Analyze Diet
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(13); doi: 10.3390/ani14131866

Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract: Pain localised to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) region represents a frequent cause of lameness in sport horses, and standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of these regions is increasingly being acquired. This multicentre retrospective study describes the ranges of abnormalities identified on standing MRI of the MCP/MTP region and compares patterns of abnormalities between forelimbs, hindlimbs and different sports disciplines. In total, 341 MRI reports were reviewed. Subchondral bone plate irregularities, condylar and proximal phalanx pathologies were frequently identified with subchondral bone defect, sclerosis and increased intensity on STIR images often described. Medial pathology was frequently identified in the forelimbs, and more lateral pathology was reported in the hindlimbs, which could potentially reflect differences in the loading patterns. Significant differences in MRI findings were found between different sports activities, with MCP/MTP bone pathology occurring more frequently in MRI reports from race and endurance horses and MCP/MTP soft tissue injuries being reported more frequently in dressage and show-jumping horses, particularly in the suspensory apparatus, including the distal sesamoidean ligaments. The findings of this study identify patterns of MCP/MTP abnormalities detected using standing MRI, with differences seen between forelimbs and hindlimbs and between different sports disciplines.
Publication Date: 2024-06-25 PubMed ID: 38997978PubMed Central: PMC11240673DOI: 10.3390/ani14131866Google 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.

The research presents a detailed analysis of the types and patterns of injuries in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) regions in horses, based on data from standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study highlights differences noted in injuries between forelimbs and hindlimbs, and across different sporting disciplines.

Methodology and Findings

  • The researchers conducted a multi-centre retrospective study reviewing 341 MRI reports of sport horses with pain located in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) region. The use of standing MRI provides a non-invasive method of observing musculoskeletal structures effectively while the horse is standing and conscious.
  • Through analysis of these reports, the team identified common sites of injury, including subchondral bone plate irregularities, condylar abnormalities andpathologies in the proximal phalanges.
  • Additionally, frequently observed conditions were subchondral bone defects, sclerosis (hardening of tissue), and increased image intensity in Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) images, which help visualize fluid and pathological changes on MRI.

Patterns of Pathologies and Sports Disciplines

  • Medial pathologies were more common in the forelimbs, while lateral injuries were more reported in the hindlimbs. The authors suggest these differences could potentially be due to varying load patterns for the fore and hind limbs.
  • They also noticed significant differences in MRI findings across different sports activities. Bone-related issues in the MCP/MTP region were more common in race and endurance horses. In contrast, soft tissue injuries in the same region were more frequent in dressage and show-jumping horses, particularly involving the suspensory apparatus such as the distal sesamoidean ligaments.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The high occurrence of MCP/MTP region injuries in sports horses can lead to performance issues and lameness, underscoring the importance of understanding these injury patterns better.
  • The research contributes to the understanding of patterns in MCP/MTP region abnormalities and the impact of different sports activities on the types of injuries seen in horses. This can aid in the development of targeted therapeutic and preventative measures for sport horses.
  • It is suggested that this preliminary research could be furthered, for instance, to explore injury prevention and recovery strategies that take into account the specific stresses associated with different sports.

Cite This Article

APA
Schiavo S, Beccati F, Pokora R, Lin ST, Milmine RC, Bak L, Peter VG, Murray RC. (2024). Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Animals (Basel), 14(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131866

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 13

Researcher Affiliations

Schiavo, Stefano
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Beccati, Francesca
  • Sports Horse Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
Pokora, Rachel
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Lin, Szu Ting
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
Milmine, Rebecca C
  • Dubai Equine Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 9373, United Arab Emirates.
Bak, Lars
  • Høejgård Equine Hospital, 8270 Højbjerg, Denmark.
Peter, Vanessa G
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Murray, Rachel C
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

This article includes 77 references
  1. Dyson S.J., Murray R.C.. Osseous trauma in the fetlock region of mature sports horses. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention; San Antonio, TX, USA. 2–6 December 2006; pp. 443–456.
  2. Riggs C., Whitehouse G., Boyde A.. Pathology of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones of the horse. Equine Vet. J. 1999;31:140–148.
  3. Riggs C., Whitehouse G., Boyde A.. Structural variation of the distal condyle of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones in the horse. Equine Vet. J. 1999;31:130–139.
  4. Pool R.R.. Multidisciplinary investigation of the aetiopathogenesis of parasagittal fractures of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones of Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet. J. 1999;31:96.
  5. Gonzalez L.M., Schramme M.C., Robertson I.D., Thrall D.E., Redding R.W.. MRI features of metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal region lameness in 40 horses. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2010;51:404–414.
  6. Zubrod C.J., Schneider R.K., Tucker R.L., Gavin P.R., Ragle C.A., Farnsworth K.D.. Use of magnetic resonance imaging for identifying subchondral bone damage in horses: 11 cases (1999–2003). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2004;224:411–418.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2004.224.411pubmed: 14765802google scholar: lookup
  7. Sherlock C.E., Mair T.S., Braake F.. Osseous lesions in the metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal joint diagnosed using low-field magnetic resonance imaging in standing horses. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2009;50:13–20.
  8. Bachmann G.F., Basad E., Rauber K., Damian M.S., Rau W.S.. Degenerative joint disease on MRI and physical activity: A clinical study of the knee joint in 320 patients. Eur. Radiol. 1999;9:145–152.
    doi: 10.1007/s003300050646pubmed: 9933399google scholar: lookup
  9. Dyson S.J., Murray R.C.. Magnetic resonance imaging of the equine fetlock. Clin. Tech. Equine Pract. 2007;6:62–77.
  10. Smith M.A., Dyson S.J., Rachel C.M.. The appearance of the equine metacarpophalangeal region on high-field vs. standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2011;52:61–70.
  11. Auth A.K., Hinnigan G.J., Smith M.A., Owen K.R.. Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Fetlock Region of Nonracehorses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2024;132:104938.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104938pubmed: 37832699google scholar: lookup
  12. Tranquille C., Parkin T., Murray R.. Magnetic resonance imaging-detected adaptation and pathology in the distal condyles of the third metacarpus, associated with lateral condylar fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet. J. 2012;44:699–706.
  13. Tranquille C., Murray R., Parkin T.. Can we use subchondral bone thickness on high-field magnetic resonance images to identify Thoroughbred racehorses at risk of catastrophic lateral condylar fracture?. Equine Vet. J. 2017;49:167–171.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12574pubmed: 27030308google scholar: lookup
  14. Olive J., D’Anjou M.A., Alexander K., Laverty S., Theoret C.. Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and radiography for assessment of noncartilaginous changes in equine metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2010;51:267–279.
  15. O’Brien T., Baker T.A., Brounts S.H., Sample S.J., Markel M.D., Scollay M.C., Marquis P., Muir P.. Detection of articular pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone in thoroughbred racehorses: Comparison of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Vet. Surg. 2011;40:942–951.
  16. Olive J., D’anjou M.A., Girard C., Laverty S., Theoret C.. Fat-suppressed spoiled gradient-recalled imaging of equine metacarpophalangeal articular cartilage. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2010;51:107–115.
  17. Olive J., D’anjou M.A., Girard C., Laverty S., Theoret C.L.. Imaging and histological features of central subchondral osteophytes in racehorses with metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis. Equine Vet. J. 2009;41:859–864.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409X448481pubmed: 20383982google scholar: lookup
  18. Powell S.. Low-field standing magnetic resonance imaging findings of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint of racing Thoroughbreds with lameness localised to the region: A retrospective study of 131 horses. Equine Vet. J. 2012;44:169–177.
  19. Gold S.J., Werpy N.M., Gutierrez-Nibeyro S.D.. Injuries of the Sagittal Groove of the Proximal Phalanx in Warmblood Horses Detected with Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging: 19 Cases (2007–2016). Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2017;58:344–353.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.12488pubmed: 28281306google scholar: lookup
  20. Faulkner J.E., Joostens Z., Broeckx B.J.G., Hauspie S., Mariën T., Vanderperren K.. Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses. Animals 2024;14:34.
    doi: 10.3390/ani14010034pmc: PMC10778323pubmed: 38200766google scholar: lookup
  21. Sampson S.N., Schneider R.K., Tucker R.L., Gavin P.R., Zubrod C.J., Ho C.P.. Magnetic resonance imaging features of oblique and straight distal sesamoidean desmitis in 27 horses. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2007;48:303–311.
  22. Smith S., Dyson S.J., Murray C.M.. Magnetic resonance Imaging of the distal sesamoidean ligament injury. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2008;49:516–528.
  23. Elemmawy Y.M., Senna N.A., Abu-Seida A.M., Youssef A.F.. Suspensory branch desmitis in a horse: Ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and gross postmortem findings. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2019;80:49–55.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.06.008pubmed: 31443833google scholar: lookup
  24. Labens R., Schramme M.C., Murray R.C., Bolas N.. Standing low-field MRI of the equine proximal metacarpal/metatarsal region is considered useful for diagnosing primary bone pathology and makes a positive contribution to case management: A prospective survey study. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2020;61:197–205.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.12824pubmed: 31800146google scholar: lookup
  25. Murray R.C., Tranquille C.A., Walker V.A., Milmine R.C., Bak L., Tacey J.B., Bolas N.M.. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the proximal metacarpal region of 359 horses and proximal metatarsal region of 64 horses acquired under standing sedation. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2020;94:103268.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103268pubmed: 33077090google scholar: lookup
  26. Murray R.C., Walters J.M., Snart H., Dyson S.J., Parkin T.D.. Identification of risk factors for lameness in dressage horses. Vet. J. 2010;184:27–36.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.020pubmed: 19369100google scholar: lookup
  27. Murray R.C., Dyson S.J., Tranquille C.A., Adams V.. Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis. Equine Vet. J. 2006;38:411–416.
  28. Egenvall A., Tranquille C.A., Lönnell A.C., Bitschnau C., Oomen A., Hernlund E., Montavon S., Franko M.A., Murray R.C., Weishaupto M.A.. Days-lost to training and competition in relation to workload in 263 elite show-jumping horses in four European countries. Prev. Vet. Med. 2013;112:387–400.
  29. Leach D.H.. Assessment of bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion. Vet. Comp. Orthop. Traumatol. 1989;2:49–54.
  30. McD○ L.A., Stover S.M., Coleman K.. Limb loading activity of adult horses confined to box stalls in an equine hospital barn. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2000;61:234–237.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.234pubmed: 10714511google scholar: lookup
  31. Demes B., Larson S.G., Stern J.T., Jr., Jungers W.L., Biknevicius A.R., Schmitt D.. The kinetics of primate quadrupedalism: “hindlimb drive” reconsidered. J. Hum. Evol. 1994;26:353–374.
    doi: 10.1006/jhev.1994.1023google scholar: lookup
  32. Gustås P., Johnston C., Roepstorff L., Drevemo S., Lanshammar H.. Relationships between fore-and hindlimb ground reaction force and hoof deceleration patterns in trotting horses. Equine Vet. J. 2004;36:737–742.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044848136pubmed: 15656507google scholar: lookup
  33. Stubbs N., Menke E., Back W., Clayton H.M.. Equine Locomotion. 2nd ed. Elsevier, Ltd.; London, UK: 2013. Rehabilitation of the locomotor apparatus; pp. 381–417.
  34. Back W., Schamhardt H.C., Hartman W., Barneveld A.. Kinematic differences between the distal portions of the forelimbs and hind limbs of horses at the trot. Am. J. Vet. Res. 1995;56:1522–1528.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.1995.56.11.1522pubmed: 8585667google scholar: lookup
  35. Firth E.C., Schamhardt H.C., Hartman W.. Measurements of bone strain in foals with altered foot balance. Am. J. Vet. Res. 1988;49:261–265.
    pubmed: 3348536
  36. Den Hartog S.M., Back W., Brommer H., Van Weeren P.R.. In vitro evaluation of metacarpophalangeal joint loading during simulated walk. Equine Vet. J. 2009;41:214–217.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409X395570pubmed: 19469223google scholar: lookup
  37. Trope G.D., Anderson G.A., Whitton R.C.. Patterns of scintigraphic uptake in the fetlock joint of Thoroughbred racehorses and the effect of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the distal metacarpal/tarsal condyle on performance. Equine Vet. J. 2011;43:509–515.
  38. Harrison S.M., Whitton R.C., Kawcak C.E., Stover S.M., Pandy M.G.. Evaluation of a subject-specific finite-element model of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint under physiological load. J. Biomech. 2014;47:65–73.
  39. McCarty C.A., Thomason J.J., Gordon K., Hurtig M., Bignell W.. Effect of hoof angle on joint contact area in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint following simulated impact loading ex vivo. Equine Vet. J. 2015;47:715–720.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12354pubmed: 25237779google scholar: lookup
  40. Alrtib A.M., Philip C.J., Abdunnabi A.H., Davies H.M.. Morphometrical study of bony elements of the forelimb fetlock joints in horses. Anat. Histol. Embryol. 2013;42:9–20.
  41. Lesca H., Fairburn A., Sherlock C., Mair T.. The use of advanced vs. conventional imaging modalities for the diagnosis of subchondral bone injuries. Equine Vet. Educ. 2022;34:443–448.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13619google scholar: lookup
  42. Ammann L., Ohlerth S., Fürst A.E., Jackson M.A.. Differences of morphological attributes between 62 proximal and distal subchondral cystic lesions of the proximal phalanx as determined by radiography and computed tomography. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2022;83:ajvr.22.04.0071.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.22.04.0071pubmed: 36315450google scholar: lookup
  43. Norrdin R.W., Bay B.K., Drews M.J., Martin R.B., Stover S.M.. Overload arthrosis: Strain patterns in the equine metacarpal condyle. J. Musculoskelet. Neuronal Interact. 2001;1:357–362.
    pubmed: 15758486
  44. Firth E.C., Rogers C.W.. Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses to early training. Conclusions. N. Z. Vet. J. 2005;53:377–383.
    doi: 10.1080/00480169.2005.36581pubmed: 16317437google scholar: lookup
  45. Reilly G.C., Currey J.D., Goodship A.E.. Exercise of young thoroughbred horses increases impact strength of the third metacarpal bone. J. Orthop. Res. 1997;15:862–868.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.1100150611pubmed: 9497811google scholar: lookup
  46. Brama P.A.J., Karssenberg D., Barneveld A., Weeren P.R.. Contact areas and pressure distribution on the proximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx under sagittal plane loading. Equine Vet. J. 2001;33:26–32.
    doi: 10.2746/042516401776767377pubmed: 11191606google scholar: lookup
  47. Dyson S., Nagy A., Murray R.. Clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in horses with subchondral bone trauma of the sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2011;52:596–604.
  48. Singer E., Garcia T., Stover S.. How Does Bone Strain Vary between the Third Metacarpal and the Proximal Phalangeal Bones of the Equine Distal Limb?. J. Biomech. 2021;123:110455.
  49. Noble P., Singer E.R., Jeffery N.S.. Does Subchondral Bone of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Adapt to Race Training?. J. Anat. 2016;229:104–113.
    doi: 10.1111/joa.12478pmc: PMC5341590pubmed: 27075139google scholar: lookup
  50. Davidson E.J.. Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse. 2nd ed. Elsevier Health Sciences; London, UK: 2010. Pathophysiology and clinical diagnosis of cortical and subchondral bone injury; pp. 935–946.
  51. Rubio-Martínez L.M., Cruz A.M., Gordon K., Hurtig M.B.. Mechanical properties of subchondral bone in the distal aspect of third metacarpal bones from Thoroughbred racehorses. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2008;69:1423–1433.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.69.11.1423pubmed: 18980424google scholar: lookup
  52. Paris A., Beccati F., Pepe M.. Type, prevalence, and risk factors for the development of orthopedic injuries in endurance horses during training and competition. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2021;258:1109–1118.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.258.10.1109pubmed: 33944587google scholar: lookup
  53. Nagy A.. Characteristics of Orthopaedic Problems in endurance horses. Vet. Times. 2011;41:26–29.
  54. Kenkre J.S., Bassett J.H.D.. The bone remodelling cycle. Ann. Clin. Biochem. 2018;55:308–327.
    doi: 10.1177/0004563218759371pubmed: 29368538google scholar: lookup
  55. Fonseca H., Moreira-Gonçalves D., Coriolano H.J.A., Duarte J.A.. Bone quality: The determinants of bone strength and fragility. Sports Med. 2014;44:37–53.
    doi: 10.1007/s40279-013-0100-7pubmed: 24092631google scholar: lookup
  56. Lin S.-T., Foote A.K., Bolas N.M., Peter V.G., Pokora R., Patrick H., Sargan D.R., Murray R.C.. Three-Dimensional Imaging and Histopathological Features of Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove Fissures in Thoroughbred Horses. Animals 2023;13:2912.
    doi: 10.3390/ani13182912pmc: PMC10525482pubmed: 37760312google scholar: lookup
  57. Nagy A., Boros K., Dyson S.. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 40 Non-Lame Thoroughbred Yearlings. Animals 2023;13:3466.
    doi: 10.3390/ani13223466pmc: PMC10668665pubmed: 38003084google scholar: lookup
  58. Olive J., Serraud N., Vila T., Germain J.P.. Metacarpophalangeal Joint Injury Patterns on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Comparison in Racing Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2017;58:588–597.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.12512pubmed: 28516447google scholar: lookup
  59. Plevin S., McLellan J.. The effect of insertional suspensory branch desmitis on racing performance in juvenile Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet. J. 2014;46:451–457.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12161pubmed: 23937263google scholar: lookup
  60. Plevin S., McLellan J., O’Keeffe T.. Association between sesamoiditis, subclinical ultrasonographic suspensory ligament branch change and subsequent clinical injury in yearling Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet. J. 2016;48:543–547.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12497pubmed: 26282863google scholar: lookup
  61. McLellan J., Plevin S.. Do radiographic signs of sesamoiditis in yearling Thoroughbreds predispose the development of suspensory ligament branch injury?. Equine Vet. J. 2014;46:446–450.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12154pubmed: 23909567google scholar: lookup
  62. Misheff M.M., Alexander G.R., Hirst G.R.. Management of fractures in endurance horses. Equine Vet. Educ. 2010;22:623–630.
  63. Robert C.. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. WB Saunders; Philadelphia, PA, USA: 2014. Veterinary aspects of training and racing endurance horses; pp. 1083–1106.
  64. Nagy A., Dyson S.J., Murray J.K.. A veterinary review of endurance riding as an international competitive sport. Vet. J. 2012;194:288–293.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.06.022pubmed: 22819800google scholar: lookup
  65. Nagy A., Dyson S.. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 31 Warmblood Showjumpers in Full Work and Competing Regularly. Animals 2024;14:1417.
    doi: 10.3390/ani14101417pmc: PMC11117305pubmed: 38791635google scholar: lookup
  66. Crevier-Denoix N., Munoz-Nates F., Camus M., Ravary-Plumioen B., Hamme A.V., Litaise C., Pourcelot P.. Kinetics and distal limb kinematics of the forelimb of 3 jumping horses at landing after a jump: Effects of the fence’s height. Comput. Meth. Biomech. Biomed. Eng. 2019;22:S126–S128.
  67. Smith M.R.W., Wright I.M.. Are There Radiologically Identifiable Prodromal Changes in Thoroughbred Racehorses with Parasagittal Fractures of the Proximal Phalanx?. Equine Vet. J. 2014;46:88–91.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12093pubmed: 23663185google scholar: lookup
  68. Lipreri G., Bladon B.M., Giorio M.E., Singer E.R.. Conservative versus Surgical Treatment of 21 Sports Horses with Osseous Trauma in the Proximal Phalangeal Sagittal Groove Diagnosed by Low-Field MRI. Vet. Surg. 2018;47:908–915.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.12936pmc: PMC6690071pubmed: 30216476google scholar: lookup
  69. King J.N., Zubrod C.J., Schneider R.K., Sampson S.N., Roberts G.. MRI findings in 232 horses with lameness localized to the metacarpo (tarso) phalangeal region and without a radiographic diagnosis. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2013;54:36–47.
  70. Routh J., Strang C., Gilligan S., Dyson S.J.. An investigation of the association between hindlimb conformation and suspensory desmopathy in sports horses. Equine Vet. Educ. 2020;32:183–192.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13089google scholar: lookup
  71. Dyson S.. Suspensory branch injuries in sports horses and racehorses. UK-Vet Equine 2018;2:90–96.
    doi: 10.12968/ukve.2018.2.3.90google scholar: lookup
  72. Ellis K.L., Barrett M.F., Selberg K.T., Frisbie D.D.. Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological evaluation of equine oblique sesamoidean ligaments. Equine Vet. J. 2020;52:522–530.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13213pubmed: 31785167google scholar: lookup
  73. Dyson S.. Diagnosis and management of common suspensory lesions in the forelimbs and hindlimbs of sport horses. Clin. Tech. Equine Pract. 2007;6:179–188.
  74. Hawkins A., O’Leary L., Bolt D., Fiske-Jackson A., Berner D., Smith R.. Retrospective analysis of oblique and straight distal sesamoidean ligament desmitis in 52 horses. Equine Vet. J. 2022;54:312–322.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13438pubmed: 33567104google scholar: lookup
  75. Fairburn A., Busschers V., Barr A.. Subclinical ultrasonographic abnormalities of the suspensory ligament branches in National Hunt horses. Equine Vet. J. 2017;49:475–479.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12639pubmed: 27662244google scholar: lookup
  76. Ramzan P.H.L., Powell S.E.. Clinical and Imaging Features of Suspected Prodromal Fracture of the Proximal Phalanx in Three Thoroughbred Racehorses. Equine Vet. J. 2010;42:164–169.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409X478695pubmed: 20156254google scholar: lookup
  77. Van Heel M.C.V., Barneveld A., Van Weeren P.R., Back W.. Dynamic pressure measurements for the detailed study of hoof balance: The effect of trimming. Equine Vet. J. 2004;36:778–782.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044847993pubmed: 15656515google scholar: lookup