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.
Curran S, Ginther OJ.Accuracy of transrectal ultrasonic diagnosis of fetal gender by identifying and locating the genital tubercle was assessed in 85 horses and 102 dairy heifers and cows. Examinations were made once (horses and cattle) under farm conditions (cattle) on approximately Days 50 to 100. Definite diagnosis was made by removal of fetuses (horses) or after calving or abortion (cattle). In both species and both parities, accuracy was 100% (109 109 totaled over both species) when the certainty level recorded at the time of examination was 95 or 99%. At the lower levels of certainty (65 to 80%, 85 to 90%), ...
Meyers PJ, Bonnett BN, McKee SL.This prospective field study was designed to describe the incidence of early embryonic mortality (EEM) and factors associated with the cause of EEM on three equine breeding farms in Ontario during the 1989 breeding season. Early embryonic mortality was defined as the loss of a single embryo during the first 40 days of pregnancy (day 0 = day of ovulation or last breeding). Pregnancy diagnoses and subsequent embryonic losses were observed by serial trans-rectal ultrasonography between days 12-20 (PD1) and 21-30 (PD2), and by trans-rectal ultrasonography or palpation per rectum between days 31-40...
Dyson SJ.Desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) was diagnosed in 27 horses between September 1986 and December 1990. The first observed clinical sign in four horses was localised swelling in the proximal metacarpus. Twenty horses became lame suddenly during a work period and most developed swelling within 24 h of exercise. The injury was confirmed by ultrasonographic examination. Ten of 13 horses with uncomplicated desmitis of the ALDDFT resumed full work, within three to nine months of the onset of clinical signs, without recurrence of clinical signs in the perio...
Weber JA, Woods GL.A technique was developed in which the accessory sex glands of stallions were visualized with transrectal ultrasonography during ejaculation. The technique was judged to be effective, since 10 of 11 stallions were trained to tolerate transrectal ultrasonography during ejaculation; they ejaculated during 195 of 200 attempts, and acceptable visualization of their accessory sex glands and excurrent ducts occurred during 97 of 195 ejaculations. Sixty-five percent (89 136 ) of the recordings were successful for stallions that weighed more than 300 kg, whereas 14% (8 59 ) of the recordings were succ...
Heinrich B.This research article corrects a common misconception about the energy metabolism in horses during short sprinting and long-distance running events, emphasizing that short sprints are primarily powered by anaerobic activity, […]
Cargile J, Lombard C, Wilson JH, Buergelt CD.A 3-year-old Morgan filly was presented to the University of Florida, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, for heart murmur, poor growth, and progressive exercise intolerance. Thoracic radiographs, cardiac ultrasound, cardiac catheterization, and differential blood gases were utilized to tentatively diagnose tetralogy of Fallot. Postmortem examination confirmed tetralogy of Fallot and additionally revealed segmental uterine aplasia.
Gardner SY, Reef VB, Spencer PA.Medical records of 46 horses with jugular vein thrombophlebitis that were evaluated ultrasonographically were reviewed. The ultrasonographic appearance of the thrombus within the jugular vein was classified as noncavitating if it had uniform low to medium amplitude echoes, or as cavitating if it was heterogenous with anechoic to hypoechoic areas representing fluid or necrotic areas within the thrombus, and/or hyperechoic areas representing gas. Signs of pain on palpation of the affected vein (P less than 0.001), heat over the vein (P = 0.001), and swelling of the vein (P less than 0.05) were s...
Reef VB.A wide variety of ultrasonographic equipment currently is available for use in equine practice, but no one machine is optimal for every type of imaging. Image quality is the most important factor in equipment selection once the needs of the practitioner are ascertained. The transducer frequencies available, transducer footprints, depth of field displayed, frame rate, gray scale, simultaneous electrocardiography, Doppler, and functions to modify the image are all important considerations. The ability to make measurements off of videocassette recorder playback and future upgradability should be ...
Dik KJ, van den Belt AJ, Keg PR.The diagnosis of restriction of free movement of the flexor tendons through the fetlock canal usually rests on the characteristic clinical appearance of this condition, or airtendography. In a series of seven normal Warmblood horses and 16 diseased horses of various breeds, the efficacy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of this condition was determined. In normal limbs, the annular ligament is a very thin structure usually not visible on sonograms. In diseased limbs, ultrasonography outlined flexor tendon injury, distension and thickening of the digital sheath, peritendovaginal tissue prolif...
Schmidt AR, Williams MA, Carleton CL, Darien BJ, Derksen FJ.Serial transabdominal amniocentesis was performed on eight mares in late gestation. Ultrasonography was used to identify the two placental fluid sacs and the foetus. A biopsy guide attached to the transducer allowed visualisation of the needle path during insertion. Amniotic fluid was obtained in 85 per cent of the attempts, although as mares approached parturition substantial pools of amniotic fluid were more difficult to locate. Two mares aborted during the study probably because of complications of the procedures, whereas six mares produced normal foals at term. The abortions preclude clini...
Reef VB, Boy MG, Reid CF, Elser A.The results of radiography and ultrasonography were compared on 56 horses and cows with lower respiratory tract disease. Ultrasonography was more sensitive than radiography for the detection of small pleural effusions and consolidations in large animals. The side of the thorax affected and the character of the pleural fluid and lung in large animals with pleural effusion can be evaluated ultrasonographically. The periphery of the lung must be affected to characterize pulmonary lesions ultrasonographically. Radiography is the best technique to characterize lesions deep within the lung when the ...
Buckingham SH, Jeffcott LB.Methods for the non-invasive assessment of bone quality were used to monitor the osteopenia induced by immobilising a forelimb in a cast. These techniques included the measurement of ultrasound velocity, single photon absorptiometry and radiographic photodensitometry. Serial measurements were made before, during and after an eight week period of immobilisation of the left forelimb of four adult standardbreds in a light fibreglass cast which included the foot and extended above the carpus. The measurements continued for 12 weeks after the removal of the cast. The results indicated a trend to de...
Traub-Dargatz JL, Trotter GW, Kaser-Hotz B, Bennett DG, Kiper ML, Veeramachaneni DN, Squires E.Clinical signs of chronic epididymitis in a stallion included recurrent signs of inguinal pain--retraction of the right testis into the inguinal area, resentment of palpation of the right testis, and right-sided scrotal swelling. The tail of the right epididymis was firm and seemed to be adhered to the testis. The tail of the left epididymis felt firmer than normal. Ultrasonographically, the diameter of the head of the epididymis was considered larger than normal, was hyperechoic in relation to the right testis, and had an irregular border. Several bright 1- to 5-mm-diameter echogenic areas th...
Byars TD, Becht JL.The historical, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of pleuropneumonia are reviewed with emphasis placed on aggressive treatment and ultrasound diagnosis. The common sequelae are described, and appropriate treatment recommendations are included. A favorable prognosis may be expected for horses receiving long-term treatment.
Rossier Y, Sweeney CR, Ziemer EL.Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 22 horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia. All horses had clinical evidence of pneumonia or pleuropneumonia on the basis of physical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, tracheobronchial aspirate or post-mortem findings. Results of lavage fluid analysis were normal in 9 horses, equivocal in 3 horses, and abnormal in 10 horses. Abnormal lavage fluid had increased total cell count, increased relative and absolute neutrophil counts, degenerative neutrophils, and decreased relative and absolute macrophage and lymphocyte counts.
Blanchard TL, Schumacher J, Edwards JF, Varner DD, Lewis RD, Everett K, Joyce JR.A Thoroughbred stallion developed priapism that was unresponsive to medical treatment and lavage of the corpus cavernosum penis with heparinized 0.9% NaCl solution. Three weeks after onset of priapism, the penis was firm and noncompliant, and penile pain sensation and ability to retract the penis were lost. Ultrasonography confirmed thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum penis. The stallion was euthanatized because of poor prognosis for return to breeding soundness. Necropsy revealed enlargement of numerous lymph nodes. The dorsal penile nerves were demyelinated distal to the crura of the penis. ...
Langton CM, Riggs CM, Evans GP.The velocity of ultrasound waves through bone has been used widely as a non-invasive method for assessing bone quality. Accurate measurement of velocity depends on accurate assessment of the distance travelled by the sound wave. It has been argued that the sonic pathway is deflected around the marrow cavity and so does not follow a straight line through the bone; therefore, correction factors have been developed to account for the extra distance travelled. This hypothesis was examined in vitro using sections from the equine third metacarpal bone. Two 1 MHz transducers used with the transmittin...
Baxter GM, Humphries GB.A large abscess in the lateral neck region of a horse was treated with percutaneous drainage. The abscess was localized with ultrasonography and aspirated by use of a 7.7-cm spinal needle. A stainless-steel guide wire was passed through the needle, and tissue dilators were used to enlarge the percutaneous hole. A multiperforated polyvinylchloride catheter that was placed within the abscess cavity permitted aspiration and lavage of the abscess. The abscess resolved over the next 10 days with no complications. Percutaneous abscess drainage is commonly performed in people and may have application...
Griffin PG, Ginther OJ.Fetal activity and mobility and changes in diameter of the allantoic fluid compartment in the uterine horns were studied in mares between days 69 and 81 of pregnancy by use of transrectal ultrasonography (n = 12) and transcervical videoendoscopy (n = 8). The insertion tube of the videoendoscope was positioned within the allantoic sac to permit viewing of the fetus and entrance to each uterine horn. Each uterine horn was divided ultrasonographically into 3 segments of equal length, and the horns were designated on the basis of side of umbilical attachment (cord vs noncord horns). The diameter o...
Affleck KJ, Conboy HS, Fitzgerald BP.Eleven anoestrous mares were assigned randomly to Group A (intact, n = 6) or Group B (ovariectomized in January, n = 5). Jugular blood samples were collected during February to April. Ovarian activity was assessed by ultrasound and ovulation was confirmed by progesterone analysis. Intact mares ovulated between 2 and 28 April. Mean diameter of the largest follicle was less than 20 mm on 17 or 18 March (Period 3), but increased to 29 mm by 31 March or 1 April (Period 4). During Periods 1 and 2 (14 or 15 February and 3 or 4 March) mean luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were similar in both ...
Love CC, Garcia MC, Riera FR, Kenney RM.The semen of 26 stallions, 2-20 years of age, was collected once a day for 7 consecutive days to determine daily sperm output (DSO). After the last collection, 17 stallions were castrated. Testicular volume was estimated using two methods. Length, width, height, of each testis were measured by caliper. Length, width, height, cross-sectional area and circumference at the widest point of the testis were measured by ultrasonography. Both caliper and ultrasound measurements were first made in the live animal, and again in vitro. There were no differences in these measurements because of method or ...
Byars TD, Dainis CM, Seltzer KL, Rantanen NW.The formation of cranial thoracic masses (CTM) as a sequel to infectious pleuropneumonia is described. Using ultrasound, masses were diagnosed subjectively as abscesses or loculations. Eight of 99 cases with pleuropneumonia had CTM. Clinical signs associated with the presence of a CTM included increased heart rate, jugular distention, forelimb 'pointing' and caudal displacement of the heart. Techniques used for diagnostic ultrasonographic examination of the cranial thorax are described. Five of the eight horses with CTM responded to conservative medical management; the other three required per...
Dyson S.Clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic features of proximal suspensory desmitis in the forelimb and the hindlimb are described. Acute cases may present with slight, localised, oedematous swelling, heat, distension of the medial palmar (plantar) vein and/or pain, whereas chronic cases or those rested immediately after onset of lameness usually have no detectable clinical signs suggestive of the source of pain. In these cases local analgesia is required to identify pain in the proximal metacarpal (metatarsal) region. Transverse ultrasonographic images of the suspensory ligament usually yiel...
Dik KJ.Common soft tissue disorders of the equine carpus are fluctuating or firm soft tissue swellings, wounds and draining tracts. Survey radiography may show the size, position and origin of the swellings and reveals soft tissue calcification, accumulation of air and radiopaque foreign material. Contrast radiography enables accurate visualization of the size, shape, position and origin of fluctuating soft tissue swellings, demonstrates abnormal intersynovial communication and allows precise demonstration of the extent of puncture wounds and draining tracts. Ultrasonography allows differentiation be...
Vörös K, Holmes JR, Gibbs C.This study was performed on 15 horses to validate the cardiac anatomy as imaged with two dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and to determine the accuracy of intracardiac measurements. 2DE images were recorded in five horses in life with a Diasonics DRF100 ultrasound system and a 3.5 MHz transducer in different tomographic planes. After slaughter, the hearts were fixed in 10 per cent formalin. To compare in vivo and in vitro results, the specimens were suspended in a water-filled tank and 2DE images were made using the same transducer positions as in life. In vitro 2DE and autopsy measurements ...
Woods J, Bergfelt DR, Ginther OJ.The effects of pre-ovulatory and post ovulatory insemination on pregnancy rate and embryonic-loss rate were studied in 268 mares in two experiments. Within each experiment mares were randomised within replicates as follows: to be inseminated on the day the pre-ovulatory follicle reached 35 mm (pre-ovulatory group), to be inseminated on the day of ovulation (Day 0 group), and to be inseminated on the day after ovulation (Day 1 group). Ultrasonic pregnancy diagnoses were performed on Days 11, 12, 13 and 14 (Experiment 1) and Days 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 40 (Experiment 2). Combined for the two...
Marr CM, Love S, Pirie HM, Northridge DB.Regurgitation of blood through the left atrioventricular valve owing to the rupture of one of the chordae tendineae of the valve was diagnosed in a horse with sudden-onset respiratory distress and a holosystolic cardiac murmur. Severe regurgitation was confirmed with Doppler echocardiography and prolapse of part of the valve leaflet was identified with B-mode ultrasonography. The rupture of one of the chordae tendineae of a right accessory cusp of the left atrioventricular valve was confirmed post mortem. Bronchiolitis, multifocal haemorrhages and haemorrhagic fibrous plaques were found in the...
Held JP, Adair S, McGavin MD, Adams WH, Toal R, Henton J.Two stallions had unilateral bacterial epididymitis attributable to S zooepidemicus infection. Diagnosis was based on bacterial isolation, WBC in the semen, higher than normal blood fibrinogen concentration, and leukocytosis with regenerative left shift. One horse had high seminal pH. Ultrasonography of the involved epididymides revealed changes consistent with the appearance of abnormal accumulation of exudate in the tail of the epididymis. Treatment included unilateral orchiectomy and antibiotic administration. In stallion 1, the infection persisted despite treatment. Treatment result was no...
Ginther OJ.Individual follicles were monitored by ultrasonography in 15 mares during the transitional period preceding the first ovulation of the year and in 9 mares during the first interovulatory interval. During the transitional period, 7 mares developed 1-3 anovulatory follicular waves characterized by a dominant follicle (maximum diameter greater than or equal to 38 mm) that had growing, static, and regressing phases. The emergence of a subsequent wave (anovulatory or ovulatory) did not occur until the dominant follicle of the previous wave was in the static phase. After the emergence of the subsequ...
Lindsay WA.Three clinical cases are presented to illustrate some of the problems that may complicate the treatment of wounds in horses. The three examples are a lower limb laceration, a chronic draining chest wound, and complications associated with a fiberglass cast. The use of ancillary diagnostic aids such as arthrocentesis, diagnostic nerve blocks, radiographs, and ultrasonography are indicated to assess change to deeper structures.
Leidl W, Kaspar B, Kähn W.Endometrial cysts were found in 11 (13.4%) of 82 mares of various breeds by clinical examinations. Endometrial cysts were diagnosed by hysteroscopy and ultrasonic echography. Typical images are described. The importance of endometrial cysts is discussed with regard to differential diagnosis of early pregnancy and uterine pathology. There was no evidence of cysts in mares under 10 years of age. Mares with endometrial cysts had a 10% higher history of disturbed fertility than mares without endometrial cysts. Seven of nine mares with cystic structures in the uterus became pregnant. Endometrial cy...
Dabareiner RM, White NA, Sullins KE.Medical records, radiographs, and sonograms of 63 horses with metacarpophalangeal joint synovial pad proliferation were examined retrospectively. All horses had lameness, joint effusion, or both signs associated with one or both metacarpophalangeal joints. Bony remodeling and concavity of the distodorsal aspect of the third metacarpal bone (Mc3) just proximal to the metacarpal condyles was identified by radiography in 71 joints (93%); 24 joints (32%) had radiographic evidence of a chip fracture located at the proximal dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx. Fifty-four joints (71%) were examined...
Piccot-Crézollet C, Cauvin ER.To report an unusual 2nd carpal bone (C2) slab fracture and its treatment, using an ultrasonographically assisted, minimally invasive arthrotomy technique, for fragment removal. Methods: Case report. Methods: An 11-year-old crossbred Warmblood gelding. Methods: A bone fragment, spanning the height of C2, identified on the palmaromedial aspect of C2 was demarcated intraoperatively using ultrasonographically guided needles and removed by arthrotomy. Results: Fracture fragment removal was achieved using a small, ultrasonographically guided arthrotomy. The horse has become sound after treatment an...
Hawkins A, Chapman L, Meter M, Smith RK.To report the diagnostic features and clinical outcome of horses with digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) synoviocoeles treated tenoscopically under ultrasonographic guidance. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Client-owned horses (n = 10). Methods: Medical records were searched for horses with lameness localized to the region of the DFTS and clinical evidence of a fluid-filled mass (synoviocoele) associated with the DFTS. Diagnostic imaging and surgical findings, together with long-term outcome, were reported. Results: Lameness and synoviocoeles were unilateral (5 forelimbs, 5 hin...
Barton CK, Sandow CB, Rodgerson DH.To describe an arthroscopic technique for the removal of osteochondral fragments located within the condylar fossa of the third metacarpal/tarsal bone. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Thoroughbred yearlings (n = 11). Methods: Osteochondral fragments located within the condylar fossa of the third metacarpal/tarsal bone identified during presale radiographic examination were removed via arthroscopy, assisted with ultrasonography in select cases. Complete fragment removal was confirmed by intraoperative radiography. Results: Fragments were successfully removed using rongeurs following di...
Braun S, Lafrenz R.In recent years extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used in veterinary medicine especially in equine orthopedics. Different ESWT generators are commonly used in equine medicine with varying energy density and depth of penetration. The presented case report described the treatment of a ligamentum nuchae calcification with focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy with SONOCUR Plus generator combined with SONOLINE Prima ultrasound. Negligible adverse effects, the non-invasive character of the treatment, the time-saving therapy, and the positive results make the focused extracorporeal sho...
Espinosa-Mur P, Spriet M, Nogues MP, Cullen T, Galuppo LD.A 16-year-old, Quarter Horse mare was presented for a 3/5 right hind lameness associated with osteoarthritis of the talocalcaneal joint (TCLJ). Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated marked increased uptake of 18F-sodium fluoride and bone remodeling at the medial facet of the TCLJ, respectively. Under general anesthesia 2 cortical screws (4.5 and 5.5 mm) were placed in neutral fashion via an arthrotomy from dorsomedial to plantaromedial through the medial facet of the TCLJ followed by copious lavage of the tarsocrural joint. Eight weeks after surgery, obse...
van der Vossen N, Cavalcante P, Glynn S, Achappa D, Mehmood W, Oikawa M, Vinardell T, Jamieson C.Upper respiratory disease was reported over many seasons in Arabian foals on a single stud farm in the Middle East. Affected foals were noted to have mucopurulent nasal discharge, cough, fever and tachypnea. All affected foals had been empirically treated with a macrolide and rifampicin, by the referring veterinarian without improvement. On endoscopic examination, all affected foals had significant guttural pouch empyema (GPE). (1) To document a previously unreported presentation of guttural pouch empyema (GPE) in a family of juvenile Arabian foals; (2) To document the cytological and microbia...
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...
Collins CW, Monfort SL, Vick MM, Wolfe BA, Weiss RB, Keefer CL, Songsasen N.To date, there has been limited research on manipulation of the estrous cycle in endangered equids. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of using combinations of: (a) oral altrenogest and PGF2α, and (b) injectable altrenogest and PGF2α for manipulation of ovarian activity in Przewalski's mares. Reproductive cycles were monitored by assessing follicular changes with rectal ultrasound and changes in urinary steroid hormones. In Study 1, five cycling mares were treated with oral altrenogest (n=11 cycles) for 14 days. In Study 2, cycling mares were treated with oral altrenoge...
Janvier V, Evrard L, Cerri S, Gougnard A, Busoni V.Ultrasonography and radiography are commonly used for staging of lymphoma in horses, however there is little published information on imaging characteristics for horses with confirmed disease. The purpose of this retrospective, case series study was to describe ultrasonographic and radiographic findings for a group of horses with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma. A total of 13 horses were sampled. Lymphadenopathy (8/13), peritoneal effusion (6/13), splenic (6/13), and hepatic (5/13) lesions were the most frequently identified. The predominant splenic and hepatic ultrasonographic lesions were ...
Beccati F, Nannarone S, Gialletti R, Lotto E, Cercone M, Dante S, Bazzica C, Pepe M.The aim of this study was to evaluate the transabdominal ultrasonography as a tool for predicting the success of abdominocentesis in horses. Patients were included in the study if a complete transabdominal ultrasonography examination and abdominocentesis were performed as part of the clinical work-up. Ultrasonographically, the amount of peritoneal fluid was assessed using a 4-point grading system, as well as the amount of peritoneal fluid collected. A χ(2) or Fischer exact test was performed to test for an association between the ultrasonography findings and fluid retrieved, and between the t...
Bergfelt DR, Adams GP.Two experiments were performed to determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle ablation for synchronizing ovarian function in mares. The experiments were initiated at random stages of the oestrous cycle in control (nonablated) and follicle-ablated mares. On day 0, all follicles > or =10 mm in diameter were punctured, aspirated and curettaged in ablated mares, and, on day 4, two doses of PGF2alpha were administered with a 12 h interval between the doses to both ablated and nonablated (control) mares. In Expt 1, hCG was administered to the ablated mares on the first or se...
Meghoufel A, Cloutier G, Crevier-Denoix N, de Guise JA.The fiber bundle density (FBD) calculated from ultrasound B-scan images of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) can serve as an objective measurement to characterize the three metacarpal sites of normal SDFTs, and also to discriminate a healthy SDFT from an injured one. In this paper, we propose a shock filter algorithm for the thinning of hyper-echoic structures observed in B-scan images of the SDFT. This algorithm is further enhanced by applying closing morphological operations on filtered images to facilitate extraction and quantification of fiber bundle fascicles. The mean F...
Kawata H, Kishimoto H, Iwai S, Ishimaru K, Saito T, Kayatani F, Inamura N, Hamamichi Y, Kawada Y, Nasuno S, Maekawa S.We assessed the effect of reconstructing the pulmonary artery during arterial switch surgery for transposition of the great arteries on late pulmonary stenosis. Sixty-five patients who underwent Lecompte procedure between September 1991 and December 2006 were divided, by the procedure used chronologically to reconstruct the pulmonary artery, into group XP (single pantaloon patch with equine pericardium, n = 11), group P (direct reconstruction, n = 47), and group AP (single pantaloon patch with fresh autopericardium, n = 7). Outcome and pulmonary stenosis on the most recent ultrasound cardiogra...
Silva GF, Cunha R, Carvalho F, Ribeiro M, Rocha A, Amorim I, Guimarães T.A 30-year-old Lusitano stallion presented with an enlarged right epididymis. The ultrasound scan revealed a cyst-like formation and the histopathological examination was compatible with epididymal cyst located at the body/tail transition, epididymal spermatocele and sperm granuloma and epididymitis. However, these conditions did not seem to affect the animal's reproductive performance, nor did the semen parameters analyzed over the 8 years after the diagnosis show significant changes. Nevertheless, since the ejaculate contains mostly sperm cells from the tail of the epididymis, where fertile s...
Bostedt H, Sieme H, Bartmann CP, Handler J, Sobiraj A, Wehrend A.This review describes stepwise the recto-manual and transrectal ultrasonographic evidence of early pregnancy detection in the horse. The morphological and physiological conditions in the individual phases of early pregnancy are presented in correlation to the potential clinical findings. The importance of embryonic and early foetal losses is presented. Communication and documentation of findings are also addressed. The final section is devoted to the evaluation of the examination effort. In this regard, it is emphasized that the gynaecological examination for the evaluation of the pregnancy st...
Byars TD, Dainis CM, Seltzer KL, Rantanen NW.The formation of cranial thoracic masses (CTM) as a sequel to infectious pleuropneumonia is described. Using ultrasound, masses were diagnosed subjectively as abscesses or loculations. Eight of 99 cases with pleuropneumonia had CTM. Clinical signs associated with the presence of a CTM included increased heart rate, jugular distention, forelimb 'pointing' and caudal displacement of the heart. Techniques used for diagnostic ultrasonographic examination of the cranial thorax are described. Five of the eight horses with CTM responded to conservative medical management; the other three required per...
A 25-year-old pony mare was presented to the clinic with preliminarily reported severe acute colic. The pony during the previous week had shown inappetence, apathy and fever of unknown origin. Clinical examination and placement of a gastric tube were indicative of a secondary gastric dilation. Rectal exploration found moderate caecal meteorism with a tensed and painful medial taenia as well as a dilated and fluid-filled small intestine. In addition, a solid, mobile, non-painful structure of approximately 10 cm diameter was palpated ventrally. A hyperechogenic mass close to the caecum was detec...
Hinrichs K, Sertich PL, Solorzano NM, Caldwell LA.An immediate, qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for progesterone was evaluated for use in determining the day of ovulation in an equine embryo transfer program. Plasma samples were collected from 27 mares from the third day of estrus to the second day of diestrus for 50 cycles. Ovulation was detected by ultrasound examination per rectum. Plasma progesterone concentrations were estimated using the qualitative assay to detect the time of the rise in progesterone after ovulation. Qualitative scores were compared to progesterone concentrations for the same samples as measured b...
Taveiros AW, Oliveira MA, Lima PF, Tenório Filho F, Bartolomeu CC, Santos MH, Oliveira LR, Iunes-Souza TC, Freitas JC.Ten pluriparous mares were used as donors to supply embryos which were transferred into 103 recipients, 31 of which were nulliparous, 34 were pluriparous and lactating, and 38 were pluriparous and non-lactating. The embryos were recovered eight days after ovulation and pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound six days after the transfer; the length of the embryos was measured ultrasonographically on days 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25 and 30 after the embryo transfer. One hundred and fifteen of 200 flushes provided embryos, 12 being degenerate and 103 being viable embryos. From the 103 embryo transfers c...
Góss GC, Mozzaquatro FD, Vanhove R, Camargo LP, Döwich Pradella G, Leite CT, Gomes EM, Carneiro ALM, Heckler GF, Duarte CA.The physiological measurements of collateral ligaments of distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) differ in the literature. The factors that influence these differences are not well described. The aims of this study are to compare CL-DIPJ sizes in equines with different withers height, as well as to correlate body weight and hoof size to the size of these ligaments. In total, 52 horses were used in the study. They were divided into two groups according to wither height: Group 1 (G1) - 21 animals with up to 147 cm - and group 2 (G2) - 21 animals with greater than 148 cm. CL-DIPJ was ultrasonog...
Kaneps AJ, Shires GM, Watrous BJ.The use of real-time ultrasound for examination of the bladder was a useful diagnostic aid in 2 cases of cystic calculi. The ultrasound procedure revealed that a firm mass palpated per rectum in the bladder of one horse was a calculus. In the other horse, ultrasound revealed additional small uroliths. To remove the uroliths in both horses, laparocystidotomy via a ventral paramedian approach was chosen because it provided the best access to the bladder lumen. The calculi were analyzed by qualitative chemical analysis and quantitative crystallography. Results differed between analysis methods. C...
Schumacher J, Livesey L, Brawner W, Taintor J, Pinto N.Centesis of the bicipital bursa using an 8.9 cm long spinal needle has been reported but the alternative of employing a 3.8 cm long hypodermic needle requires validation. Objective: To compare the efficacy of 2 different methods of centesis of the bicipital bursa and to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonographic imaging to determine the location of solution administered when centesis of the bursa is attempted. Methods: For Trial 1, 6 clinicians, who had no previous experience of centesis of the bicipital bursa, attempted to inject a solution composed of an aqueous radiopaque contrast medium a...
Barrett EJ, Rodgerson DH.To describe an ultrasound assisted arthroscopic approach for removal of non-articular basilar sesamoid fragments in Thoroughbred yearlings. Methods: Thoroughbred yearlings (n = 7). Methods: Basilar sesamoid fragments identified during pre-sale radiographic examination were removed using a palmar/plantar arthroscopic approach to the fetlock joint and ultrasonographic guidance. Complete fragment removal was confirmed by ultrasonography and radiography. Results: Basilar sesamoid fracture fragments were localized and removed successfully using rongeurs and a radiofrequency probe for soft tissu...
Lima AG, Costa LC, Alvarenga MA, Martins CB.The presence of anovulatory haemorrhagic follicles during the oestrous cycle of mares causes financial impacts, slowing conception and increasing the number of services per pregnancy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam and phenylbutazone are used in the treatment of several disorders in mares, and these drugs can impair the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) and consequently interfere with reproductive activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with NSAIDs on the development of pre-ovulatory follicles in mares. In total, 11 mares were studied o...
Sobiraj A, Bostedt H.This review article deals with a critical comparison between the direct clinical diagnosis for the pregnancy of the mare (rectal and in some cases also vaginal exploration) and indirect methods. Both methods are discussed whether they can be seen as a mutual completion or are suitable for their own. The indirect methods for the pregnancy diagnosis include the hormone-analytic tests as progesterone concentration in serum or milk, the biological and immunological measurements for PMSG in the serum, finally the biological and chemical methods for estrogen contents in the urine of the mare. Furthe...
Murphy DJ, Nixon AJ.A new surgical technique for treatment of chronic metacarpophalangeal synovial pad proliferation in the horse and the findings and long-term follow-up from 11 clinical cases are described. The medical records of all equine lameness cases attributed to metacarpophalangeal synovial pad proliferation admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University (1991-1996) were reviewed and all those treated surgically by laser extirpation were included in this study. Retrieved data included subject details, preoperative lameness, ultrasonography, radiography and synovial fluid evaluations...
White NA.Transection of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (distal check ligament desmotomy) was completed in 44 horses using an ultrasound-guided technique. The technique used real-time ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz transducer to observe the dissection and isolation of the check ligament through a 1 to 1.5 cm incision and to check for complete transection of the check ligament. The technique was effective in correcting flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint in all but three horses. Check ligament desmotomy at a young age (median, 6 mo...
