English
French
Findings consistent with equine proximal suspensory desmitis can be reliably detected using computed tomography and differ between affected horses and controls.
Abstract: The objective of this retrospective, observational, controlled study was to evaluate bone and soft tissue window CT images of the proximoplantar metatarsus III region in twenty horses with pain localized to the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) and 20 horses with findings nonrelated to tarsal pain. All horses underwent CT and radiographic examination. Images were reviewed by three independent observers who graded the severity and localization of findings. Bone-related categories as well as soft tissue-related categories were evaluated. For the comparison of imaging findings in horses with and without proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD), mixed linear regression was performed. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intraobserver agreement, and kappa statistics were employed to evaluate interobserver agreement. CT examination identified significantly more abnormalities in the diseased group. The scores for osseous exostosis (p = .015) and PSL enlargement (p = .004) were notably higher in PSD horses compared to controls. Intraobserver agreement was overall high (ICC .82-1.0), and interobserver agreement was substantial for the detection of mineralization (kappa = .61) and moderate for sclerosis (kappa = .43), exostosis (kappa = .43), and PSL enlargement (kappa = .48/.51). Measurements in the soft tissue window were significantly smaller than those in the bone window. Findings concurrent with PSD including osseous proliferation and sclerosis as well as soft tissue enlargement, mineralization, and avulsion can be reliably detected using CT. Findings from the current study supported the use of CT for evaluating horses with suspected PSD where high-field MRI is not available.
© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2023-08-21 PubMed ID: 37605336DOI: 10.1111/vru.13292Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research investigates the use of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing equine proximal suspensory desmitis, a common condition affecting horses. The study found that CT scanning can reveal significant differences in the affected tissues between healthy horses and those with the condition.
Objectives of the Study
- The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of computed tomography in diagnosing equine proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD), a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the proximal suspensory ligament in horses.
- Using CT imaging, the researchers focused on identifying abnormalities in the proximoplantar metatarsus III region, an area often affected by PSD.
Methodology
- This was a controlled, observational and retrospective study, involving two groups of 20 horses each – a group exhibiting symptoms of PSD and a control group showing no such symptoms.
- All horses underwent CT and radiographic examinations, and the resulting images were evaluated by three independent observers.
- The researchers also employed statistical methods such as mixed linear regression and intraclass correlation coefficient to compare and analyze the imaging findings in horses with and without PSD.
Findings
- The CT examination revealed a significantly higher number of detectable abnormalities in horses diagnosed with PSD, including bone abnormalities (osseous exostosis) and suspensory ligament enlargement.
- The researchers found a high degree of agreement among observers (intraobserver agreement) in identifying these abnormalities.
- The use of CT was also deemed reliable for detecting signs of PSD and the severity of the condition, paving the way for its use when high-field MRI, a more advanced diagnostic tool, is unavailable.
Implications of the Research
- This research validates the use of CT imaging as a reliable tool for diagnosing equine proximal suspensory desmitis and studying severity and disease progression.
- As a diagnostic tool, CT can reveal tissue abnormalities related to PSD, including bone and ligament changes that could prove crucial for devising treatment plans.
- These findings can potentially help veterinarians make more informed decisions when treating horses affected with PSD, particularly in situations where advanced imaging techniques like high-field MRI are unavailable.
Cite This Article
APA
Mu00fcller EMT, Vanderperren K, Merle R, Rheinfeld S, Leelamankong P, Lischer CJ, Ehrle A.
(2023).
Findings consistent with equine proximal suspensory desmitis can be reliably detected using computed tomography and differ between affected horses and controls.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13292 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitu00e4t Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals and Orthopedics of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitu00e4t Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Equine Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitu00e4t Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Equine Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitu00e4t Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Equine Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitu00e4t Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Equine Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitu00e4t Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
References
This article includes 25 references
- Gibson KT, Steel CM. Conditions of the suspensory ligament causing lameness in horses. Equine Vet Educ. 2002;14(1):39-50. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3292.2002.tb00137.x
- Meehan L, Labens R. Diagnosing desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament. Equine Vet Educ. 2016;28(6):335-343. doi:10.1111/eve.12331
- Gruyaert M, Pollard D, Dyson SJ. An investigation into the occurrence of, and risk factors for, concurrent suspensory ligament injuries in horses with hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy. Equine Vet Educ. 2020;32:173-182. doi:10.1111/eve.13187
- Toth F, Schumacher J, Schramme M, Holder T, Adair HS, Donnell RL. Compressive damage to the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve associated with lameness caused by proximal suspensory desmitis. Vet Surg. 2008;37(4):328-335. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00385.x
- Dyson S, Murray R, Pinilla MJ. Proximal suspensory desmopathy in hindlimbs: a correlative clinical, ultrasonographic, gross post mortem and histological study. Equine Vet J. 2017;49(1):65-72. doi:10.1111/evj.12563
- Hinkle FE, Selberg KT, Frisbie DD, Barrett MF. Radiographic changes of the proximal third metatarsal bone do not predict presence or severity of proximal suspensory desmopathy in a predominately Quarter Horse population. Equine Vet J. 2023;55(1):24-32. doi:10.1111/evj.13562
- Hinnigan G, Milner P, Talbot A, Singer E. Is anaesthesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve specific for the diagnosis of proximal metatarsal pain in the horse? Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2014;27(5):351-357. doi:10.3415/VCOT-13-12-0146
- Trump M, Siegenthaler E, Kircher PR, Furst A, Theiss F. Comparison of radiographic changes of the proximal third metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses with and without proximal suspensory desmitis. Pferdeheilkunde. 2014;30(6):671-676. doi:10.5167/uzh-100034
- Zauscher JM, Estrada R, Edinger J, Lischer CJ. The proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in the horse: how precise are ultrasonographic measurements? Equine Vet J. 2013;45(2):164-169. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00597.x
- Bischofberger AS, Konar M, Ohlertht S, etu00a0al. Magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and histology of the suspensory ligament origin: a comparative study of normal anatomy of Warmblood horses. Equine Vet J. 2006;38(6):508-516. doi:10.2746/042516406X156109
- Labens R, Schramme MC, Robertson ID, Thrall DE, Redding WR. Clinical, magnetic resonance, and sonographic imaging findings in horses with proximal plantar metatarsal pain. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2010;51(1):11-18. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01614.x
- van Veggel E, Selberg K, van der Velde-Hoogelander B, Bolas N, Vanderperren K, Bergman HJ. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the proximal metacarpal region in warmblood horses: 36 lame and 26 control limbs (2015-2021). 2021;8:714423. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.714423
- Barrett MF, Selberg KT, Johnson SA, Hersman J, Frisbie DD. High field magnetic resonance imaging contributes to diagnosis of equine distal tarsus and proximal metatarsus lesions: 103 horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2018;59(5):587-596. doi:10.1111/vru.12659
- Schramme M, Josson A, Linder K. Characterization of the origin and body of the normal equine rear suspensory ligament using ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histology. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2012;53(3):318-328. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8261.2011.01922.x
- Dyson S, Pinilla MJ, Bolas N, Murray R. Proximal suspensory desmopathy in hindlimbs: magnetic resonance imaging, gross post-mortem and histological study. Equine Vet J. 2018;50(2):159-165. doi:10.1111/evj.12756
- Vallance SA, Bell RJ, Spriet M, Kass PH, Puchalski SM. Comparison of computed tomography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and standing low-field magnestic resonance imaging in horses with lameness localised to the foot. Part 2: lesion identification. Equine Vet J. 2012;44(2):149-156. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00386.x
- Riggs CM. Computed tomography in equine orthopaedics-the next great leap? Equine Vet Educ. 2019;31(3):151-153. doi:10.1111/eve.12885
- Mathee N, Robert M, Higgerty SM, etu00a0al. Computed tomographic evaluation of the distal limb in the standing sedated horse: technique, imaging diagnoses, feasibility, and artifacts. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2022;64(2):243-252. doi:10.1111/vru.13182
- Mageed M. Standing computed tomography of the equine limb using a multi-slice helical scanner: technique and feasibility study. Equine Vet Educ. 2022;34(2):77-83. doi:10.1111/eve.13388
- Koch C, Pauwels F, Schweizer D. Technical set-up and case illustrations of orthopaedic cone beam computed tomography in the standing horse. Equine Vet Educ. 2020;33(5):255-262. doi:10.1111/eve.13290
- Brounts SH, Lund JR, Whitton RC, Ergun DL, Muir P. Use of a novel helical fan beam imaging system for computed tomography of the distal limb in sedated standing horses: 167 cases (2019-2020). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2022;260(11):1351-1360. doi:10.2460/javma.21.10.0439
- Launois MT, Vandeweerd JM, Perrin RA, Brogniez L, Desbrosse FG, Clegg PD. Use of computed tomography to diagnose new bone formation associated with desmitis of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in third metacarpal or third metatarsal bones of three horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009;234(4):514-518. doi:10.2460/javma.234.4.514
- Landis JR, Koch GG. The measurement of observer agreement for categorical data. Biometrics. 1977;33(1):159-174. doi:10.2307/2529310
- Dyson SJ. Proximal metacarpal and metatarsal pain: a diagnostic challenge. Equine Vet Educ. 2003;15(3):134-138. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3292.2003.tb00231.x
- Claunch KM, Eggleston RB, Baxter GM. Effects of approach and injection volume on diffusion of mepivacaine hydrochloride during local analgesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve in horses. J Am Vet Assoc. 2014;245(10):1153-1159. doi:10.2460/javma.245.10.1153
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Secure Payments
Satisfaction Guarantee
We offer a 60-day guarantee to ensure you are completely satisfied.
Fast & Free Shipping
We provide fast and free shipping on all orders over $40.