B-mode and power Doppler ultrasonography of the equine suspensory ligament branches: A descriptive study on 13 horses.

This study explores the use of B-mode and power Doppler ultrasonography for diagnosing equine suspensory ligament injuries. The research finds that power Doppler signals were present in abnormal suspensory ligament branches, suggesting it as a supplementary diagnostic tool for assessing horses with suspected suspensory desmopathy.

Objective of the Study

• The research aims to evaluate the presence or absence of power Doppler signals in suspensory ligament branches of horses, and to compare these findings with B-mode (2D ultrasound) results.

Methods

• Thirteen horses were used for the study, eight of which had lameness related to pain in the suspensory ligament branches, while five were non-lame.
• The researchers evaluated ten lame limbs and 24 sound limbs using both B-mode and power Doppler ultrasonography.
• The severity of power Doppler signal in suspensory ligament branches was scored by two independent readers.

Findings

• B-mode ultrasonographic examination revealed abnormalities in the suspensory ligament branches of both lame and sound limbs.
• Power Doppler signals were absent in suspensory ligament branches that were categorized normal by B-mode, i.e., there were no signals in healthy ligament branches.
• On the contrary, power Doppler signal was detected in suspensory ligament branches that were judged abnormal by the B-mode ultrasonography, regardless of whether the limbs were sound or lame.
• The power Doppler signal scores were subjectively higher in lame limbs and in ligament branches with more severe B-mode changes.

Conclusion

• The findings imply that power Doppler technology could be used as a supplementary tool for diagnosing horses with suspensory desmopathy. This would assist in better understanding the state of the suspensory ligament branches while making a diagnosis.