Imaging of the Equine Abdomen Using Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)-A Resource for the Equine Practitioner.

Overview

• This research article reviews the use of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) for evaluating the equine abdomen, particularly in horses presenting with colic, aiming to serve as a practical resource for equine veterinarians.

Introduction to POCUS in Equine Medicine

• POCUS refers to the use of portable, often wireless, ultrasound devices that allow for immediate bedside imaging.
• Recent technological advancements have made wireless ultrasound probes widely available and affordable for equine practitioners.
• These devices are particularly valuable in evaluating horses with colic, a common and urgent equine health problem.
• Unlike more complex imaging modalities, POCUS provides quick, real-time assessment that can guide diagnosis and treatment decisions in the field or clinic.

Importance and Relevance

• Both human and veterinary healthcare fields have recognized a need for greater understanding and utilization of POCUS in gastrointestinal assessments.
• In equine practice, POCUS is valuable for evaluating abdominal structures and gastrointestinal function without the need for referral or specialized imaging facilities.
• The technique supports serial monitoring, meaning the horse’s condition can be repeatedly evaluated over time using the same immediate, bedside tool.

Study Design and Methods

• The article is a narrative review, synthesizing current literature about abdominal ultrasound in horses.
• It also compares and contrasts the uses of POCUS in human healthcare, drawing on recent publications to enrich veterinary understanding.
• The review integrates the authors’ own clinical experiences with POCUS in cases of equine abdominal conditions, providing practical insights.
• Common sonographic views are described to familiarize practitioners with typical imaging perspectives.

Findings and Contributions

• The article details specific sonographic views useful for evaluating the equine abdomen, helping clinicians identify important anatomical landmarks and pathology.
• Representative ultrasound images are presented as visual examples to assist in interpretation and application of the technique.
• Through distillation of existing knowledge and practical guidance, the review aims to boost confidence and skill among equine practitioners in using POCUS.
• The resource helps promote a standardized and effective approach to ultrasound-based abdominal assessment in horses.

Practical Implications for Equine Practitioners

• Equine practitioners can use this resource to enhance their diagnostic capabilities, particularly in urgent colic cases.
• POCUS allows for rapid, non-invasive assessment that can inform decisions such as whether referral for surgery is needed.
• The review supports adoption of POCUS as a routine part of veterinary evaluation to improve patient outcomes.
• It encourages ongoing learning and practice in ultrasound imaging to maintain clinical proficiency.

Summary

• This article emphasizes the expanding role of point of care ultrasound in equine abdominal evaluation.
• By providing a comprehensive literature review combined with practical imaging protocols and images, it serves as an educational and clinical tool for equine veterinarians.
• The work highlights the value of accessible, real-time ultrasound to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and management of gastrointestinal conditions in horses.