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Imaging Diagnosis: Imaging Diagnosis of Lateral Plantar Digital Vein Thrombosis in a Yearling Thoroughbred.
Abstract: A 1-year-old thoroughbred filly was referred to the Washington State Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 4-month history of left hind limb swelling, from the mid metatarsus to the distal pastern, without lameness. Previous imaging (digital radiographs, ultrasound, and low-field magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) was inconclusive, with a tentative diagnosis of lymphatic drainage impairment. A high-field MRI diagnosed left lateral plantar digital vein thrombosis, with secondary lymphatic dilation and edema. The filly was discharged with rehabilitation instructions and resumed exercise shortly after. No lameness was observed, and swelling significantly decreased over time. This case highlights the benefit of magnetic resonance in diagnosing previously unreported equine vascular conditions.
© 2026 The Author(s). Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2026-07-11 PubMed ID: 42433000DOI: 10.1111/vru.70207Google 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.
- Case Reports
- 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.
Imaging techniques, particularly high-field MRI, were used to diagnose a rare case of lateral plantar digital vein thrombosis in a young thoroughbred horse, which was previously misdiagnosed.
Case Background
- A 1-year-old thoroughbred filly presented with a 4-month history of swelling in the left hind limb.
- Swelling extended from the mid metatarsus to the distal pastern area.
- No lameness was observed despite the swelling.
- Initial imaging modalities, including digital radiographs, ultrasound, and low-field MRI, were inconclusive, leading to an initial tentative diagnosis of lymphatic drainage impairment.
Diagnostic Process
- The horse was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for further evaluation.
- High-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for more detailed imaging.
- High-field MRI identified lateral plantar digital vein thrombosis, a vascular condition not previously reported in horses.
- Secondary changes including lymphatic dilation and edema were also observed, indicating the impact of the thrombosis on adjacent tissues.
Treatment and Outcome
- The filly was discharged with rehabilitation instructions to manage the condition conservatively.
- Exercise was resumed shortly after discharge.
- No lameness developed during rehabilitation, which suggests controlled progression or resolution of the vascular issue.
- The swelling significantly decreased over time, indicating that the thrombosis and associated secondary effects were resolving or stabilizing.
Significance of the Case
- This case is the first reported instance of lateral plantar digital vein thrombosis in a horse, demonstrating a previously unrecognized equine vascular condition.
- High-field MRI proved superior to other imaging methods for diagnosing small vascular abnormalities in equine limbs.
- The study emphasizes the utility of advanced imaging modalities in diagnosing complex or unusual veterinary cases that may be missed by traditional imaging techniques.
- Veterinarians might consider including vascular pathology in differential diagnoses when unexplained limb swelling occurs without lameness.
Cite This Article
APA
Garcia-Collao MR, Sanclemente JL, Larriva DS, Roberts GD, Ragle CA.
(2026).
Imaging Diagnosis: Imaging Diagnosis of Lateral Plantar Digital Vein Thrombosis in a Yearling Thoroughbred.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 67(4), e70207.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.70207 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
References
This article includes 14 references
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