Ultrasonography is a diagnostic imaging technique utilized in equine medicine to visualize internal structures of the horse's body. This non-invasive method employs high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues, and other anatomical features. It is commonly used to assess musculoskeletal conditions, abdominal organs, reproductive health, and cardiovascular structures in horses. Ultrasonography provides real-time imaging, allowing for detailed examination and evaluation of various physiological and pathological conditions. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the application, methodology, and advancements in ultrasonography for equine health assessment.
Abu-Seida AM, Wafy MN, Hassan EA, Ahmed KA.Ocular neoplasms represent 10% of all equine neoplasms and ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common one. This report describes the clinical presentation, laboratory, ultrasonography, postmortem, histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings of a mixed ocular neoplasm in a 10-year-old draft mare. The mare had a one-year history of left ocular mass. Complete destruction of the left eye with loss of vision was observed. A large ulcerated mass oozing blood replaced the left eye. Left parotid lymph node was swollen and had a sinus tract discharging pus. Ultrasonography revealed a...
Günay Uçmak Z, Kurban I, Uçmak M.Endometritis is a major cause of infertility in mares. The aim of this study is to evaluate the preovulatory follicle (POF) vascularization (A mix, A red, A blue), POF diameter, POF wall thickness, and uterine diameters in mares with or without endometritis. Ten healthy mares and 10 mares with endometritis diagnosed by the combination of transrectal palpation, ultrasonographic examination, and cytology brush were enrolled in the study. Data of the groups obtained at 2 days before the ovulation (day -2) were compared with Student's t-test. Correlations of the parameters were determined by the ...
Godlewska M, Soroko M, Zielińska P.The aim of the study was to assess the influence of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on vein diameter and on body surface temperature changes in the tarsal joint area in a group of clinically healthy racehorses. The hypothesis of the study was that HILT increases vein diameter and body surface temperature in healthy tissue. The study involved 16 Thoroughbreds being subjected to ultrasonographic examination to assess changes of diameter of the cranial branch of the medial saphenous vein and thermographic examination to indicate temperature change of the dorsal surface of the tarsal joint, ju...
Kaps M, Okada CTC, Gautier C, Aurich J, Scarlet D, Kuhl J, Aurich C.Behavior during the estrous cycle of mares can affect their performance and therefore inhibition of cyclical ovarian activity is indicated. We hypothesized that implants containing the GnRH analog deslorelin downregulate GnRH receptors and inhibit ovulation in mares. The estrous cycles of Shetland mares were synchronized with 2 injections of a PGF analog. One day after the second injection (day 0), mares received 9.4 (group D1, n = 6) and 4.7 mg deslorelin (D2, n = 5) as slow-release implants or 1.25 mg short-acting deslorelin as a control (C, n = 5). Ultrasonography of the reproductive trac...
Abu-Seida AM, Shamaa AA.This case report records an obstructive urolithiasis due to a large calcium carbonate urethral stone in an 11-year-old Arabian stallion. The stallion had colicky pain, anuria, and reduction in food and water intakes. Palpation of the penis revealed rhythmic contractions of the urethra, a hard mass in the penile urethra at the level of the ischial arch, and a dilated urethra proximal to the mass. Rectal examination revealed a distended and turgid urinary bladder. Passing a urethral catheter revealed a complete urethral obstruction at the level of the ischial arch. Ultrasonography revealed a cal...
Ibrahim HMM, El-Ashker MR.The present study aimed to provide reference ranges for the wall thickness and motility pattern of the gastrointestinal tract from a sample of donkeys (Equus asinus) population using B-mode ultrasonography. In the present study, 30 clinically healthy donkeys (Equus asinus) (15 males and 15 females), aged 2-20 year old and weighed 100-280 kg were randomly selected for B-mode ultrasonographic scanning of the abdomen. The wall thickness of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was assessed. Moreover, the motility pattern of the duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right c...
Oliveira SN, Segabinazzi LGTM, Canuto L, Lisboa FP, Medrado FE, Dell'Aqua JA, Aguiar AJA, Papa FO.The goal of this study was to compare the efficiency of histrelin acetate (GnRH analog) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to hasten ovulation in Brazilian Northeastern jennies (Equus africanus asinus). Thirty cycles of ten jennies were randomly assigned in one of the three groups: G0 (control group), saline; G1, 250 μg of histrelin acetate; G2, 2500 IU of hCG. Jennies were evaluated by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography, and had the administration of an ovulation-inducing agent when a follicle measuring between 29 and 32 mm of diameter was diagnosed. Jennies were monitored every...
Cuervo-Arango J, Martín-Peláez MS, Claes AN.The echogenicity of the early CL undergoes obvious changes during the first 5 days of luteal development. This phenomenon could potentially be used to estimate the age of the CL in mares which have not been checked frequently for the diagnosis of ovulation. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the accuracy of estimating the age of the early CL (Day 0 to Day 4; Day 0 = Day of ovulation) in recipient mares examined for the first time in the breeding season to be used in a commercial embryo transfer (ET) program. The post-transfer pregnancy rate and embryo loss of 28 recip...
Canisso IF, Loux SC, Lima FS.Placentitis is an important cause of abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death in horses. The diagnosis of placentitis is based on occurrence of clinical signs (premature mammary gland development and vulvar discharge) and ultrasonography of the caudal placental pole. However, early and subtle cases can be missed. In the last few years, several studies have provided objective means of diagnosing placentitis in mares with single or serial measurements of blood markers. Among the markers evaluated the steroids produced by the fetoplacental unit have been shown to change in association with placen...
Pasolini MP, Spinella G, Del Prete C, Valentini S, Coluccia P, Auletta L, Greco M, Meomartino L.Ultrasonography (US) is the recommended imaging technique to evaluate jugular veins. This prospective randomized clinical study was designed to collect a series of B-mode US measurements of manually distended jugular veins in healthy Italian Standardbreds and to find possible correlations between ultrasound measurements and animal morphometric characteristics. Forty-two horses, eight males and 34 females (range 3-22 years; bodyweight 494.4 ± 41.7 kg), were included in the study. The diameters and wall thicknesses of both jugular veins were measured at three different sites of the neck...
Podico G, Canisso IF, Ellerbrock RE, Dias NW, Mercadante VRG, Lima FS.The present study aimed to compare two methods of prostaglandin-induced abortion in mares by determining blood markers (progesterone, estradiol-17β, alpha-fetoprotein, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin-F2α (PGFM)), B-mode ultrasonographic parameters, and time until loss of fetal heartbeat. It was hypothesized that intrauterine infusion of cloprostenol results in earlier fetal compromise than intramuscular administration. Ovarian structures (number and sizes of follicles and corpora lutea area), fetal heartbeat, and fetal mobility of thirteen singleton pregnancies were assessed daily by tra...
McElroy A, Rashmir A, Manfredi J, Sledge D, Carr E, Stopa E, Klinge P.Myodural bridges have been described in various species as connective tissue structures "bridging" small cranio-cervical muscles to the dura. Myodural bridges are thought to stabilize the dural sac during head and neck movements and promote cerebrospinal fluid motion; however, their role in neurological diseases has not yet been established. We report ultrasonographic visualization, necropsy, histopathologic and ultrastructural findings of myodural bridges in horses with hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), an equine model of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Five HERDA and 5 control hor...
Elemmawy YM, Senna NA, Abu-Seida AM, Youssef AF.Injury of suspensory ligament (SL) branch is a frequently diagnosed problem in horses of different ages and disciplines. This case reports for the first time the ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a 10-year-old draught horse with traumatic chronic SL branch desmitis of 8 months duration. The horse had a grade 3 of 5 left hindlimb lameness with a moderately hot, painful, and diffuse swelling from the tarsus till the hoof. Ultrasonography, both SL branches appeared as enlarged hyperechogenic structures with poor demarcation of their margins a...
Kahn SK, Blodgett GP, Canaday NM, Bevevino KE, Rocha JN, Bordin AI, Cohen ND.Transfusing foals with Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma (REHIP) is a standard practice at many horse-breeding farms to help prevent R. equi pneumonia. At many large breeding farms, pneumonia is most commonly recognized as subclinical based on thoracic ultrasonography findings. The efficacy of REHIP transfusion and the impact of the volume of plasma transfused for reducing the cumulative incidence of subclinical R. equi pneumonia are unknown. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among foals born and residing through weaning at a large breeding farm. Foals were transfused with either ...
Gorenberg EB, Johnson AL, Magdesian KG, Bertin FR, Costa LRR, Theelen MJP, Durward-Akhurst SA, Cruz Villagrán C, Carslake H, Frank N, Tomlinson JE.Primary hyperparathyroidism is uncommon in equids. Objective: To describe the diagnostic findings and efficacy of treatment in equids with primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods: Retrospective case series describing 16 horses and one mule. Methods: Cases were identified by retrospective review of records at Cornell University and via an ACVIM listserv query. Inclusion criteria were an equid with hypercalcemia, normal renal function and high parathyroid hormone (PTH) or histopathological diagnosis of a parathyroid adenoma. Equids with normal PTH and PTH-related protein (PTHrP) in the face of hype...
Donnelly CG, Sones JL, Dockweiler JC, Norberg LA, Norberg LE, Cheong SH, Gilbert RO.OBJECTIVE To evaluate use of flunixin meglumine as a treatment to postpone ovulation in mares, mare fertility after flunixin meglumine treatment during estrous cycles, and effects of flunixin meglumine on function of the corpus luteum after ovulation. ANIMALS 13 healthy mares. PROCEDURES A single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted. Flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, IV, q 24 h) or lactated Ringer solution (placebo treatment) was administered for 2 days to mares with a dominant follicle (≥ 35 mm in diameter) and behavioral signs of estrus. Mares then were bred by artificia...
Biscoe EW, Whitcomb MB, Vaughan B, Dechant JE, Magdesian KG.OBJECTIVE To describe clinical features and outcome of horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography. Methods: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 25 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses that underwent transabdominal ultrasonography between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed. Horses were included if the wall of the large intestine was ≥ 9 mm thick in any of 6 abdominal zones. RESULTS Median age was 13 years (range, 3 to 28 years). Horses were initially examined because of colic, diarrhea, inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, fever, or hematuria. ...
Bubeck KA, Aarsvold S.For successful diagnosis of soft tissue injuries in the sport horse, localizing the area of injury during clinical and lameness evaluation will be followed in most cases by an ultrasonographic examination. With MRI more available in equine veterinary clinics, this modality can allow for a complete evaluation of soft tissue and osseous structures and is especially useful for evaluation of structures within the hoof capsule. This article discusses special ultrasonographic techniques, an overview of MRI image generation, and the use of contrast computed tomography for diagnosis of soft tissue inj...
Jacquet-Guibon S, Dupays AG, Coudry V, Crevier-Denoix N, Leroy S, Siñeriz F, Chiappini F, Barritault D, Denoix JM.A randomized controlled trial was performed on racing horses, to evaluate the efficacy of a new class of therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine-ReGeneraTing Agents® (RGTA®), to treat tendinopathies. Preliminary uncontrolled studies on tendon healing in racing horses with RGTA® (OTR4131)-Equitend® showed encouraging results, justifying performing a randomized, controlled, multicenter study with a two-year racing performance follow up. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Equitend® versus placebo on acute superficial digital flexor tendonitis in racing French Stand...
Alzola Domingo R, Riggs CM, Gardner DS, Freeman SL.Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) tendinopathy is an important musculoskeletal problem in horses. The study objective was to validate an ultrasonographic scoring system for SDFT injuries. Ultrasonographic images from 14 Thoroughbred racehorses with SDFT lesions (seven core; seven diffuse) and two controls were blindly assessed by five clinicians on two occasions. Ultrasonographic parameters evaluated were: type and extent of the injury, location, echogenicity, cross-sectional area and longitudinal fibre pattern of the maximal injury zone (MIZ). Inter-rater variability and intra-rater re...
Ferjak EN, Cavinder CA, Burnett DD, Argo CM, Dinh TTN.Body condition score and percent body fat (BF; %) of horses are positively correlated with reproductive efficiency and are indicative of metabolic issues. However, BF in horses may be poorly predicted because current procedures are either subjective or dependent on one anatomical location. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to compare 2 methods of predicting BF using rump fat thickness (RFT) and deuterium oxide (DO) dilution with actual tissue fat analysis by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in stock-type horses and to identify the relationship between BF and BCS. Twenty-four...
Crevier-Denoix N, Audigié F, Emond AL, Dupays AG, Pourcelot P, Desquilbet L, Chateau H, Denoix JM.OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of track surface firmness on the development of musculoskeletal injuries in French Trotters during 4 months of race training. ANIMALS 12 healthy 3-year-old French Trotters. PROCEDURES Horses were paired on the basis of sex and body mass. Horses within each pair were randomly assigned to either a hard-track or soft-track group. The counterclockwise training protocol was the same for both groups. Surface firmness of each track was monitored throughout the training period. Radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and scintigraphy were performed on all 4 limbs of each ho...
Beerts C, Suls M, Broeckx SY, Seys B, Vandenberghe A, Declercq J, Duchateau L, Vidal MA, Spaas JH.Poor healing of tendon and ligament lesions often results in early retirement of sport horses. Therefore, regenerative therapies are being explored as potentially promising treatment for these injuries. In this study, an intralesional injection was performed with allogeneic tenogenically induced mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma 5-6 days after diagnosis of suspensory ligament (SL) (n = 68) or superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) (n = 36) lesion. Clinical, lameness and ultrasonographic evaluation was performed at 6 and 12 weeks. Moreover, a survey was performed 12 ...
Ishak GM, Bashir ST, Gastal MO, Gastal EL.Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to study the temporal relationships between pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) and corpus luteum (CL) diameter and blood flow, with systemic progesterone (P4) concentration during two transitional ovulatory seasons in mares. Variables of POF and CL/P4 were evaluated for 6days before and 17days after ovulation, respectively. Evaluations were performed during two consecutive estrous cycles in spring and fall seasons, and during the last estrous cycle of the season. There were significant correlations among POF and CL variables, and P4 concentration that ranged fr...
Pozor M, Morrissey H, Albanese V, Khouzam N, Deriberprey A, Macpherson ML, Kelleman AA.The goal of this study was to investigate correlations between objective measures of testicular echotexture and histomorphometric attributes related to the histological composition of stallion testes. Fifty-four scrotal testes were obtained from three groups of stallions during routine castrations: colts <1 yr old (n = 18), young stallions 1-5 yrs old (n = 27), mature stallions > 5 yrs old (n = 9). In addition, two scrotal testes with degeneration, 16 retained inguinal and 10 retained abdominal testes were surgically obtained. Cross-sectional and longitudinal ultrasonograms were obt...
Mackenzie CJ, Haggett EF, Pinchbeck GL, Marr CM.Ultrasonography of the atlanto-occipital (AO) space may be useful as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in neonatal foals. The aims of the study were establish a range of values for ultrasonographic measurements of the AO space in healthy Thoroughbred foals and to compare these variables in healthy foals with foals diagnosed with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS). Ultrasonography of the AO space was performed on 38 healthy Thoroughbred foals and 28 Thoroughbred foals with NMS≤4days of age. Transverse image spinal cord height (P=0.001), width (P<0.001) and spinal cord cross sectional area ...
Rutenberg D, Venner M, Giguère S.There is conflicting data regarding the efficacy of tulathromycin for the treatment of foals with bronchopneumonia. Tulathromycin is effective for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in foals and noninferior to the combination of azithromycin and rifampin. A total of 240 foals on a farm endemic for infections caused by Rhodococcus equi. In a controlled, randomized, and double-blinded clinical trial, foals with ultrasonographic pulmonary lesions (abscess score 10-15 cm) were allocated to 3 groups: 1-tulathromycin IM q 7 days (n = 80); 2-azithromycin-rifampin, orally q24h (n = 80); or 3-untreated ...
Finan SA, Lamkin EL, McKinnon AO.To investigate the comparative efficacy of BioRelease Deslorelin® (BRD) and Ovuplant® for induction of ovulation in cyclic mares in Australia. Methods: Ovarian follicular activity of 60 mares for a total of 95 cycles was monitored by ultrasonography until they developed a follicle ≥30 mm and a uterine oedema pattern of 3. Mares were then randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: (1) treatment with 1.25 mg BRD, (2) a single Ovuplant pellet or (3) 1 mL compound sodium lactate control. Follicular activity was monitored with ultrasonography every 12 h until ovulation was detec...
Müller C, Gehlen H.Venous diseases due to venous catheters have variable symptoms and clinical progress. They comprise perivenous hematoma, periphlebitis, endophlebitis, phlebothrombosis or septic thrombophlebitis. To diagnose venous disease, a clinical examination (possibillity to distend the vein, swelling, pain, increased skin temperature, and any exudation around the injection site) and an ultrasonographic examination (perivenous tissue, venous wall, venous content) of the vein are performed. Treatment of venous diseases depends on the etiology and pathogenesis and combines the use of anticoagulants (heparin...
Stack JD, Levingstone TJ, Lalor W, Sanders R, Kearney C, O'Brien FJ, David F.Osteochondral lesions resulting from osteochondritis dissecans are problematic to treat and present a significant challenge for clinicians. The aims of this study were to investigate the use of a scaffold-assisted microfracture approach, employing a novel, multilayered, collagen-based, osteochondral graft substitute in the treatment of severe osteochondritis dissecans of both lateral femoral trochlear ridges in an equine athlete, and to assess the potential of this novel scaffold to enhance repair of the osteochondral unit. A 15 month-old female filly presented with large osteochondritis diss...
Trope GD, McCowan CI, Tyrrell D, Lording PM, Maggs DJ.A 22-year-old Australian stockhorse gelding was presented with anterior uveitis in the right eye which was nonresponsive to anti-inflammatory therapy. Clinical examination revealed corneal edema and vascularization, marked hypopyon, and thickening of the dorsal iris, which was confirmed by ultrasonography. Hematologic and biochemical analyses, abdominal and thoracic ultrasonography, and abdominocentesis with cytologic and biochemical analysis revealed no significant abnormalities. Cytological examination of an aqueous humor sample revealed a population of predominantly large lymphoblasts with ...
Scilimati N, Beccati F, Pepe M, Angeli G, Dall'Aglio C, Di Meo A.Transrectal ultrasonography is the best technique for evaluating the ventral aspect of the lumbosacral and sacroiliac regions yet this diagnostic technique does not always lead to a final diagnosis of back pain in horses. Objective: To describe anatomical variations and acquired pathological bony changes (APBCs) in the lumbosacral and sacroiliac regions detected by ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) examinations on specimens. We hypothesised that age, body mass, previous use and anatomical variations may be correlated with the presence and/or severity of APBCs. Methods: Descript...
Carmona JU, López C.(1) Background: Tendon and ligament injuries are a leading cause of lameness in horses, with significant economic implications. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained attention for its regenerative potential, but its efficacy remains uncertain due to inconsistent study designs and reporting. (2) Methods: This systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, evaluated 22 studies (clinical and experimental) to assess the safety and efficacy of PRP in treating equine tendon and ligament injuries. The risk of bias was analyzed using the ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0 tools. (3) Results: PRP demonstrated a...
Cozens ER.A 4-year-old miniature horse experienced intermittent episodes of pyrexia, lethargy, and purulent vaginal discharge following dsytocia. Vaginal endoscopy and transrectal ultrasonography revealed a blind-ending vaginal cavity and distended uterus. Surgical treatment was declined and the mare was euthanized. Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of pyometra and vaginal adhesions. Un cheval miniature âgé de 4 ans a vécu des épisodes intermittents de pyréxie, de léthargie et de pertes vaginales purulentes après la dystocie. Une endoscopie vaginale et une échographie transrectale...
Garrett KS.Diagnostic imaging is often an important part of the diagnostic approach to neurologic disease. Advanced imaging techniques such as myelography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide more information than radiography and ultrasonography but are more limited in their availability. The clinician should be cognizant of the findings of the clinical examination when interpreting diagnostic imaging findings.
Dyson SJ, Weekes JS, Murray RC.The aim of the study was to characterize radiopharmaceutical uptake patterns in horses with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of proximal suspensory desmitis. It was hypothesized that radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal palmar (plantar) aspect of the third metacarpal (metatarsal) bone would be greater in lame limbs of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis than in sound limbs and that there would be a positive correlation between the severity of ultrasonographic abnormalities and the degree of radiopharmaceutical uptake. Nuclear scintigraphic evaluation of the proximal metacarpal...
Pasolini MP, Spinella G, Del Prete C, Valentini S, Coluccia P, Auletta L, Greco M, Meomartino L.Ultrasonography (US) is the recommended imaging technique to evaluate jugular veins. This prospective randomized clinical study was designed to collect a series of B-mode US measurements of manually distended jugular veins in healthy Italian Standardbreds and to find possible correlations between ultrasound measurements and animal morphometric characteristics. Forty-two horses, eight males and 34 females (range 3-22 years; bodyweight 494.4 ± 41.7 kg), were included in the study. The diameters and wall thicknesses of both jugular veins were measured at three different sites of the neck...
Ousey JC, Kölling M, Newton R, Wright M, Allen WR.Aged mares with endometrosis suffer higher rates of pregnancy loss than young mares, due to poor placental development. Reduced uterine blood supply may be one contributory factor. Objective: To measure uterine artery (UA) blood flow and other Doppler indices throughout pregnancy and compare placental and foal development in young mares and aged mares. Methods: Thoroughbred mares were grouped according to age and endometrial biopsy score: 1) 6 young mares (mean age 7.3 years, Category ); 2) 6 aged mares (mean age 18.3 years, Category II). Vascular pathology was nil or mild except in one aged m...
Cochard T, Toal RL, Saxton AM.To determine blood flow velocities and indices from spectral waveforms obtained by use of Doppler ultrasonography of thoracic limb arteries of horses and to assess interobserver and patient variability associated with the technique. Methods: 9 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: Left thoracic limb arteries of 8 nonsedated horses were examined at 5 sites by use of pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography to determine a range of values for peak systolic, end diastolic, and mean velocities and resistive and pulsatility indices. Interobserver and patient variabilities were determined by 2 operator...
Janicek JC, Rodgerson DH, Boone BL.A 20-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated because of a 2-year history of infertility. The mare had normal estrous cycles and had been bred 7 times by different stallions. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a homogeneous hyperechoic intramural mass in the tip of the right uterine horn; the mass was also detected via hysteroscopy Unilateral ovariectomy and partial hysterectomy were performed by use of a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique. Leiomyoma was diagnosed via histologic examination of the mass. Unilateral ovariectomy and partial hysterectomy are recommended in mares with leiomyom...
Oikawa MA, Nambo Y, Miyamoto M, Miura H, Kikuchi M, Ohnami Y.A broodmare showed mild signs of abdominal discomfort and anemia after normal delivery. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a massive hematoma within the broad ligament adjacent to the uterine horn. Internal bleeding into the peritoneal cavity (hemoabdomen) was not seen. Following treatment, the clinical signs improved. Hemorrhage caused by rupture of the arteries within the broad ligament of the uterus may be a cause of hematoma. Prepartum and postpartum rupture of the arteries supplying the reproductive organs in the mare, which is not uncommon, can be fatal if severe hemoabdomen occurs. I...
Zielińska P, Soroko-Dubrovina M, Śniegucka K, Dudek K, Čebulj-Kadunc N.The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on skin surface temperature and vein diameter in the carpal joint region in racehorses with clipped and non-clipped treatment areas. The study included 20 Thoroughbreds split into two equal groups: clipped coat and non-clipped coat. Horses underwent thermographic examination to detect changes in skin surface temperature at the medial surface of the carpal joint, followed by ultrasonographic examination to assess changes in the diameter of the medial palmar vein before and after HILT. ...
Tipton TE, Ray CS, Hand DR.To characterize superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon lesions in the forelimbs of cutting horses and determine recurrence rate and prognosis for this condition. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 19 cutting horses with SDF tendonitis. Methods: Medical records for horses evaluated for SDF tendonitis in 2007 through 2011 were reviewed. Data regarding age, sex, lameness grade, affected limb, and treatment were collected. Ultrasonographic images were reviewed, and lesion characteristics were recorded. Follow-up telephone interviews with owners or trainers were conducted to determine re...
Spinella G, Loprete G, Castagnetti C, Musella V, Antonelli C, Vilar JM, Britti D, Capitani O, Valentini S.The aims of this research were to evaluate mean echogenicity (ME) of the deep and superficial digital flexor tendons (DDFT and SDFT), the interosseous muscle (IM), and the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) of the metacarpal region in neonatal foals, and determine the effect of sex, side and body weight on this quantitative ultrasonographic evaluation. Thirteen orthopedically sound neonatal foals were examined. Four areas of study (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) were identified. Transverse scans of the DDFT, SDFT, IM and ALDDFT were obtained, recorded, and analyzed. The most echoge...
Stas EKL, Hermans H, Slenter IJM, Veraa S, Ensink JM.Iris cysts in horses are often asymptomatic and noticed incidentally. However, cysts can cause local corneal oedema and erratic behaviour like shying, decreased performance and head-shaking. Objective: To describe the use of diode laser as a noninvasive treatment option for iris cysts in the horse and to document factors influencing its efficacy, associated complications, long-term outcome and rate of recurrence. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Case records of horses treated for iris cysts by diode laser at the Utrecht University Equine Clinic were reviewed between 2008 and 2020. ...
Barr AR, Dyson SJ, Barr FJ, O'Brien JK.Twenty-four horses with ultrasonographic evidence of tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in the metacarpal/metatarsal region were seen over a 7 year period. Most horses had mild to moderate lameness and distension of the digital flexor tendon sheath in the affected limb. Intrasynovial analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath consistently improved the degree of lameness. Ultrasonography most commonly revealed small, distinct, often circular, focal hypoechoic areas within the deep digital flexor tendon which usually extended less than 1 cm proximodistally. The degree of lameness an...
Jacquet-Guibon S, Dupays AG, Coudry V, Crevier-Denoix N, Leroy S, Siñeriz F, Chiappini F, Barritault D, Denoix JM.A randomized controlled trial was performed on racing horses, to evaluate the efficacy of a new class of therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine-ReGeneraTing Agents® (RGTA®), to treat tendinopathies. Preliminary uncontrolled studies on tendon healing in racing horses with RGTA® (OTR4131)-Equitend® showed encouraging results, justifying performing a randomized, controlled, multicenter study with a two-year racing performance follow up. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Equitend® versus placebo on acute superficial digital flexor tendonitis in racing French Stand...
Hemberg E, Lundeheim N, Einarsson S.To minimize the number of matings/inseminations, controlled ovulation has been practised since a long time ago. A potent short-term implant, releasing the GnRH analogue deslorelin (Ovuplant((R))) has been used in Australia and North America for several years for hastening the ovulation time in mares, but the product is not registered on the European market. This study was aimed to investigate: (1) ovulation time in mares implanted with Ovuplant when the largest follicle was 42 mm or more in size, (2) repeatability of ovulation time in successive oestruses when treated with Ovuplant, (3) pregna...
Fernández-Hernández P, Valero-González M, Fuentes-Romero B, Iglesias-García M, Ezquerra-Calvo LJ, Martín-Cuervo M, Macías-García B.Currently, for in vitro embryo production in live mares, immature oocytes are retrieved by transvaginal follicular aspiration or ovum pick up (OPU). Occasionally, ovarian abscesses have been described after OPU, but no current consensus exists on how to treat this condition. Objective: To describe diagnosis and successful treatment of ovarian abscesses in two mares subjected to OPU. Methods: Case report. Methods: Case records were reviewed and summarised. Results: In the first case, a pony mare showed tachypnoea, tachycardia, high temperature, leukocytosis, left hindlimb lameness and slight in...
Aßmann A, Ohlerth S, Hartmann S, Torgerson P, Bischofberger A.Tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) is diagnosed using ultrasonography and contrast tenography. Nevertheless, making a precise preoperative diagnosis is challenging. This study aimed to determine and compare the sensitivity and specificity of low-field MRI and MRI tenography (MRIt) to detect artificially created soft-tissue lesions in the DFTS. In 21 DFTSs, 118 lesions were made tenoscopically in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), manica flexoria (MF) and proximal scutum. MRI and MRI, following intrathecal gadolinium administra...
Arens AM, Puchalski SM, Whitcomb MB, Bell R, Gardner IA, Stover SM.To define scintigraphic, physical examination, and scapular ultrasonographic findings consistent with bone fragility syndrome (BFS) in horses; develop indices of BFS severity; and assess accuracy of physical examination, scapular ultrasonography, and serum biomarkers for BFS diagnosis. Methods: Prospective case-control study. Methods: 48 horses (20 horses with BFS and 28 control horses). Methods: Horses underwent forelimb scintigraphic evaluation, physical examination, scapular ultrasonography, and serum collection. Scintigraphy was used as a reference standard to which physical examination, s...
Weber JA, Woods GL.Accessory sex gland and excurrent duct activity of 10 stallions was visualized with transrectal ultrasonography during seminal emission and ejaculation. First and last penile urethral contractions were defined as the start (0 sec) and end of ejaculation, respectively. Duration of ejaculation (n = 63 ejaculations) averaged 6.15 +/- 2.98 sec. Penile urethral contractions occurred an average of 6.2 +/- 2.2 times per ejaculation. Right bulbourethral glands (n = 19 ejaculations) alternated repeatedly from ovoid to flattened, irregular shapes during ejaculation. Cross-sectional area of right bulbour...
Ball BA, Hillman RB, Woods GL.To test the hypothesis that an abnormal uterine environment was a cause of early embryonic loss in subfertile mares, morphologically normal embryos were transferred to normal mares (n = 20) and subfertile mares (n = 20), and embryo survival rates were compared. Embryos were recovered nonsurgically at Days 7 to 8 postovulation and transferred surgically to normal and subfertile mares that had ovulated on the same day or within 2 d after a donor. Survival of transferred embryos was monitored by ultrasonography of the recipient mare's uterus from Day 9 through Day 28 postovulation. There were no ...
Podico G, Canisso IF, Ellerbrock RE, Dias NW, Mercadante VRG, Lima FS.The present study aimed to compare two methods of prostaglandin-induced abortion in mares by determining blood markers (progesterone, estradiol-17β, alpha-fetoprotein, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin-F2α (PGFM)), B-mode ultrasonographic parameters, and time until loss of fetal heartbeat. It was hypothesized that intrauterine infusion of cloprostenol results in earlier fetal compromise than intramuscular administration. Ovarian structures (number and sizes of follicles and corpora lutea area), fetal heartbeat, and fetal mobility of thirteen singleton pregnancies were assessed daily by tra...
Rose PL, Penninck D.Intraoperative ultrasonography was used in six horses to aid localization and removal of bone fragments (3 horses) and foreign bodies (3 horses). The ultrasound transducer was enclosed in a sterile sleeve containing sterile aqueous gel and the examination was performed after aseptic preparation of the surgical site. Using ultrasound guidance a needle was placed in contact with the bone fragment or foreign body and an incision was made along the path of the needle to expose and remove the object. This technique resulted in decreased operative time and minimal tissue dissection.
Nagy P, Huszenicza G, Juhász J, Kulcsár M, Solti L, Reiczigel J, Abaváry K.Management of the postpartum period is one of the most important factors of stud farm medicine. In horses, owing to the long gestation period, the time from parturition to repeat conception needs be short to maintain an optimal yearly foaling interval. For this reason the features of postpartum ovarian activity and sexual behavior were studied under farm conditions. During 2 consecutive breeding seasons, 107 mares on 5 commercial horse farms were monitored after parturition by regular teasing, transrectal ultrasonography and blood sampling for progesterone. Foalings took place from January 1 t...
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...
Scharf A, de Solis CN, Sampson SN, Glass K, Watts AE.To determine the short-term effect of plantar fasciotomy and neurectomy (PFN) of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve on the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) cross-sectional area (CSA) in horses with hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD). Methods: Analytical, observational, cohort study. Methods: Twenty-one horses. Methods: Records of horses with chronic PSD treated by PFN were included if a preoperative ultrasonographic examination was available and at least one postoperative ultrasonographic examination. One masked observer measured the ultrasonographic cross-sectional area...
Minshall GJ, Wright IM.Tears of the radial head of the deep digital flexor (DDF) have not previously been documented. Objective: To describe the presentation, clinical, ultrasonographic and tenoscopic features associated with tears of the radial head of the DDF and to report the results of treatment. Objective: Tears of the radial head of the DDF cause lameness and distension of the carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. Removal of disrupted tissue that is extruded into the sheath can result in clinical resolution and restoration of function. Methods: Case records and diagnostic images of horses in which teari...
