Detection of rib trauma in newborn foals in an equine critical care unit: a comparison of ultrasonography, radiography and physical examination.
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that in man ultrasonography is more accurate than radiography for detecting rib fractures. Objective: To describe clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings related with rib fractures in newborn foals in an equine critical care unit; and to compare diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography to radiography. Methods: A prospective ultrasonographic study was performed on 29 foals presented to the emergency unit. This study was performed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV), University of Montreal. Physical examination as well as radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. Results: Thoracic radiographs revealed 10 rib fractures in 5 of 26 (19%) foals. Ultrasonography revealed 49 fractures in 19 of 29 (65%) foals of which fillies (n = 13; 68%) were significantly over represented as were fractures to the left thorax (n = 15; 78%). Seventeen of 19 foals (90%) had rib fractures located 3 cm or less from the costochondral junction, the distal part of the rib being displaced laterally in all cases. In 2 foals, where both thoracic radiographs and ultrasonography detected rib fractures, the site of fractures was located on the mid portion of the rib. Rib fractures were detected only by thoracic radiographs in one foal. Sixty-five percent (32/49) of fractured ribs had a moderate displacement (1-4 mm). Conclusions: Rib fractures are seen frequently in newborn foals in equine critical care units. Ultrasonography is more accurate than radiography and reveals fractures in most patients presented in emergency. The position (costochondral junction) of rib fractures and of the fragments suggest that most thoracic trauma probably occurs during parturition. Conclusions: Ultrasound imaging increases awareness and improves the diagnosis of rib fractures in newborn foals.
Publication Date: 2007-03-24 PubMed ID: 17378445DOI: 10.2746/042516407x166657Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research paper investigates the effectiveness of ultrasonography compared to radiography and physical examination in detecting rib trauma in newborn foals within an equine critical care setting. The study finds ultrasonography to be the most accurate method.
Methodology
- The study was conducted on 29 foals brought to the emergency unit of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV), University of Montreal.
- Receipt of a physical examination, radiographic and ultrasonographic exams was a part of the process each foal underwent.
Results
- Based on thoracic radiographs, only 5 out of 26 foals (19%) were found to have a total of 10 rib fractures.
- In contrast, through the use of ultrasonography, a total of 49 fractures were discovered in 19 out of 29 foals (65%).
- Fillies were significantly overrepresented, constituting 68% of the foals with detected fractures. Fractures were also highly frequent on the left side of the rib cage (78%).
- Of the 19 foals with detected fractures, 90% had their fractures located 3 centimeters or less from the costochondral junction, which is where the rib bone meets the costal cartilage. In all these cases, the distal part (far end) of the rib was moved outward.
- In two cases, rib fractures were seen on both thoracic radiographs and ultrasonography and were located in the middle of the rib.
- Only in one case was a rib fracture detected solely by thoracic radiograph.
- Approximately 65% (32 out of 49) of the fractured ribs had a displacement of 1-4 millimeters, classified as moderate.
Conclusions
- Rib fractures in newborn foals are a common issue within equine critical care units.
- Ultrasonography was found to surpass radiography in terms of accuracy and ability to reveal most fractures in emergency-presented patients.
- The close proximity of most fractures to the costochondral junction suggests that birth-related trauma is likely the main cause.
- The study reaffirms the importance of ultrasonography as it increases awareness and improves the diagnosis of rib fractures in newborn foals.
Cite This Article
APA
Jean D, Picandet V, Macieira S, Beauregard G, D'Anjou MA, Beauchamp G.
(2007).
Detection of rib trauma in newborn foals in an equine critical care unit: a comparison of ultrasonography, radiography and physical examination.
Equine Vet J, 39(2), 158-163.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516407x166657 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Département de Sciences Cliniques Vétérinaires, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn / injuries
- Birth Injuries / diagnosis
- Birth Injuries / diagnostic imaging
- Birth Injuries / veterinary
- Critical Care
- Female
- Horses / injuries
- Male
- Physical Examination / methods
- Physical Examination / veterinary
- Pregnancy
- Prospective Studies
- Radiography, Thoracic / methods
- Radiography, Thoracic / veterinary
- Rib Fractures / diagnosis
- Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
- Rib Fractures / veterinary
- Risk Factors
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Sex Factors
- Thoracic Injuries / diagnosis
- Thoracic Injuries / diagnostic imaging
- Thoracic Injuries / veterinary
- Ultrasonography / methods
- Ultrasonography / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Ishiyama D, Makino E, Nakamura Y, Uchida M, Shimizu H, Ono M, Horikita T. Perinatal rib fractures in 18 calves delivered from Holstein dams.. Vet Anim Sci 2020 Dec;10:100134.
- Kolus CR, MacLeay JM, Hackett ES. Repair of an acquired diaphragmatic hernia with surgical mesh in a foal.. Can Vet J 2017 Feb;58(2):145-148.
- Sprayberry KA. Ultrasonographic Examination of the Equine Neonate: Thorax and Abdomen.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2015 Dec;31(3):515-43.
- Cesarini C, Macieira S, Girard C, Drolet R, d'Anjou MA, Jean D. Costochondral junction osteomyelitis in 3 septic foals.. Can Vet J 2011 Jul;52(7):772-7.
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