Detailed ultrasonographic mapping of the pelvis in clinically normal horses and ponies.

This research article presents a study on the use of ultrasonography for accurately mapping and measuring the pelvic structures of horses and ponies. The results were validated by comparing them with measurements obtained from computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and frozen dissection samples.

Research Methodology

• The study was conducted on six clinically normal ponies and six horses.
• Ultrasonographic examination of the pelvis was done and measurements were taken for the imaged structures.
• To verify these measurement data, CT, MRI, and measurements of frozen sections were performed post-death.
• The degree of correlation between the measurements from ultrasonography and the other modalities was determined by linear regression analysis.
• For each structure measured, statistical analyses such as the mean, standard deviation and range were calculated.

Research Findings

• According to the results, ultrasonography showed high correlation with CT, MRI, and frozen section measurements with correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.97, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively.
• There was no significant difference found in the measurements of structures from both sides of the pelvis.
• The size of structures appears to be independent of the weight of the horses as no associated variation was found.
• No correlation was found between the weight of horses and ponies and their pelvic structure size.

Research Conclusions

• The study validates that ultrasonography can be used as an accurate tool for measuring and evaluating the musculoskeletal structures of the equine pelvis. This makes it an effective diagnostic tool.
• CT, MRI, and frozen section measurements provided a means to validate the observations and measurements obtained from the ultrasonography, thereby boosting its credibility.
• The collected reference range values can be used to evaluate horses suspected of having pelvic diseases, offering a handy tool for equine medical practitioners.