerekes Z, Hunter S, Labens R.Tendon injuries are common in athletic humans and horses. Ultrasonography is the diagnostic method of choice in horses with tendon injuries but there is increasing application of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to monitor and follow-up tendon healing. A core lesion was created in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of each forelimb of four horses. One of the four horses was euthanized at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after creation of the lesion. MR examinations of the SDFT were performed immediately post mortem in a 1.5 T Siemens Symphony magnet and compared with histologic findings. Measure...
Vaughan B, Whitcomb MB, Puchalski SM, Poulin-Braim AE, Nieto JE, Galuppo LD.Thromboses of the cranial tibial vein (Horse 1) and brachial, median, and cranial circumflex humeral arteries (Horse 2) were identified as causes of unilateral lameness in two Thoroughbred racehorses. Nuclear scintigraphy was performed for suspicion of long bone stress fractures but instead allowed identification of unusual areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake within soft tissues of the affected limbs. Ultrasonography of these regions allowed identification of occlusive thrombi within a 25 cm length of the cranial tibial vein (Horse 1) and variable lengths of affected arteries in Hors...
Claunch KM, Eggleston RB, Baxter GM.To compare the effects of 2 approaches and 2 injection volumes on diffusion of mepivacaine hydrochloride for local analgesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) in horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: 16 adult horses. Methods: Either 2 mL (low volume) or 8 mL (high volume) of mepivacaine hydrochloride-iohexol (50:50 mixture) was injected by means of 1 of 2 techniques to produce analgesia of the DBLPN. For technique 1, the needle was inserted 15 mm distal to the head of the fourth metatarsal bone and directed perpendicular to the limb. For technique 2, the needle wa...
Todhunter RJ, Altman NS, Kallfelz FA, Nersesian P, Lust G.Combined blood pool and delayed images produced by use of 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (99mTcMDP) were evaluated as an objective measurement of the response of equine joints with osteochondral defects to postoperative exercise and intra-articularly administered polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). Osteochondral defects (approx 2.4 x 0.9 cm) were induced arthroscopically in the dorsodistal radial carpal bones of 18 ponies. These ponies were randomized (while balancing for age [range 2 to 15; median, 5.0; mean, 5.1 years]) to 2 treatment groups. Nine ponies were assigned to be exercised, and...
Greet TR.Radiological features of the oesophagus of 7 normal horses and 13 with oesophageal lesions are described. The use of barium sulphate as a contrast agent and the techniqes of its administration are discussed. It is suggested that chronic intermittent oesophageal impaction with food material was a predisposing factor in the development of a localised oesophageal dilation in 3 horses and that one other probably resulted from an injury. A similar dilatation was seen which resulted from oesophageal constriction by a vascular ring. Megaoesophagus was seen in 2 ponies associated with grass sickness a...
Parente EJ, Richardson DW, Spencer P.Medical records of 57 horses admitted between 1980 and 1991 because of basal sesamoidean fractures were evaluated. Radiographic measurements of fragment size and fracture characteristics were recorded to determine their relationship to outcome. A successful outcome was assessed on the basis of the ability to return to racing, ability to race more than one time, and ability to finish first, second, or third. Any change in racing class also was assessed. There was a significant (P < 0.001) overrepresentation of Thoroughbreds, compared with other breeds in the hospital population. Fractures of...
Rubio-Martínez LM, Cruz AM, Inglis D, Hurtig MB.To determine the anisotropic characteristics of the microarchitecture of the subchondral bone (SCB) plate and trabecular bone (TBB) of the distopalmar aspect of the metacarpal condyles in horses with different stages of SCB disease. Methods: 12 third metacarpal bone pairs from racing Thoroughbreds euthanized for diverse reasons. Methods: Both metacarpi were collected from horses with SCB changes that were mild (sclerosis and focal radiolucencies; n=6) or severe (multifocal radiolucencies and articular surface defects; 6). Sample blocks of SCB plate and TBB were collected from the distopalmar a...
Kollias-Baker CA, Pipers FS, Heard D, Seeherman H.Pulmonary edema associated with transient airway obstruction was detected in 3 horses. The cause of obstruction was different in each horse, but after relief of the obstruction, clinical signs and radiographic abnormalities were indicative of pulmonary edema. In 2 of the 3 horses, pink frothy fluid was evident in the airways. The horses were treated with furosemide, nasal insufflation of O2, anti-inflammatory agents, and anti-biotics. Of the 3 horses examined, 1 horse died acutely, 1 horse recovered fully, and 1 developed pleuritis and was subsequently euthanatized.
Bohanon TC, Schneider RK, Weisbrode SE.Six normal horses received 3 intra-articular injections of sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) in the distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints of one hindlimb. Injections were at three week intervals, and post injection pain was controlled with routine administration of phenylbutazone for five days following each injection. All horses underwent a gradually increasing exercise programme consisting of walking and trotting beginning one week after the first injection and continuing for 24 weeks. All treated joints showed increasingly severe radiographic evidence of degenerative joint di...
Rijkenhuizen AB, de Graaf K, Hak A, Fürst A, ter Braake F, Stanek C, Greet TR.A multicentre study of 285 cases was performed to enhance the management of distal phalangeal fractures on the basis of clinical evidence. The outcome after treatment was available for 223 of the cases. Horses with a non-articular type I fracture had a better prognosis (91.7%) for return to original or expected level of use than horses with an articular type II or III fracture (69.6% and 74.1%, respectively). The prognosis for types IV and V fractures was fair (57.7% and 57.1%, respectively) and for type VI good (80%). Horses with a hindlimb fracture had a significantly greater chance of a suc...
Ford TS, Schumacher J, Chaffin MK, Vacek J, Brumbaugh GW, Crossland LE.An intrathoracic esophageal pulsion diverticulum causing repeated episodes of esophageal obstruction in a Morgan weanling colt was diagnosed by endoscopy, positive contrast radiography, and pleuroscopy. Surgical excision of the diverticulum alleviated clinical signs, and the horse was able to resume a normal diet by day 6. After 9 months the colt remains asymptomatic.
Traub-Dargatz JL, McKinnon AO.Included in this article are descriptions of adjunctive methods of examination of the urogenital tract, including ultrasonography of the kidneys, urinary bladder, ovaries and uterus; endoscopy of the urethra, urinary bladder, and uterus; contrast radiography of the urinary tract; kidney biopsy; and laparoscopy of the abdomen, emphasizing examination of the mare's reproductive tract.
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...
Baird AN, True CK.Two horses were referred with fragments of nasogastric tubes as esophageal foreign bodies. Radiography and endoscopy were used to identify the location of the fragments. Portions of the tubes were retrieved by esophagotomy in 1 horse and by manual examination of the oral cavity in the other. Both tubes were friable in focal areas, but were quite pliable over most of the length of the tube.
Nyrop KA, DeBowes RM, Ferguson HR, Leipold HW, Wilson JW, Guffy MM.The arterial blood supply to the diaphysis of the radius, and the vascular reaction when three cerclage devices (cerclage wire, Parham-Martin band, and a partially contacting band) were applied 2 cm apart, were studied in six adult ponies. The opposite radial diaphysis served as the control. Ponies were euthanatized at weeks 4 and 8. A centrifugal blood flow pattern was demonstrated by microangiography. Larger numbers of medullary arteries exist in equine than in canine and human long bones. Changes in centrifugal blood supply were not identified beneath any of the cerclage devices.
Getman LM, Southwood LL, Richardson DW.To evaluate records of racehorses with palmar carpal osteochondral fragments and determine whether the fragments were indicators of the severity of pathologic joint changes or prognosis. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 31 racehorses. Methods: Medical records, radiographs, and videos of arthroscopic procedures were reviewed. Information gathered included signalment; location, number, and size of the primary lesion; number and size of palmar carpal fragments; and details pertaining to surgical procedures. Outcome variables were obtained from race records. Results: 31 horses met the ...
Haggett EF, Foote AK, Head MJ, McGladdery AJ, Powell SE.A 4-week-old Thoroughbred filly foal with a history of sepsis was evaluated for right hindlimb lameness. Bilateral femoropatellar and femorotibial joint effusions were detected. Ultrasonography and radiography of the right stifle revealed signs of joint collapse and periarticular swelling. Computed tomography revealed abnormalities in the bone density of the medial femoral condyle of the right hindlimb and lateral femoral condyle of the left hindlimb. Euthanasia was recommended based on the severity of the lesions. Gross and microscopic examinations revealed extensive separation of the articul...
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...
Gray SN, Spriet M, Garcia TC, Uzal FA, Stover SM.We characterized features of complete diaphyseal fractures of third metacarpal bones in Thoroughbred racehorses. Given that stress fractures are known to occur in the third metacarpal bone, an additional aim was to determine if complete fractures are associated with signs of a preexisting incomplete stress fracture. Bilateral metacarpi from 12 Thoroughbred racehorses euthanized because of complete unilateral metacarpal diaphyseal fracture were examined visually and radiographically. Open, comminuted, transverse or short oblique fractures occurred in the middle of the diaphysis or supracondylar...
Dyson SJ.This paper describes the clinical and radiographic features, and response to treatment, of 45 horses which showed lameness that was improved by intra-articular anaesthesia of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Although many horses had poor conformation of the foot of the lame limb, the majority showed no localising clinical signs suggestive of involvement of the DIP joint. Lameness was usually unilateral. No horse with bilateral lameness responded to treatment. Palmar digital nerve blocks frequently improved or alleviated lameness, although in some horses palmar (abaxial sesamoid) nerve b...
Dyson SJ, Murray R, Schramme M, Branch M.There have been no previously published case series of horses examined using either scintigraphy or MRI to diagnose collateral ligament injuries not detectable using ultrasonography or radiography, nor have other concurrent soft tissue lesions been described. Objective: To describe the clinical features of horses with desmitis of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and to evaluate the results of radiographic, ultrasonographic, scintigraphic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Methods: Horses were examined between January 2001 and January 2003 and w...
Radcliffe RM, Cheetham J, Bezuidenhout AJ, Ducharme NG, Nixon AJ.To describe anatomic considerations and arthroscopic technique in horses for arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Adult horses (n=4) with osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar PIP joint. Methods: Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments within the PIP joint was performed with horses in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, lameness, and radiological findings; surgical ...
Pérez-Nogués M, Derham A, Marmion J, True Baker W.Shallow lucencies less than 4 mm deep into the medial femoral condyle (MFC) are frequent in Thoroughbred horses undergoing screening sales radiographs. It is unclear if these shallow defects are precursors to larger cystic lesions or if they are fully developed defects that remodel into a flattened femoral condyle. Objective: To evaluate radiological lucencies of the MFC and their progression in size, in a cohort of Thoroughbred horses, ranging from 5 to 18 months of age and to report on the racing careers of these horses compared to their maternal siblings free of stifle pathology. Methods:...
Lester GD, Merritt AM, Neuwirth L, Vetro-Widenhouse T, Steible C, Rice B.To determine the effect of erythromycin lactobionate (ERY) on ileocecocolic myoelectric activity and passage of radiolabeled markers from the cecum. Methods: 6 healthy adult ponies. Methods: After a 12-hour nonfeeding period, 370 MBq of technetium 99m-labeled sulfur colloid in egg albumen and 37 MBq of indium 111-labeled diethyltriaminepentaacetic acid in 60 ml of water were administered directly into the cecal apex. The following drug concentrations were tested: ERY, 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg of body weight; ERY, 0.10 mg/kg bolus; and saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, 10 ml. All treatments, ...
James O.Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a recently described painful and progressive condition of unknown etiology that occurs in middle-aged and geriatric equines. It predominantly affects the permanent incisor and canine teeth and, less commonly, the premolar and molar dentition. EOTRH was first reported in peer-reviewed literature in 2008, with subsequent publications of case reports, histological studies and retrospective case series. There have been few significant research developments related to this disease. The existing studies have primarily involved sing...
Lang HM, Panizzi L, Allen AL, Woodbury MR, Barber SM.To evaluate 3 drilling techniques for arthrodesis of the equine carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine forelimbs (n=15). Methods: Limbs were divided into 3 groups (5 limbs each) to evaluate 3 drilling techniques: (1) use of a 4.5 mm drill bit inserted into the joint through 4 entry points and moved in a fanning motion; (2) a 5.5 mm drill bit inserted through 2 entry points to create 3 nonfanned drill tracts (3 drill technique); and (3) a 4.5 mm drill bit used in a 3 drill technique. The CMC joint was disarticulated after drilling, and cartilage and ...
Fennell L, Church S, Tyrell D, Forbes G, Charles J, McCowan C, Savage C.A 10-month-old Friesian filly had a presentation that was consistent with chronic left- and right-sided congestive heart failure. Clinical pathology findings included abnormal haematological and biochemical variables, abnormal blood gas values and increased serum concentration of cardiac troponin I. Echocardiography revealed cardiac chamber dilation and dextropositioning of the aorta. Radiography revealed a generally enlarged heart and pulmonary interstitial infiltration. These findings were supported at necropsy and the diagnosis of double-outlet right ventricle was confirmed. The pathologica...
Seghrouchni M, Elkasraoui H, Piro M, Alyakine H, Bouayad H, Chakir J, Tligui N, Elallali K, Azrib R.Tbourida is a traditional Moroccan equestrian sport in which 15 horses gallop 200 m in a line while riders fire into the sky with muskets. The stop is the finale and representative demands of this equestrian event. Such particular sudden stop after a fast gallop requires a hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Indeed, it is well known that Tbourida show predisposes horses to different injuries of the hard and soft tissues of the distal forelimbs. Yet, there is a paucity of research that examined such lesions. The aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time the typ...
Preiss EE, Kenney DG, McGurrin MK, Physick-Sheard PW.To evaluate influence of electrode position on cardioversion energy (CE; energy delivered in the shock at which cardioversion was achieved) during transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) in horses with atrial fibrillation. Methods: 37 horses with atrial fibrillation (41 cardioversion events). Methods: Records were reviewed to identify horses that underwent TVEC for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Signalment and CE were recorded. Electrode positions in the right atrium and pulmonary artery were identified on intraoperative radiographs. An orthogonal coordinate space was created, and elect...
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 ...
O'Callaghan MW, Pascoe JR, Tyler WS, Mason DK.This paper reviews a series of clinical, post mortem and imaging studies on exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) performed on 26 Thoroughbred racehorses. Post mortem techniques included routine gross, subgross and histological examination; coloured latex perfusions of pulmonary and bronchial circulations; and microradiography and computerised tomography scans of lungs with contrast injected vasculature. The major lesions were multiple, separate and coalescing foci of moderately proliferative small airway disease accompanied by intense neovascularisation of the bronchial circulation. A...
Rossignol F, Brandenberger O, Mespoulhes-Rivière C.To describe the surgical treatment outcome of cervical fractures in 3 horses. Methods: Case report. Methods: Three client-owned horses with cervical vertebral fractures. Methods: Three horses were refered for neck stiffness, pain, and ataxia after a cervical trauma because of a fall. Radiographic examination showed an oblique displaced fracture of the caudal aspect of the body of the second cervical vertebra (C2) in horse 1, an oblique displaced fracture of the caudal aspect of C4 involving the disc between C4 and C5 in horse 2, and a displaced transverse fracture of the body of the axis (C2) ...
