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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiogr...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(10); 1417; doi: 10.3390/ani14101417

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 31 Warmblood Showjumpers in Full Work and Competing Regularly.

Abstract: There is a limited description of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and no information on computed tomographic (CT) findings in the fetlock of non-lame, non-racing sports horses. This study aimed to document comparative CT, MRI and radiographic findings in the metacarpophalangeal joints of showjumpers in full work. Clinical and gait assessments, low-field MRI, fan-beam CT and radiographic examinations of both metacarpophalangeal joints were performed on 31 showjumpers. Images were analysed descriptively. In most limbs (53/62, 85.5%), there were CT and MRI changes consistent with densification in the sagittal ridge and/or condyles of the third metacarpal bone (McIII). Hypoattenuation (subchondral bone resorption) was seen in CT reconstructions in the metacarpal condyle dorsoproximally (n = 2) and dorsodistally (n = 1), in the sagittal groove (n = 2) and medial fovea (n = 1) of the proximal phalanx. The McIII resorptive lesions were detected on MR images but not the proximal phalanx lesions. None were identified on radiographs. In conclusion, MRI and CT abnormalities previously associated with lameness were seen in the front fetlocks of showjumpers without relevant lameness. Densification in the sagittal ridge and the metacarpal condyles likely reflects an adaptive change to exercise. Subchondral bone resorption may indicate an early stage of disease; follow-up information is needed to establish its clinical significance.
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Publication Date: 2024-05-09 PubMed ID: 38791635PubMed Central: PMC11117305DOI: 10.3390/ani14101417Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 aims to document and compare CT, MRI, and radiographic imaging data from the joints of fully working showjumping horses, even though there are typically minimal or nonexistent symptoms of lameness. The study reveals that MRI and CT abnormalities, previously associated with lameness, were observed in the horses’ front fetlocks despite the absence of obvious lameness symptoms.

Methodology and Findings

  • The study conducted clinical and gait assessments on 31 showjumpers, followed by low-field MRI, fan-beam CT, and radiographic examinations focused on both metacarpophalangeal joints for each horse.
  • The images from these studies were then analyzed descriptively.
  • In most of the horses studied (53 out of 62 limbs, which is 85.5%), CT and MRI showed changes parallel to densification, which occurs mainly in the sagittal ridge and/or condyles of the third metacarpal bone (McIII).
  • In certain areas, hypoattenuation or subchondral bone resorption was observed in CT reconstructions, including the metacarpal condyle dorsoproximally and dorsodistally, the sagittal groove, and the medial fovea of the proximal phalanx.
  • While MRI could detect McIII resorptive lesions, lesions in the proximal phalanx were not identifiable through this method. Radiographs did not show any of these identified lesions.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Despite none of the participating horses showing symptoms of lameness, several MRI and CT abnormalities were noted in the front fetlocks of these horses. These abnormalities have been previously correlated with lameness.
  • Densification in the sagittal ridge and metacarpal condyles are believed to be adaptive changes resulting from regular strenuous exercise, a common aspect in the life of a showjumping horse.
  • The detected instances of subchondral bone resorption could be indicative of an early disease stage. However, more data is needed from follow-up studies to confirm the clinical significance of this finding.

Cite This Article

APA
Nagy A, Dyson S. (2024). Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 31 Warmblood Showjumpers in Full Work and Competing Regularly. Animals (Basel), 14(10), 1417. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101417

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 10
PII: 1417

Researcher Affiliations

Nagy, Annamaria
  • Department and Clinic of Equine Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Dóra Major, 2225 Üllő, Hungary.
Dyson, Sue
  • The Cottage, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, UK.

Grant Funding

  • FK 138825 / National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Hungary from the National Research
  • u00daNKP-22-5 / New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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