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.
Powell SE, Ramzan PH, Head MJ, Shepherd MC, Baldwin GI, Steven WN.The proximal metacarpal region is a common site of origin of lameness in the performance horse. A number of disease entities are recognised as causes of proximal metacarpal lameness but a definitive diagnosis is often elusive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is hypothesised to offer advantages over traditional imaging modalities in the investigation of proximal metacarpal pain. Objective: To describe clinical and imaging features of cases of lameness in racehorses arising from the proximal metacarpal region in which standing MRI identified 'bone marrow oedema-type' (BMO-type) signal patterns....
Fuglbjerg V, Nielsen JV, Thomsen PD, Berg LC.Arthrosis of the articular process joints (APJs) in the caudal thoracolumbar region of horses may cause back pain and subsequent reduced performance or lameness. Ultrasound-guided injections of the APJs of the equine back have been described only briefly in the literature. Objective: To evaluate factors affecting the accuracy of intra-articular injections of the APJs in the caudal thoracolumbar region. Methods: One-hundred-and-fifty-four injections with blue dye were performed on APJs including the T14-L6 region in 12 horses subjected to euthanasia for reasons unrelated to back problems. The b...
Garrett KS, Woodie JB, Embertson RM, Pease AP.Laryngeal dysplasia due to suspected maldevelopment of the fourth branchial arch has been reported previously in the horse and has been associated with rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch and/or right laryngeal dysfunction. These studies all described the endoscopic and/or anatomical post mortem identification of the disease, but ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of this disease have not been described. Objective: MRI and ultrasound findings accurately reflect the anatomical features of presumptive fourth branchial arch abnormality and allow accurate ante mortem...
Raes EV, Vanderperren K, Pille F, Saunders JH.Ultrasonographic findings from 100 horses (103 joints) diagnosed with tarsal region pathology are described. Results of standard orthopaedic, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination of the tarsal region were analysed retrospectively. Periarticular swelling and/or synovial effusion was present in 100% of the joints, a wound was observed in 14.5% and 76.7% of the horses that were lame. Abnormalities were detected in 69.7% of joints using radiography and in 100% with ultrasonography. Our results show that the main disease process can affect all aspects of the tarsus. The most common ultraso...
Mozzaquatro FD, Verstegen JP, Douglas RH, Troedsson MH, DeLaCorte FD, Silva CA, Rubin MI.Ultrasonic-guided transvaginal follicle aspiration was performed in 58 crossbreed mares in order to determine whether aspiration of various dominant follicle diameters resulted in luteal tissue capable of producing progesterone (P(4)). The mares were randomly assigned to three groups according to follicular diameter (25-29 mm; 30-35 mm and >35 mm). Mares that had ovulations naturally served as controls. The serum progesterone (P(4)) concentrations in the aspirated mares were greater (P < 0.0001; r(2) = 0.6687; CV = 21.52) in mares with natural ovulation compared to mares with aspirated follicl...
Tabar-Rodriguez JJ, Cruz AM, Monteith G, Gordon K, Hurtig MB.OBJECTIVE-To use quantitative ultrasonography to evaluate the association between the speed of sound (SOS) at 9 sites in the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) of racing Thoroughbreds with workload accumulation and the effect that MCIII failure has on this association. ANIMALS-Sixty-two 2- and 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in racing condition. PROCEDURES-Cumulative work index (CWI) was used to calculate total workload (CWI(total)) and also 3 independent CWIs for the various gaits (ie, trot [CWI(trot)], gallop [CWI(gallop)], and race [CWI(race)]) used during training and racing. Speed of sound was monito...
Bourzac C, Alexander K, Rossier Y, Laverty S.Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the femoropatellar (FP) joint are diagnosed routinely by radiography, but lesions located in the trochlear groove or without accompanying subchondral bone changes can be difficult to visualise. Ultrasonography allows evaluation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone in the FPjoint. Objective: To document the radiographic and ultrasonographic appearance of OCD lesions in the equine FP joint, grade ultrasonographic lesions and compare their accuracy in the diagnosis of these lesions. Methods: The medical records of all horses diagnosed with FP OCD ...
Trope GD, Whitton RC.A 12-year-old show-jumping mare was presented for investigation of a chronic hindlimb lameness of 16 weeks duration. Perineural anaesthesia and ultrasonography localised the lesion to the medial collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint of the left hindlimb. Treatment consisted of a heavily padded distal limb cast for 6 weeks, strict box rest and a strictly regulated hand walking program. Serial ultrasonographic examinations were performed throughout the rehabilitation period. Collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint is a commonly diagnosed condition of th...
Bosch G, René van Weeren P, Barneveld A, van Schie HT.The effectiveness of new therapies to treat tendon injuries is difficult to determine and is often based on semi-quantitative methods, such as grey level analysis of ultrasonographic images or subjective pain scores. The alternatives are costly and long-lasting end-stage studies using experimental animals. In this study, a method of ultrasonographic tissue characterisation (UTC), using mathematical analysis of contiguous transverse ultrasonographic images, was used for intra-vital monitoring of the healing trajectory of standardised tendon lesions treated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) or pla...
Stephen J, Harty M, Hollis A, Yeomans J, Corley K.An 11-year-old mare presented 36 hours after foaling with a ruptured bladder. Uroperitoneum was diagnosed on ultrasound and from the creatinine concentration of the peritoneal fluid. Bladder endoscopy demonstrated tissue necrosis and a rent in the dorsocranial aspect of the bladder. Following stabilisation, including abdominal drainage and lavage, the mare was taken to standing surgery. Under continuous sedation and epidural anaesthesia, and after surgical preparation, a Balfour retractor was placed in the vagina. Using sterile lubricant and moderate force, it was possible to insert a hand int...
Floeck M.Ultrasonography is a helpful diagnostic tool in cattle with urinary tract disorders. It can be used to diagnose pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, hydronephrosis, renal cysts, renal tumors, amyloidosis, cystitis, bladder paralysis, bladder rupture, bladder neoplasms, and, occasionally, nephrosis, glomerulonephritis, and embolic nephritis. This article describes the anatomy, scanning technique, indications, limitations, normal and pathologic sonographic appearance of the bovine urinary tract. References from horses and humans are included, especially when the sonographic findings in these species ma...
Shih A, Giguère S, Sanchez LC, Valverde A, Bandt C, Jankunas H, Robertson S.To compare cardiac output (CO) measured by use of lithium dilution (LiDCO) and ultrasound velocity dilution (UDCO) in conditions of high, intermediate, and low CO in anesthetized foals. Methods: Original prospective study. Methods: University teaching hospital. Methods: Six foals 1-3 days of age (38-45 kg). Methods: Neonatal foals were anesthetized and instrumented to measure direct blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, and CO. The CO was measured by use of LiDCO and UDCO techniques. Measurements were obtained from each foal at baseline and during low, intermediate, and high CO sta...
Sharma S, Davies Morel MC, Dhaliwal GS, Dadarwal D.Ultrasonographic pregnancy records of 195 mares from six Thoroughbred stud farms, over a period of 7 years were retrospectively analysed to assess the effect of various factors on embryonic vesicle (EV) fixation pattern and pregnancy outcome. Of the total of 746 pregnancies analysed, significantly (p < 0.01) more EV fixations were evident in the right uterine horn than in the left (53.35% vs 46.65% respectively). There was no significant effect of either, the side of ovulation, or age of the mare, on the side of EV fixation. However, EV fixation, was significantly (p < 0.001) more likely...
Risco AM, Reilas T, Muilu L, Kareskoski M, Katila T.The most probable reason for persistent postbreeding endometritis in mares is weak myometrial contractility. The influence of oxytocin (OT; an ecbolic agent) and flunixin meglumine (FLU; a prostaglandin inhibitor serving as a model for mares with decreased uterine contractility) on uterine response to artificial insemination (AI) was studied in mares with no history of reproductive failure. The mares were treated intravenously with 10 mL saline (Group C, n=10) or 0.01 IU/kg OT (Group OT, n=10) 2, 4, 8, and 25 h after AI. Group FLU (n=11) was treated with 1.1mg/kg FLU 2h after AI and with salin...
Kihurani DO, Carstens A, Saulez MN, Donnellan CM.Gastroscopy with air insufflation was performed in 10 ponies, after which a transcutaneous ultrasound examination of the stomach and duodenum was performed immediately and at 1, 2, and 4 h postgastroscopy, and 24 h after feeding. Stomach measurements included the dorsoventral and craniocaudal dimensions, as well as the stomach depth from the skin surface and stomach wall thickness at the different time periods. Gastric wall folding was observed in one pony, becoming most distinct 2-4 h postgastroscopy. An undulating stomach wall was noted in eight other ponies postgastroscopy. These observatio...
Brenner S, Whitcomb MB.The clinical and ultrasonographic features of seven horses with coxofemoral subluxation are presented. Affected horses included five adult geldings (11-20 years), one large pony (6 years) and a 3-month-old filly. All were lame at the walk except for the pony with grade 3/5 lameness. Lameness was acute in all horses, but three horses progressed after initial improvement. Crepitus, muscle atrophy, and pelvic asymmetry were inconsistent findings. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of subluxation required dynamic visualization of femoral head displacement from the acetabulum while placing weight on the af...
Brosnahan MM, Holbrook TC, Gilliam LL, Ritchey JW, Confer AW.To describe the clinical and pathological findings in 2 adult horses with documented increases in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and to describe the direct puncture technique used to measure this pressure. Methods: Two adult horses developed increases in IAP secondary to large-volume abdominal effusion. A 9-year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding was presented for evaluation of urinary and neurologic signs. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination showed a hepatic abscess along with abdominal effusion. A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was presented for evaluation of castration complications. A c...
LeBlanc MM, Causey RC.Endometritis, a major cause of mare infertility arising from failure to remove bacteria, spermatozoa and inflammatory exudate post-breeding, is often undiagnosed. Defects in genital anatomy, myometrial contractions, lymphatic drainage, mucociliary clearance, cervical function, plus vascular degeneration and inflamm-ageing underlie susceptibility to endometritis. Diagnosis is made through detecting uterine fluid, vaginitis, vaginal discharge, short inter-oestrous intervals, inflammatory uterine cytology and positive uterine culture. However, these signs may be absent in subclinical cases. Hyper...
Avella CS, Ely ER, Verheyen KL, Price JS, Wood JL, Smith RK.It is important to ascertain the prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries and to improve methods of predicting injury in National Hunt (NH) racehorses. Objective: To establish: 1) the prevalence of SDFT tendinopathy in NH horses; 2) whether routine ultrasonography can be used to predict SDFT injuries; 3) whether previous tendinopathy predisposes to reinjury; 4) a normal range for the SDFT cross-sectional area (CSA); and 5) the effects of gender, age, background (ex-flat or ex-store), limb, training and rest periods on SDFT CSA. Methods: Routine ultrasound assessment of t...
Crevier-Denoix N, Ravary-Plumioën B, Evrard D, Pourcelot P.A non-invasive ultrasonic (US) technique of tendon force measurement has been recently developed. It is based on the relationship demonstrated between the speed of sound (SOS) in a tendon and the traction force applied to it. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the variability of this non-linear relationship among 7 equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendons, and the reproducibility of SOS measurements in these tendons over successive loading cycles and tests. Seven SDF tendons were equipped with an US probe (1MHz), secured in contact with the skin overlying the tendon me...
Miesner T, Wilkie D, Gemensky-Metzler A, Weisbrode S, Colitz C.At The Ohio State University from 1994-2006 six of seven horses evaluated for primary orbital disease were diagnosed with extra-adrenal paraganglioma (EAPG). The horses ranged in age from 14 to 24 years, with a mean of 16.8 years. Duration of clinical signs was 1.5 years to 5 years, with a mean of 2.8 years. Clinical signs varied, but all six had non-painful exophthalmus of the right eye. Five horses had complete ocular exams reported; three of five had decreased to absent vision, two of five had pale optic nerves, and in three of five, difficulty of retropulsion of the globe was noted. Diagno...
Kalck KA.This article discusses types of inflammatory bowel disease in horses, including pathologic findings and proposed causes. The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is presented in detail, including minimum database, rectal palpation, abdominal ultrasound, abdominocentesis, biopsy procedures, and absorption tests. Treatment recommendations and prognosis are also discussed.
Geburek F, Rötting AK, Stadler PM.To assess agreement between ultrasonography (transcutaneous and transrectal) and standing radiography in horses with fractures in the pelvic region and disorders of the coxofemoral joint. Methods: Case series. Methods: Warmblood horses (n=23) and 2 ponies. Methods: Medical records (1999-2008) of equids with pelvic or coxofemoral disorders that had pelvic radiography and ultrasonography were retrieved and results of both techniques compared. Results: Radiography and ultrasonography each identified equal numbers of fractures of the tuber coxa (n=4), ilial shaft (2), ischium (3), femoral neck (2)...
Vanderperren K, Martens AM, Declercq J, Duchateau L, Saunders JH.To compare clinical usefulness of ultrasonography versus radiography for detection of fragmentation of the dorsal aspect of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in horses. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 36 horses with fragmentation of the MCP (n = 19) and MTP (29) joints. Methods: In all joints, radiography (4 standard projections) and ultrasonography were performed prior to arthroscopic examination and fragment removal. Number and location of fragments identified radiographically and ultrasonographically were compared with arthroscopic findings. Results...
Cohen JM, Richardson DW, McKnight AL, Ross MW, Boston RC.To (1) examine the outcome in horses with osteoarthritis or intra-articular soft tissue injuries of the stifle after arthroscopic exploration and debridement and (2) to determine any imaging or surgical findings that may influence prognosis. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n=44) with lameness referable to the stifle, diagnosed with osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, or other intra-articular soft tissue injuries based on arthroscopic examination. Methods: Medical records of horses with stifle lameness that had arthroscopic exploration were reviewed. Horses with osteochondrosis lesions, intr...
Wise LN, Bryan JN, Sellon DC, Hines MT, Ramsay J, Seino KK.Renal carcinoma is a rare tumor of horses. Objective: Presenting complaints and clinical signs of this disease are vague and early diagnosis increases survival time. Methods: Data were collected from the medical records of 4 horses presented to Washington State University as well as the 23 previously published case reports of horses with renal carcinoma. Methods: Retrospective study. Results: Renal carcinoma affects horses of all ages with most cases observed in geldings and Thoroughbreds. The most common presenting complaints are nonspecific and usually do not occur until late in the course o...
Spadari A, Spinella G, Romagnoli N, Valentini S.Rupture of the lateral lobe of the proximal tendon of the biceps brachii muscle was diagnosed in an Arabian horse. To the authors' knowledge, this is the only report of this condition in horses. Although clinical signs were helpful in the identification of the location of disease, ultrasonographic examination was a more definitive and non- invasive means of diagnosing the pathological condition. Bursoscopic examination of the intertubercular bursa was also useful in obtaining confirmation of the diagnosis, and for debridement and lavage of the bursa.
Dabareiner RM, Cole RC.To determine history; clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic abnormalities; treatment; and outcome in horses with tuber coxae fractures and to describe a useful technique for obtaining a dorsomedial-ventrolateral 50 degrees oblique radiographic view of the tuber coxa of the ilium in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 29 horses with fractures of tuber coxa. Methods: Data collected from medical records included signalment; history; horse use; severity and duration of lameness; radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic findings; treatment; a...
Canisso IF, Pinn TL, Gerdin JA, Ollivett TL, Buckles EL, Schweizer CM, Ainsworth DM.A 5-year-old Quarter horse broodmare was evaluated for inappetence, depression, and diarrhea 13 days after aborting a 9-month gestation fetus. Clinical and laboratory examination ruled out uterine rupture and peritonitis. Ultrasonography of the uterus combined with cytological analysis of peritoneal fluid suggested the existence of diffuse lymphoma. A multicentric B-cell lymphoma involving the uterus and ovary was confirmed at necropsy and histopathological examination. Lymhome multicentrique à cellules B comme cause possible d’avortement chez une jument poulinière Quarter Horse. Une jumen...
Perkins G, Ainsworth DM, Yeager A.This report documents the successful conservative medical management of hemothorax in 2 horses. Hemothorax occurred after a lung biopsy procedure (horse 1) and strenuous exercise on a treadmill (horse 2). The horses had tachypnea, tachycardia, nostril flaring, hemoptysis, and pawing. Hemothorax was suspected based upon absence of auscultable ventral lung sounds; development of cool extremities and pale, tacky mucous membranes; the ultrasonographic appearance of moderate to severe amounts of pleural fluid; and a concurrent decrease in hematocrit and total plasma protein. Both horses were treate...
McDiarmid A.Five cases of acquired flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) in older horses and ponies were studied. The mean age of affected horses was 14-8 years. Four deformities developed following desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and one following tendonitis of the SDFT alone. All cases were markedly lame and demonstrated variable degrees of flexural deformity. Ultrasonographic examination was performed on all cases which revealed extensive adhesion formation between the ALDDFT and SDFT and red...
Brinsko SP, Rigby SL, Lindsey AC, Blanchard TL, Love CC, Varner DD.This study was conducted to evaluate two methods for insemination of a low number of sperm in the tip of the uterine horn, and to determine whether prebreeding intrauterine treatment with prostaglandin E(2) would improve pregnancy rates. Estrus was synchronized in 36 fertile Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred broodmares. When a dominant follicle >or=33 mm diameter was present, mares were treated with 2500 units hCG intravenously and were assigned to one of four treatment groups for insemination with five million total sperm in 200 microl extender the next day as follows: (1) Group PGE-HYS (n=9): 0...
Wilson DA, Badertscher RR, Boero MJ, Baker GJ, Foreman JH.Ultrasonography was used to evaluate the ventral midline incisions of 21 ponies following exploratory laparotomy. The incisions were evaluated before surgery and at weekly intervals from one to seven weeks after surgery. Both 5.0 and 7.5 MHz linear array and 7.5 MHz sector transducers were used for the evaluations. The incisional complications observed were drainage, oedema, suture sinus formation, suture abscess, superficial dehiscence and incisional hernia. Ultrasonographic imaging of the ventral midline incision was an easy, reliable and objective method for detecting and monitoring the pro...
Buratini J, Rosa e Silva AA, Barros CM, Papa FO, Caldas MC, Meira C.Ovarian follicular activity was studied by ultrasonography during 17 oestrous cycles in 9 Mangalarga mares during the second half of the ovulatory season. Sixteen oestrous cycles were considered normal and one 3-wave cycle showing a prolonged luteal phase was considered atypical. Daily ultrasonographic examinations were performed and the compiled data on follicular dynamics were studied retrospectively. One major wave of follicular growth was observed in 13 of the 16 normal cycles (81.25%), whereas 2 major waves occurred in 3 cycles (18.75%). The mean (+/- s.d.) days of emergence of the primar...
Bennett-Wimbush K, Loch WE, Plata-Madrid H, Evans T.Nineteen anestrous pony mares were used in a project designed to determine the effects of altered prolactin concentrations on follicular dynamics and endocrine profiles during spring transition. The dopamine antagonist, perphenazine, was administered daily to mares (0.375 mg/kg body weight) in Group A (n = 6), while Group B mares (n = 7) received 0.08 mg/kg metabolic weight (kg75) dopamine agonist, 2-bromo-ergocriptine, intramuscularly twice daily. Mares in Group C (n = 6) received 0.08 mg/kg75, i.m., saline twice daily. Treatment began January 20, 1994, and continued until ovulation occurred....
Spiro I.A 16-hour-old foal was referred for evaluation of hematuria. A pansystolic heart murmur and left thoracic thrill were detected; laboratory diagnostics and ultrasonography identified a complex congenital heart defect. The diagnosis was confirmed at postmortem.
Munroe GA, Cauvin E.The clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in a case of a comminuted articular fracture of the accessory carpal bone of a thoroughbred chaser are described, and its surgical treatment and aftercare are detailed. The horse made an uneventful recovery and successfully returned to racing.
Deacon LJ, Reef VB, Leduc L, de Solis CN.This pictorial essay aims to display the image quality of pocket-sized ultrasound devices and hospital-based equipment to provide clinicians visual information about the potential uses of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in equine practice. Twenty-two paired images were obtained using traditional ultrasound equipment and pocket-sized ultrasound devices from patients evaluated at veterinary teaching hospitals. Images of many common ultrasound windows and miscellaneous sonographic abnormalities were obtained using pocket-sized ultrasound equipment.
Canola PA, Valadão CAA, Canola JC, Flôres FN, Lopes MCS.The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and cardiovascular parameters and pleural and intra-abdominal pressures of horses after experimentally induced unilateral open pneumothorax. Prospective, experimental study-animals: seven healthy adult horses, 4 females and 3 males. Left hemithorax thoracotomy was carried out to create an open pneumothorax for 60 minutes. Pleural pressure (P) was directly obtained at the midpoint of the left eighth intercostal space before thoracotomy. Esophageal pressure (P), arterial blood gas analysis, left ventricular function, and ultrasonographic asses...
Veronesi MC, Carluccio A, Kindahl H, Faustini M, Battocchio M, Cairoli F.The aim of the present study was to evaluate within 24 h post-ovulation oxytocin-induced PGF(2alpha) release in mares with and without post-breeding delayed uterine clearance (DUC). Twenty-one of 34 mares with a variable amount of intrauterine fluids accumulation were considered to be affected by delayed uterine clearance (DUC group), while the other 13 mares did not show any uterine fluid accumulation, and were considered as controls (WDUC group). Both DUC and WDUC mares were administered with 20 IU oxytocin i.m. 90 min after the ultrasound examination performed 24 h after breeding. Immediate...
Berezowski C.A 14-year-old quarter horse mare had a 2-year history of infertility and the presence of a mass in the right uterine horn. Prior to surgery, the mass was determined to be invasive by using ultrasonography and hysteroscopy. A partial ovariohysterectomy was performed. The mass was diagnosed histologically as a uterine leiomyoma.
Yoon MJ, Boime I, Colgin M, Niswender KD, King SS, Alvarenga M, Jablonka-Shariff A, Pearl CA, Roser JF.The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of recombinant equine luteinizing hormone (reLH) in shortening the time to ovulation in cycling mares and to determine the effects of treatment on endogenous hormones and inter-ovulatory intervals. In study 1, mares of light horse breeds (3-20 years) were treated with either a vehicle, various doses of reLH, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Cycling mares were examined by palpation and ultrasound per rectum daily or every 12h from the time of treatment to ovulation. In studies 2 and 3, jugular blood samples were collected daily o...
Satoh M, Higuchi T, Inoue S, Miyakoshi D, Kajihara A, Gotoh T, Shimizu Y.Recent studies have assessed the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle (CAD) using transoesophageal ultrasonography in equine recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). We assessed the CAD using the external transcutaneous ultrasound technique, which may constitute an easier method in horses. Objective: To evaluate ultrasonographic imaging of the left cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle (LCAD) and right cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle (RCAD) as a diagnostic tool for RLN using the transcutaneous ultrasound technique. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The axial plane thickness, cross-sectional are...
Chen YT, Mills C, von Rickenbach KJ, McInnis KC.A 61-yr-old female equestrian presented after 2 wks of left medial thigh pain, which developed suddenly while exiting a car. She denied any history of recent trauma or falls. On examination, she was found to have tenderness at the left distal medial thigh with a palpable region of decreased tissue volume at the gracilis myotendinous junction. Point-of-care ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a high-grade partial thickness tear of the left distal gracilis at the myotendinous junction, as well as pes anserine bursal distention. She received physical therapy and underwent a 1-time...
Pipers FS, Hamlin RL.Echocardiograms were obtained from 25 standing, clinically normal horses, using an ultrasonic recording device. The echobeam penetrated the right thoracic wall in the area of the 4th to 5th intercostal space, with a frequency of 2.5 mHz. Measurements of left ventricular wall thickness generated a mean value of 3.2 +/- 0.18 (SEM)cm, whereas the left ventricular chamber diameter in diastole was 9.3 +/- 0.30 cm and in systole was 5.7 +/- 0.23 cm. The aortic root dimensions had a mean of 7.7 cm, with a SEM of 0.16. Mitral valve closing slope (E-F) was calculated to be 17.7 +/- 0.87 mm/second, and ...
Williams J, Miyabayashi T, Ruggles A, Yamamoto J, Takiguchi M.A 2.5-year-old female Thoroughbred horse was referred to the veterinary teaching hospital for right front limb lameness of 1 year duration. Physical examination and diagnostic nerve blocks failed to localize the origin of the lameness. Scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP suggested increased radionuclide uptake in the palmar metacarpal soft tissues of the right front limb. Ultrasonographic examination revealed hypoechoic lesions in the superficial digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament, suggesting tendinitis and desmitis. Combined imaging modalities improved detection and characterization of...
Miró J, Vilés K, Anglada O, Marín H, Jordana J, Crisci A.When artificial reproduction technologies designed for use with horses are used with donkeys, success is dependent on awareness of the physiological differences between these species, yet little information is available on many aspects of donkey reproduction. The present work examines the activity of the CL in Catalonian jennies after induced luteolysis. Plasma progesterone concentration, luteal blood flow (determined by color Doppler), and CL cross-sectional area (CL-CSA; determined by B-mode ultrasound examination) were assessed after a single dose (5 mg intramuscular) of dinoprost thrometh...
Mehl ML, Ragle CA, Mealey RH, Whooten TL.A 5-year-old Quarter Horse was examined after it developed signs of abdominal discomfort as a result of a training accident. Oral mucous membranes were pale, and capillary refill time was > 3 seconds. Hematologically, the PCV was low, and abdominocentesis yielded a serosanguineous fluid. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed and revealed a large hypoechoic mass associated with the cranial margin of the spleen. Because differentiation between subcapsular hematoma and extracapsular hematoma could not be made with certainty, further evaluation of the spleen was indicated. Abdominal laparosco...
Dzierzecka M, Charuta A.The bone mineral density (BMD) and the bone mineral content (BMC) in the bone tissue of the bilateral first phalanges of horses' thoracic limbs were analysed. The research material consisted of isolated pastern bones derived from 22 horses. The research was conducted with the use of a Norland model Excell Plus densitometer (Fort Atkinson WI, USA), using affinited beam X-ray technology and an animal research programme (Research Scan, 3.9.6. version) at the following parameters: scanning resolution of 1.5 x 1.5 mm, scanning speed 60 mm/s. The differences between BMC and BMD values in bilateral f...
Siwinska N, Zak A, Slowikowska M, Paslawska U.Reliable and simple tests are constantly being sought to enable the quick detection of acute kidney injury in humans and animals. Diagnosis of subclinical AKI in horses, mainly in field practice, is difficult. An ultrasound scan is a routine test performed when kidney disease is suspected. The aim of the study was to establish the value of the renal resistive index (RRI) in intrarenal arteries in horses with clinical AKI and compare it to that of healthy horses. The second goal was to determine whether potentially nephrotoxic agents can influence RRI. The kidney ultrasonography examination was...
Gerros TC, McGuirk SM, Biller DS, Stone WC, Ryan J.Cholelithiasis is the most common cause of biliary obstruction in horses. Proposed mechanisms include ascariasis, biliary stasis, ascending biliary infection, and changes in bile composition. In this horse, a foreign body acted as the nidus for bile-salt deposition and ascending cholangitis. Clinical signs (intermittent abdominal pain, icterus, and pyrexia) in conjunction with high serum activity of enzymes indicative of obstructive biliary disease led to a tentative diagnosis of cholelithiasis. Ultrasonography was used to confirm the diagnosis. Postmortem examination revealed a 7-cm wooden st...
Scotty NC, Ford M, Williams F, Loiacono C, Johnson PJ, Messer NT, Turnquist SE, Essman S.An 11-year-old Quarterhorse mare developed a paranasal sinus osteoma that extended into the right orbit and led to ipsilateral exophthalmia. Although the tumor was radiographically evident in the paranasal sinuses, ultrasonography was used to demonstrate extension of the tumor into the retrobulbar space, and endoscopy was used to identify its extension into the nasopharynx. Biopsies were obtained using both fine-needle aspiration and paranasal sinus trephination. Despite numerous antemortem diagnostic tests, only postmortem histologic analysis of the mass afforded the diagnosis of osteoma.
Wright IM, Minshall GJ.Injuries of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon and their relationship to displacement of the tendon from the calcaneus have not previously been reported. Objective: To describe findings made on clinical cases with disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) including observations on their role in horses with unstable subluxation of the tendon. To describe novel surgical techniques and the results of treatment. Objective: Disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT is associated with lameness and distension of the ...
Turek B, Witkowski M, Drewnowska O.The equine colic, which is caused by the presence of enteroliths that are most often found in the small or large colon, is typical for certain geographical regions (dry and hot climate). A diet rich in alfalfa is one of the highest risk factors. The earliest symptoms include weight loss and repeated episodes of colic pain. To present the results of operative treatment of 15 horses with enteroliths in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Fifteen purebred Arabian horses in Saudi Arabia, aged between 2 and 18 years, were treated. Decision about the surgery was based on clinical exam, ultrasound and rectal exa...
Scheffer CJ, Drijfhout PN, Boerma S.The case of a 5-year-old Friesian mare with a mass in her abdomen and a gait irregularity of the left hind limb is discussed. At rectal ultrasonogrphic examination the mass appeared to be a thin-walled, anechogenic cavity in the left abdomen. By means of laparoscopy the mass could be visualized as a smooth structure, covered by peritoneum and fat. Under laparoscopic guidance the mass was punctured and fluid was aspirated. Cytological and bacteriological findings of the fluid were indicative of a cyst. After drainage of the cyst the locomotion disorder of the left hind limb disappeared. It is c...
Chu JW, Sharom FJ, Oriol JG, Betteridge KJ, Cleaver BD, Sharp DC.The equine embryonic capsule, an acellular covering that envelops the conceptus during the second and third weeks of pregnancy, is composed of mucin-like glycoproteins. Its structure is consistent with a dual role during early pregnancy: protection of the conceptus, and communication between the embryo and the mother. Loss of sialic acid from the capsular glycoproteins at day 16 correlates with the time of "fixation," or loss of conceptus mobility throughout the uterine horns. This study investigated how the structure of the capsule is linked to the maintenance of pregnancy. Six pregnancies, c...
Maurice KT.An 8-year-old mare showed stallion-like behavior and aggressiveness. A granulosa-theca cell tumor was tentatively diagnosed based on history, transrectal palpation, and ultrasonography, and surgically removed. Serological levels of testosterone and inhibin were elevated. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The mare recovered and by day 45 could be turned out with other horses. Une jument de 8 ans a manifesté un comportement et de l’agressivité semblables à ceux d’un étalon. Une tumeur de cellule de la granulosa-theca a été provisoirement diagnostiquée, en se fond...
Nocera I, Aliboni B, Sgorbini M, Gracia-Calvo LA, Conte G, Ben David L, Citi S.Ultrasound (US) is a well-established technique for investigating joint diseases in horses, complementary to radiography. Few studies have been performed on the ultrasonographic aspect of the elbow joint in horses and no reports are available on donkeys. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the elbow joint in healthy donkeys. Descriptive cohort study included 34 elbow joints, which were evaluated in 17 donkeys. Inclusion criteria included no lameness or musculoskeletal diseases in the donkeys. The structures evaluated were the lateral and medial collateral li...
