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.
Møller-Jensen M, Blomquist MH, Mortensen CL, Olsson IKC, Cuevas-Ramos G.The popliteal tendon and muscle are major stabilizers of the human and dog knee, more specifically the postero-lateral corner. Injury to this complex causes posterior knee pain, and it is generally associated with other injured structures such as the lateral collateral ligament, lateral meniscus, and/or the cranial cruciate ligament. The popliteal complex is poorly reported in the horse, and its specific function has not been determined. Nevertheless, it is likely that it is similar to that of other species, and that injury to it could have similar clinical repercussions. Lameness due to stifl...
Lucas RG, Rodríguez-Hurtado I, Álvarez CT, Ortiz G.Equine back pain can potentially initiate an unstable intervertebral situation that results in atrophy and dysfunction of the epaxial muscles even after back pain has resolved. Several physiotherapy approaches are advocated to promote the strengthening of the multifidus muscle. This study aimed to asses and compare the effect of dynamic mobilization exercises (DME) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in 8 adult horses (4 individuals by group) to increase the cross-sectional area (CSA) of this muscle after a 7-weeks period treatment. The epaxial muscles of NMES group were electrical...
Magalhaes HB, Canisso IF.This study aimed to establish normal ranges and determine variables affecting the duration of gestation, placental and fetal eyeball measurements in donkeys. Jennies (n = 121) were submitted to transrectal ultrasonography at 15-day-intervals from 120 days of gestation until parturition. During each examination, variables assessed included: the combined thickness of uterus and placenta (CTUP), fetal eyeball diameter, amniotic membrane thickness, allantoic and amniotic fluids echogenicity, and chorioallantois edema. Parametric data were analyzed with t-test, linear regression, mixed models, AN...
Da Silva-Álvarez E, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Serres C, García-Rodríguez B, Gutiérrez-Cepeda L, Martín-Cano FE, Echegaray A....This study aimed to assess if Ecotext, a new software for evaluation of testicular echotexture, is a good method for diagnosis of stallions with testicular dysfunction (TD). Relationships between Ecotext parameters and sperm motility and production, testicular volume, and testicular blood flow were also studied. Ecotext provides a total of six echotexture parameters: Ecotext 1 (black pixels), 2 (white pixels) and 3 (grey pixels), and another 3 parameters related to hypoechogenic areas: Ecotext tubular density (ETD), Ecotext tubular diameter (ETd), and Ecotext tubular area (ETA). Stallions (n ...
Spencer KM, Podico G, Megahed AA, Jones KL, Bittar JHJ, Canisso IF.This study aimed to assess the ovulatory response of deslorelin acetate during the fall and the response to PGF2α 8 d post-ovulation. One hundred estrous cycles from 22 mares kept in 40° latitude were evaluated. Mares were checked by transrectal ultrasonography until a preovulatory follicle was detected and ovulation induced with deslorelin acetate. Ovulation was confirmed by ultrasonography performed at 24, 36 h post-induction and then repeated at 2-h intervals post-induction. Serum progesterone concentrations and luteal tissue area were determined daily to assess CL function. A dose of P...
Cercone M.This article provides a comprehensive review of imaging techniques used to evaluate the equine urinary tract. This overview includes officially recognized modalities and new applications reported in the most current literature. Technical aspects and indications for use of endoscopy and ultrasonography are highlighted. Normal endoscopic and ultrasonographic appearance of the upper and lower urinary tract is described, with characterization of common abnormalities found in patients with hematuria, stranguria, and renal failure. Visual examples of several pathologic conditions from clinical cases...
Hall S, Smith R, Ramzan PHL, Head M, Robinson N, Parker R.Rib fractures in adult horses are poorly documented. Objective: To describe the presenting signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of horses diagnosed with rib fracture. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: The clinical records and diagnostic images of all adult horses diagnosed with a rib fracture at three referral centres over a 15-year period were reviewed. Results: Seventy-three horses met the inclusion criteria. Horses presented due to either resistance to ridden work and poor performance (n = 41), lameness (n = 21) or trauma (n = 7). In four horses, the presenting complaint...
Vajs T, Nekouei O, Biermann NM.The tarsus is one of the most common areas of traumatic injury with associated synovial involvement (SI) in horses. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, management (emphasizing the type, duration, and route of antimicrobial administration), and outcome of cases with acute soft tissue trauma to the tarsal region. The presenting clinical features, the results of diagnostic modalities, and the initial response to therapy were assessed for their usefulness to predict SI. Medical records of 72 cases were included and SI was diagnosed ...
Melotti L, Carolo A, Elshazly N, Boesso F, Da Dalt L, Gabai G, Perazzi A, Iacopetti I, Patruno M.In the present case report a show jumping 10-year-old Sella Italiano gelding, presented with severe lameness, swelling and pain at palpation of the mid-metacarpal region of the left forelimb. Clinical and ultrasound examination diagnosed a chronic tendonitis of the central region of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). The lesion was a reoccurrence since it developed from a previously healed injury. The horse had to stop competing and was unresponsive to gold-standard treatments as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and conservative management after 6 months of therapy. Th...
Diana A, Freccero F, Giancola F, Linta N, Pietra M, Luca V, Salamanca G, Cipone M, Chiocchetti R.Ultrasonographic morphometry of wall layers is commonly used in veterinary patients with suspected small intestinal disease, however published studies comparing this method with histopathology in horses are limited. This prospective, methods comparison study compared the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of small intestinal wall layers using ex vivo high-frequency ultrasound versus histopathology in a sample of 16 horses. Transverse section images of duodenum, distal jejunum, and ileum were acquired with a high-frequency linear transducer (7-15 MHz). Transverse histological cryosec...
Ginther OJ.Intrauterine mobility of the fetal-amniotic unit is unique in equids among domestic species. Intrinsic activity begins as head nods on ∼ Day 40 (Day 0 = ovulation) and by Day 60 has progressed into intermittent subtle to vigorous head, neck, limb, and body movements. On Days 60-100, fetal mobility is maximal with traveling of the fetal-amniotic unit throughout an allantoic pool that encompasses the uterine horns, and uterine body. The fetus may be entirely within one uterine horn with the horn entrance closed behind it, and then may work through the entrance into the uterine body. Mobility...
Kozłowska N, Wierzbicka M, Jasiński T, Domino M.The horse, as a flight animal with a survival strategy involving rapid escape from predators, is a natural-born athlete with enormous functional plasticity of the respiratory system. Any respiratory dysfunction can cause a decline in ventilation and gas exchange. Therefore, respiratory diseases often lead to exercise intolerance and poor performance. This is one of the most frequent problems encountered by equine internists. Routine techniques used to evaluate respiratory tract diseases include clinical examination, endoscopic examination, radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging, cytological...
Knickelbein KE, Lassaline ME, Kim S, Scharbrough MS, Thomasy SM.To determine corneal thickness (CT) and axial anterior chamber depth (ACD) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in normal adult horses. To compare corneal thickness measurements between UBM and ultrasonic pachymetry. Methods: Sixty eyes of 30 healthy adult horses aged 8-24 years. Methods: Ultrasonic pachymetry (velocity of 1640 m/s) was utilized to obtain measurements of the central, superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal cornea. Triplicate images of the same corneal locations were acquired using UBM (50 MHz). Images of the axial anterior chamber were used to measure ACD. Intraocular pres...
Haardt H, Romero AE, Boysen SR, Lohnherr A, Tan JY.Abdominal organ displacement is a potentially life-threatening condition in horses. Primary care veterinarians commonly make referral decisions based on a combination of clinical and ultrasonographic findings. However, published studies describing the effects of transducer on identifying abdominal organ locations in horses are currently lacking. The objective of this prospective, methods comparison, pilot study was to compare organ identification using a high-frequency linear (transrectal) transducer and a low-frequency curvilinear (abdominal) transducer for transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonog...
Radcliffe RM, Hill JA, Liu SY, Cook VL, Hurcombe SDA, Divers TJ.Abdominocentesis is commonly used to evaluate the abdominal cavity of the horse. This technique provides valuable diagnostic information as well as the means to monitor patients with abdominal diseases being managed medically and to determine their need for surgical management. Complications are uncommon and include trauma to the gastrointestinal tract or spleen, septic peritonitis, or abdominal wall infection. Methods: This review describes the indications, utility, patient preparation, and instructions for performing abdominocentesis as well as possible complications reported in horses. Step...
Mainguy-Seers S, Boivin R, Pourali Dogaheh S, Beaudry F, Hélie P, Bonilla AG, Martin JG, Lavoie JP.Steroid resistance in asthma has been associated with neutrophilic inflammation and severe manifestations of the disease. Macrolide add-on therapy can improve the quality of life and the exacerbation rate in refractory cases, possibly with greater effectiveness in neutrophilic phenotypes. The mechanisms leading to these beneficial effects are incompletely understood and whether macrolides potentiate the modulation of bronchial remodeling induced by inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if adding azithromycin to ICS leads to further improvement o...
Engiles JB, Uzal FA, Navarro MA, Reef VB, Bender SJ.Phlegmonous gastritis was diagnosed in 2 yearling fillies that were presented with a 1-wk history of fever, lethargy, and hypoproteinemia, associated with a previous diagnosis of equine proliferative enteropathy based on clinical signs and PCR assay detection of Lawsonia intracellularis in fecal samples. Abdominal ultrasound revealed enlargement of the stomach and expansion of its submucosal layer with hypoechoic fluid, as well as thickened hypomotile small intestinal segments. Given the poor prognosis and poor response to treatment, both horses were euthanized, one on the day of presentation ...
Hermans H, Lloyd-Edwards RA, Ferrão-van Sommeren AJH, Tersmette AA, Schouten JCM, Serra Bragança FM, van Loon JPAM.In standing ophthalmic surgery in horses, a retrobulbar nerve block (RNB) is often placed blindly for anesthesia and akinesia. The ultrasound (US)-guided RNB may have fewer complications, but the two techniques have only been compared once in equine cadavers. This study compares the techniques for success and complication rates and analyzes the effect of training on US guidance. Twenty-two equine cadavers were divided into three groups: blind RNBs were performed bilaterally in eight cadavers, US-guided RNBs were performed bilaterally in seven cadavers, and after US-guided training, blind RNBs ...
Maia BT, Vendruscolo CDP, de Souza AF, Zoppa ALDV.The neurovascular bundle of the equine distal cannon can dynamically vary with limb position, and this can affect the performance of low 4- or 6-point block. This study aims to identify and describe the anatomical position and variations of the lateral and medial palmar/plantar nerve at the metacarpal/metatarsal distal level in horses by ultrasonography. Eight mares underwent ultrasound examination on the lateral and medial palmar/plantar sides of the metacarpus/metatarsus. Images were obtained for measurements of the cross-sectional area of the nerve, distances between the nerve and the skin ...
Schade J, de Souza AF, Vincensi LC, Fonteque JH.The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint angle on the transversal area (TA) and mean echogenicity (ME) of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) in gaited horses. Ultrasound images were obtained from 50 healthy adult horses of the Mangalarga Marchador (MM; n=25) and Campeiro (n=25) breeds. Static and dynamic angles of the MCP joint were measured from photographs and video recordings. Higher ME values were evinced for the SL only in the group with the smaller dynamic angles of the MCP joint in the MM horses...
Johnson JP, Vinardell T, David F.Ultrasound-guided injections can be used for a wide variety of conditions in the horse, including both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Benefits of ultrasound guidance include more accurate deposition of injectate compared with blind approaches. Improved identification of vital structures, including nerves and blood vessels, allows their avoidance and thus reduces procedure-associated complications. Validation of such ultrasound-guided techniques has shown that they can be easily learnt by inexperienced veterinarians, assuming a proper knowledge of the sonographic anatomy. In many case...
Campos IS, de Souza GN, Gomes GM, Pinna AE, Ferreira AMR.The aim of the study was to correlate the spectral index of the right and left uterine arteries with equine placental development in mares with advanced pregnancies. We examined 32 multiparous Mangalarga Marchador mares with gestation of 150-240 days. During pregnancy, the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of the uterine arteries were obtained using spectral Doppler ultrasonography, and the combined uteroplacental thickness was obtained monthly using B-mode ultrasonography. The combined uteroplacental thickness correlated with gestational time of up to 13 years of age, and the s...
Iimori M, Tamura N, Seki K, Kasashima Y.The onset of severe injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is extremely difficult to predict from slight changes in ultrasonographic findings in cases with no apparent clinical signs. This study investigated the relationship between an increased cross-sectional area (CSA) or edema in the subcutaneous tissue around the tendon and the subsequent onset of severe SDFT injury in Thoroughbred racehorses. Horses were classified into three groups based on ultrasound diagnosis (USD) findings: Group A included cases with enlarged tendons; Group B included cases with tendons of normal siz...
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...
Beasley B, Perlini M.The objective of this paper is to describe a novel technique for handling an ultrasound transducer while performing sterile ultrasound guided procedures. This novel technique involves placement of the transducer inside the sterile glove on the hand of the operator. This technique allows the operator access to use of both hands without having to pass the transducer to an assistant.
Hövener J, Pokar J, Merle R, Gehlen H.Heart murmurs are detected frequently when auscultating horses and certain murmurs can usually be linked to specific valvular regurgitations. Limited information exists about the accuracy of these broad rules in warmblood horses and the influence of grade of the regurgitation and dimensional changes on murmur intensity. This study aims to clarify the accuracy of cardiac auscultation in warmblood horses and the influence of the grade of regurgitation and dimensional changes on the loudness of the murmur. In this retrospective study, 822 warmblood horses presented for cardiac examination in a la...
Colombo I, Mislei B, Mari G, Iacono E, Merlo B.Many mares are susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE), an important cause of reduced fertility. Platelet lysate (PL) derives from freeze-thawing platelets after concentration, so that growth factors are released from the platelets. Among the advantages of PL compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP), it can be frozen stored and allogenic use for PL might also be conceivable. Platelet-rich plasma beneficially reduced inflammatory response in PMIE mares when administered 24 h pre- or 4 h post-AI. The aim of this study was to test the effect of PL on inflammatory uterine resp...
Jaafar SE, Al-Bayti AAH, Abdullah SI.High-power laser therapy has been used as a treatment to cure sports injuries; however, there are no controlled standardized studies on its efficacy. Moreover, high-power laser therapy has been applied for the sport horses field. This study aimed to investigate whether high-power laser therapy can cure tendon disorders and reduce the pain in tendon lesions in injured horses and also to examine the effect of laser therapy on injured horses. This retroactive experiential clinical research was performed on50 racing horses between 5 and 15 years old. They were diagnosed with neither superficial di...
Vautravers G, Audigié F, Denoix JM.To describe scintigraphic and transrectal ultrasonographic anatomic variants of the lumbosacral (LS) articulation in horses and to determine the agreement between results obtained with each imaging modality. 243 horses (81 Selle Français Warmbloods, 81 French Standardbred Trotters, and 81 Thoroughbreds). A retrospective search of clinical records was conducted to identify horses that had undergone nuclear scintigraphy and transrectal ultrasonography of the LS region of the vertebral column between January 2016 and December 2019. Scintigraphic images were evaluated by 2 observers blinded to th...
Gao Y, Hannan MA, Murata K, Rajabi-Toustani R, Nambo Y.Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is gaining popularity. Ultrasound examination is used to decrease the abortion rate in horses. In this study, to monitor fetal well-being throughout the gestation for EAT, we measured fetal heart rate (FHR), fetal eye orbit (FEO), fetal gonad length (FGL), fetal kidney length (FKL), and the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) by ultrasonography in pony mares. Additionally, we measured the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations in pregnant horses using enzyme immunoassay. The FGL peaked at week 32 and then decreased to term, and...
Battut I, Colchen S, Fieni F, Tainturier D, Bruyas JF.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the exact age when the equine embryo reaches the uterus. The time of ovulation was determined by hourly ultrasound examinations starting 32 h after an injection of crude equine pituitary gonadotrophin or human chorionic gonadotrophin, or after the first of 4 injections of buserelin. Nonsurgical uterine flushings were carried out 144 h (Day 6), 156 h (Day 6.5) or 168 h (Day 7) after ovulation. Induction of ovulation was attempted in 101 oestrous cycles and 61 of 101 mares (60.4%) ovulated 32-44 h post injection. Sixty embryo collections were performed w...
Berg LC, Nielsen JV, Thoefner MB, Thomsen PD.In equine patients, the cause of clinical signs possibly related to the cervical region is often difficult to diagnose. Ultrasonography allows quick and noninvasive visualisation, but reference material of the normal equine neck is needed. Objective: To describe and document the normal ultrasonographic appearance of transverse scans in the cervical region with emphasis on the synovial articular facet joints, cervical vertebrae and paravertebral structures; and further, to provide images of frozen cross-sections for anatomical reference. Methods: A study describing the normal ultrasonographic a...
Vernemmen I, Van Steenkiste G, Buschmann E, Cornelis K, Schauvliege S, Ibrahim L, Decloedt A, van Loon G.Radiofrequency ablation has been successfully applied to treat right atrial arrhythmias in horses. Ablation of left-sided arrhythmias requires a retrograde transarterial approach which is complicated. In human medicine, the left atrium is accessed through transseptal puncture (TSP) of the fossa ovalis (FO) using a caudal approach via the femoral vein. Objective: To develop a zero fluoroscopy TSP technique for horses using a jugular vein (cranial) and transhepatic (caudal) approach. Methods: In vivo experimental study. Methods: Transseptal puncture was performed in 18 horses admitted for euthan...
Mitchell CF, Malone ED, Sage AM, Niksich K.Healthy adult horses were examined by using transabdominal ultrasonography to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate activity of the jejunum, cecum, and colon with B mode and Doppler techniques. Doppler ultrasound was used to assess jejunal peristaltic activity. Examinations were performed on multiple occasions under imposed colic evaluation conditions, including fasting, nasogastric intubation, and xylazine sedation. In fasted horses, jejunal visibility was increased and jejunal, cecal, and colonic activity was decreased. The stomach was displaced ventrally and was visualized ventral to th...
Macpherson ML, Reimer JM.Twin pregnancy in the mare causes economic loss. Early transrectal ultrasonographic detection of twins and manual crush of one embryonic vesicle is the method of choice for managing equine twins (90% success rate). Transcutaneous and transvaginal ultrasound-guided twin reduction techniques are described for twin pregnancies that advance beyond 25 days of gestation. Reported success rates for the ultrasound-guided procedures are 50% and 20%, respectively.
Fischer AT.Recent advances in the use of abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy, radiography, and peritoneal fluid analysis have contributed to the evaluation of horses with colic. Improved diagnostic capabilities allow earlier surgical intervention when necessary, and this should improve survival rates and the economic aspects of case management.
Cuervo-Arango J, Newcombe JR.The development of hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles (HAF) involves luteinization and hemorrhage of the follicle. This is observed on ultrasound as an increase in the echogenicity of the granulosa layer and formation of echoic particles in the antrum. The inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with flunixin meglumine (FM) during the periovulatory period induces ovulatory failure with development of luteinized unruptured follicles (LUF). These two types of anovulatory follicles appear to share similar ultrasound features but they have not been compared critically. The following endpoints: follic...
Aleman M, Gillis CL, Nieto JE, Renaudin CD, Bea J.Knowledge of normal renal parameters, as documented in mature horses, is essential for the accurate evaluation of abnormal kidneys. Although the ultrasonographic appearance and location of the abdominal organs in foals and the renal dimensions in neonates have been reported, there is currently no information available for the assessment of normal organ growth in foals. The objectives of the study were to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics, location and variations of the thoracic and abdominal organs with relation to age, height and weight; and provide a growth table for comparison w...
Denoix JM.With progressive advances in ultrasonographic equipment, evaluation of a number of axial skeletal structures is now possible. Ultrasonography is presently the best technique for evaluation of the SSpL and lumbosacral intervertebral discs. It is a useful adjunct to radiography for assessment of spinous processes and AP injuries.
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...
Alexander K, Dobson H.A study of the ultrasonographic appearance and size of the sciatic, tibial, peroneal, suprascapular, radial, median, and ulnar nerves and a comparison with the anatomic size and location of these nerves in the normal adult horse is reported. Cadavers and live horses were studied. Landmarks for localization and techniques for nerve identification are described. The depth and diameter of each nerve at various locations and the success rate in imaging each nerve are reported. Statistically significant correlations were found between anatomically and ultrasonographically measured nerve depths and ...
Gracia-Calvo LA, Duque J, Balao da Silva C, Ezquerra J, Ortega-Ferrusola C.Acquired inguinal herniation is a very common condition in stallions, usually leading to unilateral or bilateral castration to prevent future recurrence. Recently, several surgical techniques such as the standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty (SLPFH) have been developed to avoid herniation recurrence and also preserve the breeding activity of high economic value stallions. However, studies on SLPFH lack more comprehensive and systematic data about reproductive-related adverse effects and outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SLPFH of the internal inguinal rings pr...
Morris S, Kelleman AA, Stawicki RJ, Hansen PJ, Sheerin PC, Sheerin BR, Paccamonti DL, LeBlanc MM.Transrectal ultrasonography of the caudal uterus and a progestin profile were evaluated for accuracy in identifying mares with feto-placental compromise in a model of placentitis. Twenty-two pregnant ponies were divided into four groups: (1) control mares (n=5); (2) instrumented controls (n=2); (3) instrumented inoculated mares (n=11); (4) inoculated mares (n=4). Mares in Groups 3 and 4 were inoculated with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Maternal plasma progestins, vulvar discharge, mammary gland development, combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and placental separati...
Scharf A, Holmes SP, Thoresen M, Mumaw J, Stumpf A, Peroni J.Ultrasound-guided intralesional injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is held as the benchmark for cell delivery in tendonitis. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the immediate cell distribution following intralesional injection of MSCs. Unilateral superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) lesions were created in the forelimb of six horses and injected with 10 × 10 MSCs labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) under ultrasound guidance. Assays were performed to confirm that there were no significant changes in cell viability, proliferation, migra...
Beaulieu A, Linden AZ, Phillips J, Arroyo LG, Koenig J, Monteith G.In the equine racehorse industry, reduced athletic performance due to joint injury and lameness has been extensively reviewed. Intra-articular injections of glucocorticoids are routinely used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Intra-articular injections of pharmaceutical agents require practice for precise needle placement and to minimize complications. Training on simulators or models is a viable alternative for developing these technical skills. The purpose of this study was to compare the qualitative ultrasonographic characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) pr...
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...
Plummer CE, Ramsey DT, Hauptman JG.To determine corneal thickness, intraocular pressure (IOP), and horizontal and vertical corneal diameter (HCD and VCD) and to obtain axial measurements of the anterior chamber depth (ACD), crystalline lens thickness (CLT), vitreous chamber depth (VtCD), and axial globe length (AGL) in eyes of Miniature Horses. Methods: 41 healthy Miniature Horses. Methods: Ocular component measurements were obtained via ultrasonic pachymetry, applanation tonometry, ultrasound, and by use of a Jameson caliper. Results: Mean IOP and corneal thickness for all eyes were 26.0 mm Hg and 785.6 microm, respectively. T...
Acosta TJ, Gastal EL, Gastal MO, Beg MA, Ginther OJ.Diameter deviation during a follicular wave is characterized by the continued growth of the developing dominant follicle and reduced growth and regression of the subordinate follicles. This study considered the hypothesis that reduced blood flow in the future largest subordinate follicle precedes the beginning of diameter deviation. The hypothesis was tested by quantifying the daily changes in blood-flow velocities and blood-flow area within the wall of follicles before and during diameter deviation in mares (n = 7). The blood-flow end points were quantified daily by transrectal color Doppler ...
Nógrádi N, Tóth B, Macgillivray KC.Factors associated with the outcome of peritonitis in horses are seldom described. The objectives of this study were to determine the common clinical signs and clinicopathologic findings and to reveal prognostic factors associated with the outcome of peritonitis in equine patients. Data were examined in a retrospective manner in 55 horses diagnosed with and treated for peritonitis. The most common clinical and clinicopathologic findings were tachycardia (94%), increased amount of peritoneal fluid on ultrasound (84%), altered mucous membranes (82%), bacteria noted on the direct smear (67%), hyp...
Barrett MF, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW, Werpy NM.While descriptions of the visible soft tissues of the femorotibial joints exist for both arthroscopy and ultrasonography, there are few examples in the literature that discuss in detail the combined findings of these modalities. Objective: To further elucidate the ultrasonographic and arthroscopic boundaries of the normal equine femorotibial joints and improve the understanding of the benefits and limitations of each individual modality. Methods: Simultaneous arthroscopy and ultrasonography were performed in 10 equine cadaver stifles as well as bilateral stifles on a horse that underwent nonre...
Aleman M, Borchers A, Kass PH, Puchalski SM.To describe ultrasonographic landmarks for use in collection of CSF from the lumbosacral region in equids. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 37 equids (27 with neurologic disease and 10 with nonneurologic disease). Methods: Standing equids (n = 17) were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.006 to 0.01 mg/kg [0.003 to 0.005 mg/lb], IV) followed by butorphanol tartrate (0.01 mg/kg, IV) and restrained with a nose twitch for collection of CSF. The CSF was collected from 20 laterally recumbent equids (10 sedated and 10 immediately after euthanasia). Anatomic landmarks were identified ultraso...
Morath U, Luyet C, Spadavecchia C, Stoffel MH, Hatch GM.To develop an ultrasound-guided technique for retrobulbar nerve block in horses, and to compare the distribution of three different volumes of injected contrast medium (CM) (4, 8 and 12 mL), with the hypothesis that successful placement of the needle within the retractor bulbi muscle cone would lead to the most effective dispersal of CM towards the nerves leaving the orbital fissure. Methods: Prospective experimental cadaver study. Methods: Twenty equine cadavers. Methods: Ultrasound-guided retrobulbar injections were performed in 40 cadaver orbits. Ultrasound visualization of needle placement...
Silva SR, Payan-Carreira R, Quaresma M, Guedes CM, Santos AS.In equids, health and welfare depend on body composition. A growing number of equids are now used as leisure and companion animals, and often found overfeed. The need for a close monitoring of body fatness led to the search for tools allowing a rapid and non-invasive estimation of fatness. This study intends to assess real-time ultrasonography (RTU) usefulness in establishing a relationship between ultrasound measures of subcutaneous fat-plus-skin thickness (SF-Skin) and body condition score (BCS) in horses and donkeys. Forty-three healthy animals (16 donkeys and 27 horses) were used in this s...
O'Brien EJO, Smith RKW.Tendon/ligament mineralization is recognized in horses but information regarding its clinical significance is limited. The aims of this observational study were to report the structures most commonly affected by ultrasonographically detectable mineralization and, for these, determine frequency of diagnosis and key clinical features. Cases presented at our hospital in April 1999-April 2013 and September 2014-November 2015 were included: a total of 27 horses (22 retrospective, five prospective). Mineralizations were most common in deep digital flexor tendons (10) and suspensory ligament branches...
Beccati F, Gialletti R, Passamonti F, Nannarone S, Di Meo A, Pepe M.Septic arthritis/tenosynovitis in the horse can have life-threatening consequences. The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to describe ultrasound characteristics of septic arthritis/tenosynovitis in a group of horses. Diagnosis of septic arthritis/tenosynovitis was based on historical and clinical findings as well as the results of the synovial fluid analysis and/or positive synovial culture. Ultrasonographic findings recorded were degree of joint/sheath effusion, degree of synovial membrane thickening, echogenicity of the synovial fluid, and presence of hyperechogenic spo...
Adams R, Koterba AM, Cudd TC, Baker WA.The medical records of 18 neonatal foals, in which exploratory celiotomies were performed for suspected urinary tract lesions, were reviewed. Despite clinical signs and laboratory values indicative of disruption of the urinary tract, three foals did not have a site of urinary tract leakage at surgery. Eight foals had ruptured bladders and seven foals had urachal lesions. Ultrasonography was used as a pre-operative diagnostic procedure in eight foals to evaluate the presence of free peritoneal fluid and urinary tract integrity. Nine foals were alive six months after discharge. Seven of the nine...
Straticò P, Varasano V, Guerri G, Celani G, Palozzo A, Petrizzi L.The aim of the study was to investigate the breed predisposition and the diagnostic and surgical management of horses referred for cryptorchidism. The breed, localization of retained testis, diagnosis, type of surgical treatment and complications were analyzed. Seventy horses were included in the study; the Western Riding horse breeds were the most affected (Quarter Horse 34/70, 48.5%; Appaloosa 9/70, 12.8%). In unilateral cryptorchids (65/70, 92.8%) the most common location for a retained testis was the left abdomen (28/65, 43%), while in bilateral cryptorchids (5/70, 7.1%), bilateral abdomin...
Nagy A, Dyson S, Barr A.The transrectal ultrasonographic appearance of the lumbosacral joint was assessed in 43 horses with no history or clinical evidence of back pain or hindlimb lameness. In the majority of horses (34/43, 79.1%) the lumbosacral disc had uniform or mildly heterogeneous echogenicity. However, variation in the ultrasonographic appearance of the lumbosacral joint was also identified, including hyperechogenic regions within the lumbosacral disc with or without an acoustic shadow, and mild or moderate irregularity of the opposing surfaces of the last lumbar and the first sacral vertebral bodies. Marked ...
Hendrickson EH, Malone ED, Sage AM.Six healthy horses were examined by using transabdominal ultrasonography, as described (1-3), to evaluate activity and size of the large colon and cecum at various locations. Using size and number of sacculations, activity patterns and contractile frequency; significant differences that would allow ultrasonographic identification of dorsal versus ventral colons, if they were displaced, were not found. The cecum had significantly greater activity than the colon, and a trend was seen towards smaller sacculations in the cecum than in the large colon. Six chevaux en santé ont été examinés par...
Xie L, Spencer ND, Beadle RE, Gaschen L, Buchert MR, Lopez MJ.Equine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a debilitating condition that has limited response to rest and stall confinement. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that mild to moderate DSLD is not worsened by consistent exercise. Paso Fino and Peruvian Paso horses (two normal horses and four horses with DSLD) were exercised for 30 min every other day for 8 weeks and then pasture rested for 4 months. Gait analysis, radiographs, ultrasound and serum insulin and glucose concentrations were performed prior to the exercise trial and at each time point. Vertical impulse incr...
