Magnetic resonance imaging findings in horses with recent onset navicular syndrome but without radiographic abnormalities.

The research explores the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate navicular syndrome in horses when no abnormalities can be detected via traditional radiographic methods. With MRI, various abnormalities were discovered, thus providing a more comprehensive diagnosis that guides more precise treatment strategies.

Study Design and Results

• The study involved 72 horses with a recent onset of navicular syndrome, with normal radiographs. All these horses underwent MRI scans of both front feet.
• The researchers found differing abnormalities amongst the horses. The most severe abnormality, found in 33% of the horses, was abnormal signal intensity in the navicular bone. Other findings included pathologic changes in the deep digital flexor tendon (18%), collateral sesamoidean ligament (15%), distal sesamoidean impar ligament (10%), and multiple abnormalities (18%). Only 5% of the horses did not show any abnormalities in the navicular bone or its supporting soft tissues.

Application of Findings

• The study indicates that MR imaging can be a valuable technique for assessing horses with navicular syndrome, especially where traditional methods fail to detect any abnormalities.
• The MRI findings allowed the researchers to differentiate between multiple abnormalities. This differentiation can lead to more specific diagnoses, and by extension, more effective treatment strategies for affected horses.
• It’s also noted that pathologic changes in different parts of the foot can result in similar clinical signs that, before the introduction of MR imaging, were categorized as one syndrome. This means that the use of MRI can provide more detailed, precise diagnoses beyond a generalized ‘navicular syndrome’ label.

Takeaway

The study underlines the importance of MRI in the diagnosis of navicular syndrome in horses. The technology can detect abnormalities not visible on radiographs, leading to better-informed diagnoses, and thus more specific, effective treatment plans. Plus, it highlights the risk of misrecognition when relying solely on traditional methods, given that various pathologic changes can mimic the clinical signs of navicular syndrome.