Ultrasound in horses is a diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the horse's internal structures. It is commonly used in veterinary medicine to evaluate soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and organs. This non-invasive method allows for real-time visualization of physiological and pathological conditions, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various equine health issues. Ultrasound is particularly valuable for assessing musculoskeletal injuries, reproductive health, and abdominal conditions in horses. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the application, methodology, and advancements in ultrasound technology within equine veterinary practice.
Siwinska N, Zak A, Baron M, Cylna M, Borowicz H.The aim of this study was to determine the normal location, wall thickness and motility of the right dorsal colon in adult ponies and miniature horses. The abdominal ultrasonography examination was performed in a study group consisting of 23 ponies and miniature horses and in a control group comprising ten Thoroughbred horses. The procedure was performed in unsedated standing animals. The location and the thickness of the right dorsal colonic wall was examined on the right side of the abdomen between the 10th and the 14th intercostal space. The contractility was recorded in the 12th intercosta...
Kovac M, Litvin YA, Aliev RO, Zakirova EY, Rutland CS, Kiyasov AP, Rizvanov AA.In this clinical study, for the first time we used the direct gene therapy to restore severe injuries of the suspensory ligament branch and superficial digital flexor tendon in horses (). We injected the plasmid DNA encoding two therapeutic species-specific growth factors: vascular endothelial growth factor 164 and fibroblast growth factor 2 at the site of injury in the suspensory ligament branch and tendon. Treatment effects were evaluated with the use of clinical observation and ultrasound imaging during a period of a few months. We showed that gene therapy used within a period of 2-3 mont...
Gilger BC.This article reviews the literature for studies describing advanced imaging of the equine eye as a reference for practitioners to help in the selection of image modalities, describe how to use the instruments, and help interpret the image findings. Indications for, technique of, and image interpretation of advanced image modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, MRI, optical coherence tomography, confocal microscopy, and angiography are reviewed. The article is organized anatomically, not by instrument, so that the reader will be able to quickly research ways to image specific diseas...
Garcia-Duitama J, Chayer B, Garcia D, Goussard Y, Cloutier G.Erythrocyte aggregation is a non-specific marker of acute and chronic inflammation. Although it is usual to evaluate this phenomenon from blood samples analyzed in laboratory instruments, in vivo real-time assessment of aggregation is possible with spectral ultrasound techniques. However, variable blood flow can affect the interpretation of acoustic measures. Therefore, flow standardization is required. Two techniques of flow standardization were evaluated with porcine and equine blood samples in Couette flow. These techniques consisted in either stopping the flow or reducing it. Then, the se...
The Veterinary recordSeptember 9, 2017
Volume 181, Issue 10 ii doi: 10.1136/vr.j4128
Carslake H.Harry Carslake, equine medicine specialist at the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Liverpool, reviews a fiveday course on advanced cardiac ultrasound scanning that he completed recently.
Pricking S, Bollwein H, Spilker K, Martinsson G, Schweizer A, Thomas S, Oldenhof H, Sieme H.Accurate determination of the testes volume and prediction of the daily sperm output (DSO) is valuable information for reproductive management of a stallion. The aim of this study was to compare different methods for measuring the testes volume, including caliper, 2D and 3D ultrasound. Special emphasis was on feasibility of 3D volume analysis. First, 22 castrated testes were measured and derived volumes were compared with volumes determined via volume displacement in a graded cylinder with saline solution. Then, during the breeding season, testes sizes of 52 stallions were measured in vivo an...
Sinclair CD, Webel SK, Douthit TL, Murray LW, Jager AL, Grieger DM, Kouba JM.The objective of these studies was to investigate the efficacy of an intravaginal triptorelin acetate (TA) gel as an ovulation-inducing agent in mares. In Exp. 1, 24 mares were blocked using a combination of parity and age and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 5 mL TA gel (TA5), 10 mL TA gel (TA10), or 5 mL vehicle gel only (CON). Following the appearance of a follicle ≥ 25 mm, a blood sample was obtained for measurement of LH from each mare every 24 h until treatment administration. When a follicle ≥ 35 mm was observed, treatments were administered intravaginally. Following tr...
Tuplin MC, Romero AE, Boysen SR.Intravascular volume assessment in foals is challenging. In humans, intravascular volume status is estimated by the caudal vena cava (CVC) collapsibility index (CVC-CI) defined as (CVC diameter at maximum expiration [CVC ] - CVC diameter at minimal inspiration [CVC ])/CVC × 100%. Objective: To determine whether the CVC could be sonographically measured in healthy foals, determine differences in CVC and CVC , and calculate inter- and intrarater variability between 2 examiners. We hypothesized that the CVC could be measured sonographically at the subxiphoid view and that there would be a differ...
Campbell MLH, Hampshire D, Hamstead LE, Rose BV, Smith KC, de Mestre AM.Intrauterine infusion of peanut oil at Day 10 post-ovulation has been reported to prolong dioestrus in mares. However, the effects of peanut oil treatment on the endometrium and whether the technique is painful have not been assessed. The objectives of this study were, (i) to determine the effect of intrauterine infusion of peanut oil on endometrial health, (ii) to determine whether use of intrauterine peanut oil is painful and (iii) to confirm that peanut oil causes prolonged dioestrus. Six mares aged 3-12 years old were used in a cross-over design with each mare administered both 1 ml of in...
Martel G, Forget C, Gilbert G, Richard H, Moser T, Olive J, Laverty S.Noninvasive imaging tools are needed to screen foal femoropatellar joints to detect subclinical osteochondrosis lesions due to focal failure of endochondral ossification to enhance early management to optimise intrinsic healing events. Recently investigations employing 3T susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (3T SWI MRI) and CT have demonstrated their capacity for early osteochondrosis diagnosis, but these technologies are not practical for field screening. We postulate that ultrasonography is a valuable field tool for the detection of subclinical osteochondrosis lesions. Objecti...
Geburek F, Roggel F, van Schie HTM, Beineke A, Estrada R, Weber K, Hellige M, Rohn K, Jagodzinski M, Welke B, Hurschler C, Conrad S, Skutella T....Adipose tissue is a promising source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for the treatment of tendon disease. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of a single intralesional implantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) on artificial lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs). During this randomized, controlled, blinded experimental study, either autologous cultured AT-MSCs suspended in autologous inactivated serum (AT-MSC-serum) or autologous inactivated serum (serum) were injected intralesionally 2 weeks after surgical creation of cen...
Ortiz-Rodriguez JM, Anel-Lopez L, Martín-Muñoz P, Álvarez M, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Anel L, Rodríguez-Medina P, Peña FJ, Ortega Ferrusola C.Testicular function is particularly susceptible to vascular insult, resulting in a negative impact on sperm production and quality of the ejaculate. A prompt diagnosis of testicular dysfunction enables implementation of appropriate treatment, hence improving fertility forecasts for stallions. The present research aims to: (1) assess if Doppler ultrasonography is a good tool to diagnose stallions with testicular dysfunction; (2) to study the relationship between Doppler parameters of the testicular artery and those of sperm quality assessed by flow cytometry and (3) to establish cut off values ...
Romero A, Barrachina L, Ranera B, Remacha AR, Moreno B, de Blas I, Sanz A, Vázquez FJ, Vitoria A, Junquera C, Zaragoza P, Rodellar C.Several therapies have been investigated for equine tendinopathies, but satisfactory long term results have not been achieved consistently and a better understanding of the healing mechanism elicited by regenerative therapies is needed. The aim of this study was to assess the separate effects of autologous bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AT) derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and platelet rich plasma (PRP), for treating lesions induced in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses. Lesions were created surgically in both SDFTs of the forelimbs of 12 horses and were treated...
Bellefeuille M, Peters DF, Nolin M, Slusarewicz P, Telgenhoff D.Collagen cross-linking is an attractive therapeutic route aimed at supplementing natural collagen stabilisation. In this study the toxicity of the cross-linker genipin (GP) was examined in avascular (tendon) and vascular (dermis) tissue. Methods: High doses of GP were injected intratendinously into three yearling horses and evaluated at various time points up to 30 days. A second group of three yearlings were injected into the dermis and evaluated at various time points up to 1 year. Metrics used included lameness, circumferential swelling, ultrasound evaluation, microscopic morphology, collag...
Mirle E, Wogatzki A, Kunzmann R, Schoenfelder AM, Litzke LF.The surgical evaluation of haemorrhagic infarcted intestine and the decision for or against bowel resection require a lot of experience and are subjective. The aim of this prospective, clinical study was to examine the correlation between oxygen saturation and small intestinal wall (IW) thickness, using two objective methods. In 22 colicky horses, the blood flow, oxygen saturation and relative amount of haemoglobin were measured intraoperatively via laser Doppler and white light spectroscopy (O2C, oxygen to see, LEA Medizintechnik) at six measuring points (MPs) in small and large intestines. F...
Campos IS, de Souza GN, Pinna AE, Ferreira AMR.This study aimed to measure the physiological changes in the combined utero-placental thickness (CUPT) during the course of normal pregnancy in Mangalarga Marchador mares. Transrectal B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure CUPT in 42 pregnant mares with a mean age, 8.7 (±3.5 years). CUPT was measured every month from 150 days of gestation until delivery. CUPT was expressed as an average of three measurements of the distance (mm) between the middle part of the uterine artery and the allantoic fluid. A General Linear Model was used to evaluate the major effects of the chronological age and ...
Stauffer S, Cordner B, Dixon J, Witte T.The aim of this preliminary proof-of-concept study was to evaluate and compare the success and complication rate of infiltration of the maxillary nerve of cadaver heads using previously described surface landmarks, standard ultrasound and a novel needle guidance positioning ultrasound system (SonixGPS). Methods: Prospective, anatomical, method-comparison study. Methods: Thirty-eight equine cadaver heads. Methods: Twenty-six veterinary students performed the three methods consecutively on cadaver heads using an 18 gauge, 8.9 cm spinal needle and 0.5 mL iodinated contrast medium. Computed tomog...
Nieth J, Köhler K, Wehrend A.Two cases of an innate hyperplastic goiter in foals as well as the sonographic evaluation of the hyperplastic gland are presented. One foal displayed skeletal deformities in the form of a mandibular prognathism and forelimb contractures in addition to the swollen thyroid gland. Because of a poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized. The second foal was premature and displayed respiratory signs. Under symptomatic therapy, the goiter regressed within a few weeks.
Rampacci E, Passamonti F, Bottinelli M, Stefanetti V, Cercone M, Nannarone S, Gialletti R, Beccati F, Coletti M, Pepe M.This study aims to investigate the bacteria involved in equine omphalitis and their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs, and consequently to provide guidelines concerning the most suitable treatment protocol in accordance with the clinical, ultrasound and laboratory findings. Forty foals aged between one and 30 days were evaluated in the course of this investigation. An ultrasound examination of all umbilical remnants was carried out carefully in all foals; umbilical swabs were collected for bacteriological examination, and blood samples were collected for blood culture from 19 foals with ...
Partlow J, David F, Hunt LM, Relave F, Blond L, Pinilla M, Lavoie JP.Small volume pneumothorax can be challenging to diagnose in horses. The current standard method for diagnosis is standing thoracic radiography. We hypothesized that thoracic ultrasonography would be more sensitive. Objectives of this prospective, experimental study were to describe a thoracic ultrasound method for detection of small volume pneumothorax in horses and to compare results of radiography and ultrasound in a sample of horses with induced small volume pneumothorax. Six mature healthy horses were recruited for this study. For each horse, five 50 ml air boluses were sequentially introd...
Vincze B, Gáspárdy A, Kovács L, Albert E, Kézér L, Baska F, Szenci O.Transabdominal ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful and reliable method for assessing fetal well-being in horses and cattle. To test the applicability of fetal aortic diameter measurement in cattle, 44 late-term pregnant cows and heifers were examined 21 to 0 days prior to calving. Mean fetal aortic diameter was 2.07 ± 0.14 cm and mean fetal heart rate (FHR) was 109 ± 17 bpm. Three dead calves were dissected and their aortic diameter was measured in a water bath. The mean birth weight (n = 44) was 39.9 ± 5.8 kg. There was a significant negative correlation between FHR and fetal aor...
Nottrott K, De Guio C, Khairoun A, Schramme M.Navicular disease in the horse often requires injection of the navicular bursa. We have developed an ultrasound-guided, lateral needle approach to navicular bursocentesis, which avoids penetration of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and the need for radiographic control. Objective: To describe and evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an ultrasound-guided, lateral bursocentesis technique. Methods: Cadaveric and in vivo experiments. Methods: The navicular bursa in 62 cadaveric forelimbs of 31 horses and in both forelimbs of 26 live horses, positioned with the foot flexed in a navicular ...
Tamura N, Nukada T, Kato T, Kuroda T, Kotoyori Y, Fukuda K, Kasashima Y.The objective assessment of the mechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) could provide useful information for the rehabilitation of horses with SDFT injuries. Assessment of strain ratio (the strain of a standard reference divided by that of lesions) is a quantitative method in sonoelastography for evaluating tissue stiffness in vivo. As yet, no longitudinal studies have used strain ratio to evaluate the progression of stiffness in SDFT injuries. Objective: To test the hypothesis that strain ratio can evaluate the recovery of stiffness during the healing of SDFT inj...
Espinosa P, Nieto JE, Snyder JR, Galuppo LD, Katzman SA.To describe an ultrasound assisted technique for desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL), determine its efficacy and intraoperative complications. Methods: Cadaveric and in vivo study. Methods: Cadaveric limbs (n = 12), adult horses (n = 4), and clinical cases (n = 2). Methods: Ultrasound assisted desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (UAD-PAL) was performed in cadaveric limbs and in standing horses with the operated limb placed in a distal limb splint. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and was followed by tenoscopic examination in 2 cli...
Giguère S.Pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi remains an important cause of disease and death in foals. The combination of a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin) with rifampin remains the recommended therapy for foals with clinical signs of infection caused by R equi. Most foals with small, subclinical ultrasonographic pulmonary lesions associated with R equi recover without therapy, and administration of antimicrobial agents to these subclinically affected foals does not hasten lesion resolution relative to administration of a placebo. Resistance to macrolides and rifampin in isol...
Laus F, Fratini M, Paggi E, Faillace V, Spaterna A, Tesei B, Fettucciari K, Bassotti G.Abnormalities of gastrointestinal motility are often a challenge in horses; however, the use of prokinetic drugs in such conditions must be firmly established yet. For this reason we carried out a preliminary study on the effects of prucalopride on intestinal motor activity of horses with gut hypomotility. The effect of prucalopride per os by oral dose syringe (2 mg/100 kg body weight) was assessed by abdominal ultrasound (evaluating duodenal, cecal, and colonic motor activity) in six horses with gut hypomotility. After administration of prucalopride, a significant increase of contractile ...
Russell JW, Hall MS, Kelly GM.A 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was presented with a grade 3/5 lameness of the right forelimb and effusion of the extensor carpi radialis tendon sheath (ECRTS). Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations revealed an osteochondroma on the cranial aspect of the distal radius projecting into the fibrous lining of the ECRTS. An open surgical approach was used to remove the osteochondroma and some of the proliferative synovial tissue. Conclusions: Six months after surgery the clinical signs had resolved and the horse raced successfully.
Honnas CM, Spensley MS, Laverty S, Blanchard PC.An 18-year-old mare, 285 days pregnant, was evaluated for apparent abdominal pain of 8 hours' duration. A large volume of sanguinous fluid was obtained on abdominocentesis, and digital vaginal examination revealed a dilated cervix and blood in the uterus. Abdominal palpation per rectum revealed the uterus to be large and distended with fluid. Ultrasonography revealed a dead fetus on the floor of the cranial portion of the abdomen. The mare was euthanatized, and necropsy confirmed that the uterus had ruptured, and that the fetus, within its chorioallantois, was in the abdomen. The amniotic sac ...
Okada CTC, Andrade VP, Freitas-Dell'Aqua CP, Nichi M, Fernandes CB, Papa FO, Alvarenga MA.Embryo mobility occurs as a result of prostaglandin production by the embryo and endometrium, promoting uterine smooth muscle contractions, which propels the embryonic vesicle through the lumen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as flunixin meglumine, are routinely used in equine medicine and can alter the conceptus mobility if applied in early pregnancy, which may impair maternal recognition of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of flunixin meglumine (FM; 1.1 mg/kg IV), firocoxib (FIRO; 0.2 mg/kg PO), and meloxicam (ML; 0.6 mg/kg,...
Daniel AJ, Leise BS, Selberg KT, Barrett MF.Injuries to the structures within the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) can lead to lameness with a variable degree of effusion in horses. In some cases, effusion is absent or minimal, and this may be related to the chronicity and type of injury, or veterinary interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine if saline injection into the DFTS would improve ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging of the distal limb without introducing artifact. Nine normal equine cadaver forelimbs were collected. Non-weight-bearing ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinat...
Eberhardt C, Schwarzwald CC.Focused cardiac ultrasound examination (FoCUS) is rapidly emerging for point-of-care cardiac assessment using hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) devices. A specific FoCUS protocol for horses and adequate training guidelines currently are not available. Objective: To gain knowledge about the training necessary to become proficient in performing FoCUS using a HCU device. Methods: Three healthy Warmblood horses were used for practical training of veterinarians and veterinary students in equine focused cardiac ultrasound (eFoCUS). Methods: Prospective educational study. An eFoCUS protocol and 1-day tra...
Woodie JB, Ruggles AJ, Bertone AL, Hardy J, Schneider RK.To determine whether fracture fragment dimensions, suspensory ligament damage, and racing status at the time of injury were associated with outcome in Standardbred horses with apical fracture of the proximal sesamoid bone. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 43 Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Medical records, racing records, and radiographs were reviewed, and ultrasonographic findings were scored. Measurements of the fractured portion of the proximal sesamoid bone were made. Results: Seventy-four percent (32/43) of horses were pacers, and 26% (11/43) were trotters. Statistical differences...
Fraschetto C, Dancot M, Vandersmissen M, Denoix JM, Coudry V.To describe type and distribution of tarsal collateral ligament (CL) injuries and to assess the long-term outcome in horses treated conservatively. Methods: 78 horses (median age, 7 years [IQR, 4 to 9.75 years]) of different breeds and disciplines. Methods: Retrospective analysis (2000 through 2020) of horses with tarsal CL lesions diagnosed on ultrasound. The resting time, ability to return to work, and performance level after the injury were compared between horses having a single ligament (group S) or multiple ligaments (group M) affected and according to the case severity. Results: Most of...
Williams S, Tucker CA, Green MJ, Freeman SL.Management regimes have been identified as risk factors for equine intestinal motility disorders. However, it is not known how management factors affect gastrointestinal motility. Objective: Large intestinal motility was similar in horses on a stabled and a pastured management regime. Objective: To investigate the effect of 2 different management regimes on large intestinal motility assessed with ultrasonography. Methods: A within-subjects crossover design was used to compare large intestinal motility between a stabled and a pastured regime in 16 working horses. Group A was managed under a sta...
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...
Ness SL, Bain FT, Zantingh AJ, Gaughan EM, Story MR, Nydam DV, Divers TJ.Visualization of colonic mesenteric vasculature during transabdominal ultrasonographic examination of horses with colic can be a predictor of right dorsal displacement of the large colon or 180° large colon volvulus, or both. Medical records of 82 horses having had surgical treatment of colic and having received a transabdominal ultrasonographic examination on admission were reviewed. Colonic mesenteric vessels were sonographically identified coursing laterally on the right side of the abdomen in 24 of the 82 cases. Horses with colonic vessels identified on ultrasound were 32.5 times more lik...
Jeffcott LB, Buckingham SH, McCarthy RN, Cleeland JC, Scotti E, McCartney RN.The current methods for non-invasive measurement of bone quality are reviewed. In the horse this has traditionally involved the use of radiography, but there are now two other modalities available for the critical evaluation of cortical bone quality and strength. These utilise single photon absorptiometry and ultrasound velocity. Photon absorptiometry gives a direct measurement of bone mineral content, by using a monoenergetic radionuclide source, and transverse ultrasound velocity in bone gives a measure of bone stiffness or elasticity. They can both be used conveniently on the metacarpus of ...
Sirois J, Betteridge KJ, Goff AK.The outcome of 23 collections and reinsertions of conceptuses on Days 10.5-13.5, 4 transfers of Day-10.5, and 13 transfers of Day-6.5 embryos (ovulation = Day 0) was monitored in 30 mares. Blood samples were taken before and after each procedure to measure plasma 15-keto-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGFM), and then daily for progesterone determinations. Mares were also subjected to daily teasing for detection of oestrus, and to uterine ultrasonography for tracing the development of the conceptus. After the reinsertions, 12/23 conceptuses were detectable immediately after the procedure...
Arnold CE, Chaffin MK.To determine clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcome for a series of adult horses with abdominal abscesses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 61 adult horses. Methods: Medical records of adult horses with abdominal abscesses treated at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (1993 to 2008) were reviewed. Information was recorded regarding signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and short- and long-term outcomes. Risk factors for survival were determined. Results: 61 horses met the criteria for inclusion. Clinical signs included colic ...
Blohm KO, Tichy A, Nell B.To determine efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using different sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) doses to assess blood flow and perfusion in equine eyes and to evaluate safety of SF6 in horses. Methods: Ocular B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were performed bilaterally in nine sedated university-owned horses. Intravenous SonoVue® bolus injections of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mL were administered for 2/18, 5/18, 6/18, 3/18, 1/18, and 1/18 eyes, respectively. Doses were increased based on ascending bodyweight. Each eye within one horse was examined utilizing a different ...
Goudet G, Bézard J, Duchamp G, Palmer E.In the mare, success rates for the in vitro maturation of oocytes are low. Accordingly, we attempted to determine if immature oocytes could be matured in vivo by injecting them into a preovulatory follicle. Groups of 3-9 oocytes collected from donor mares were transferred under ultrasound control into the preovulatory follicle of a recipient mare that was treated with crude equine pituitary gonadotrophin (CEG) to induce ovulation. Just before ovulation (34 h post treatment) the preovulatory follicle of the recipient mare was punctured to collect both the transferred and the indigenous oocytes ...
Roxon C, Slack J, Bender S, Burns H, Turner R.A 12-year-old Standardbred stallion presented with a 5-month history of a growing mass in the left testis as well as an overall decrease in left testicular size. Palpation and ultrasonography of the left testis revealed a firm, hypoechoic, clearly delineated soft tissue mass in the craniolateral portion of the testis that measured 2.5 × 2.3 × 1.9 cm. Two smaller, hypoechoic regions also were visible ultrasonographically in the left testis, suggesting the presence of multifocal/multicentric neoplasia. The affected testis was very small (testicular volume of 40.3 cm). The right testis was ...
Hicks GR, Fraser NS, Bertin FR.Although there are many hormonal changes associated with reproduction, the effects of ovulation and early pregnancy on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and insulin concentrations are poorly described. We hypothesise that both ovulation and early pregnancy will alter ACTH and insulin concentrations in healthy mares. Eighteen mares showing no clinical signs suggestive of, or laboratory findings consistent with, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction PPID and insulin dysregulation (ID) are enrolled. ACTH, cortisol, insulin and glucose concentrations are measured over their peri-ovulatory period,...
Cuervo-Arango J, Newcombe JR.Haemorrhage into the dominant follicle during the reproductive season is a subtle but definitive cause of infertility in the mare population. This condition however can be of high relevance for an individual in which its incidence is abnormally high. Little is known about the nature and factors affecting the incidence of haemorrhagic anovulatory follicles (HAFs) in the mare. The objectives of the study were to define and characterize the ultrasonographic development and incidence of HAFs and to investigate possible risk factors influencing its occurrence. Detailed reproductive and ultrasound r...
Vallance SA, Vidal MA, Whitcomb MB, Murphy BG, Spriet M, Galuppo LD.To evaluate use of a diode laser to induce tendinopathy in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses. Methods: 4 equine cadavers and 5 adult horses. Methods: Cadaveric SDFT samples were exposed to a diode laser at various energy settings to determine an appropriate energy for use in in vivo experiments; lesion size was assessed histologically. In vivo experiments involved laser energy induction of lesions in the SDFT (2 preliminary horses [0, 25, 75, and 87.5 J] and 3 study horses [0 and 125 J]) and assessment of lesions. Study duration was 21 days, and lesions were assessed clini...
Puhakka PH, Te Moller NC, Tanska P, Saarakkala S, Tiitu V, Korhonen RK, Brommer H, Virén T, Jurvelin JS, Töyräs J.Background and purpose - Arthroscopic estimation of articular cartilage thickness is important for scoring of lesion severity, and measurement of cartilage speed of sound (SOS)-a sensitive index of changes in cartilage composition. We investigated the accuracy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in measurements of cartilage thickness and determined SOS by combining OCT thickness and ultrasound (US) time-of-flight (TOF) measurements. Material and methods - Cartilage thickness measurements from OCT and microscopy images of 94 equine osteochondral samples were compared. Then, SOS in cartilage w...
Trela JM, Dechant JE, Culp WT, Whitcomb MB, Palm CA, Nieto JE.To describe the successful management of a urethral stricture with an absorbable stent in a stallion. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: Stallion with a urethral stricture. Results: A 12-year-old Thoroughbred breeding stallion was evaluated for acute onset of colic. Uroperitoneum because of presumptive urinary bladder rupture, with urethral obstruction by a urethrolith, was diagnosed. The uroperitoneum was treated conservatively. The urethrolith was removed through a perineal urethrotomy. Approximately 15 weeks after urethrolith removal, the stallion presented with a urethral stricture. The st...
Boehart S, Arndt G, Rindermann G, Gmachl M, Carstanjen B.To obtain morphometric values for the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle, and suspensory ligament in the palmar metacarpal region of Icelandic Horses. Methods: 50 nonlame Icelandic Horses in training. Methods: Horses included 2 stallions, 30 geldings, and 18 mares from 4 to 20 years of age with a body mass index from 149.1 to 250.11 kg/m2. Transverse ultrasonographic images were obtained with an 8- to 10-MHz linear transducer and a standoff pad. In both forelimbs, the cross-sectional area, circumference, dorsopalm...
Mari G, Iacono E, Merlo B, Castagnetti C.Diagnosis and management of twin pregnancies in the mare are an ongoing challenge in equine reproduction. Early detection of twin and manual crush of one vesicle are the main steps in the management of twins. Few studies were carried out about the use of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (TUGA) for reduction of twins in the mare. In this study, the efficiency of TUGA for management of twin pregnancies was investigated. Reduction of unicornuate twins between 16 and 25 days of gestation gave a success rate of 70.0% (14 viable foals/20 twin pregnancies); when reduction was performed after...
Woods J, Rigby S, Brinsko S, Stephens R, Varner D, Blanchard T.Two trials were conducted to investigate the effects of intrauterine infusion of PGE2 and uterine horn insemination on pregnancy rates in mares achieved by breeding with a suboptimal number of normal spermatozoa. Estrus was synchronized and mares were teased daily with a stallion to detect estrus. Mares in estrus were examined by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography to monitor follicular status. On the first day a 35-mm diameter follicle was present, hCG (1500 IU, iv) was administered and the mares were bred the next day. Mares (Trial 1, n = 34; Trial 2, n = 28) were inseminated with 25 m...
Johnson AK, Roberts JF, Hagan A, Wilborn RR, Dujovne G, Sells SF, Donahue JM.A 25-year-old pregnant American Quarter Horse mare presented with a 1-week history of progressively worsening vaginal discharge. Transrectal ultrasound revealed increased thickness of the combined uterus and placenta with evidence of chorioallantoic edema but no placental separation. A thickened amnion was visible on transabdominal ultrasound. Abortion occurred 2 days after presentation despite medical treatment. At necropsy, the chorioallantois had variable but diffuse thickening with focally extensive browning of the chorionic surface in the right horn and adjacent body. There were fluid-fil...
Griffin PG, Ginther OJ.Transrectal ultrasonography was used to quantitate uterine contractile activity during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in pony mares (nonbred, n = 9; pregnant, n = 16). Continuous 1-min scans of longitudinal sections of the uterine body were videotaped, and uterine activity scores (1=minimal activity, 5=maximal activity) were assigned to each tape segment. There was a tendency (P<0.06) for a main effect of reproductive status (nonbred versus pregnant), a main effect of day (P<0.0001), and a reproductive status by day interaction (P<0.006). Uterine activity scores were higher (P&...
Fanelli D, Beltramo M, Conte G, Cerretini B, Lomet D, Rota A, Aucagne V, Camillo F, Panzani D.Kisspeptins (KPs) are the most potent stimulating neurotransmitters of GnRH release, and consequently KP administration triggers LH and/or FSH release. In small ruminants, KP or its analogs induced an LH surge followed by ovulation in both cyclic and acyclic animals, while in the mare KP only increased LH plasma levels but failed to induce ovulation. This study in jennies compares the endocrinological effects, ovulatory and pregnancy rates of the KP analog C6 and the GnRH analog buserelin acetate. The ovarian activity of nine Amiata jennies was monitored daily by transrectal ultrasound for thr...
Ghallab RS, El-Beskawy M, El-Shereif AA, Rashad AMA, Elbehiry MA.Equine endometritis is one of the most common causes of reproduction failure. To achieve better treatment outcomes, different diagnostic methods should be combined. In the current study, 39 repeat breeder mares were subjected to ultrasonography examination to detect excessive accumulation of intrauterine fluids and an abnormal oedema pattern, which revealed that 61.5% of mares were positive. Combined with endometrial cytology by low-volume uterine flush, 47.7% of smears contain neutrophils (more than 2-3 per HPF X100), and microbial culture. 92.3% of mares were infected with different bacteria...
Hoffmann KL, Wood AK, McCarthy PH.Sonographic and anatomic observations were made of the kidneys of 23 Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds. In an in vitro study of 16 horses, precise correlations were established between the gross anatomic features of the kidneys and their sonographic appearance in images obtained in dorsal, sagittal, transverse, and transverse oblique anatomic planes. The renal cortex had a uniformly mottled echogenicity, and the renal medulla was relatively hypoechogenic, compared with the cortex. Acoustic anisotropy was observed in the cortex and medulla of the cranial and caudal extremities of each kidney. The ...
Beaumier A, Dixon CE, Robinson N, Rush JE, Bedenice D.Cardiac hemangiosarcoma, especially primary, is infrequently reported in the horse and remains a diagnostic challenge because of vague clinical signs and difficulty to reach an antemortem diagnosis. A 17-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding was presented with a history of tongue swelling and secondary aspiration pneumonia. Initial assessment indicated dehydration, and thoracic ultrasound revealed an abnormal structure within the myocardium alongside the previously suspected aspiration pneumonia. A subsequent, complete echocardiogram identified a large, heterogeneous, ill-defined mass invadi...
Ferris RA, McCue PM.Persistent mating induced endometritis is among the most common causes of infertility in the mare. Recently, improved pregnancy rates have been reported when corticosteroids were administered to 'problem mares' specifically, to modulate the post mating inflammatory response; however, the effect of treatment on pituitary and ovarian function requires further study. Objective: To evaluate the effects of prolonged treatment with glucocorticoids on pituitary and ovarian function. Methods: Eighteen cycling Quarter Horse mares in early oestrus were assigned randomly to one of 3 treatment groups: dex...
