Magnetic resonance imaging findings of desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint.
Abstract: We report the use of a low-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system for the detection of desmopathy of the collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint and the long-term outcome. Twenty horses were studied and their medical records and MR images were reviewed retrospectively. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephonic questionnaires of owners, trainers, or referring veterinarians. Desmopathy of the medial collateral ligament (80%) and enthesopathy of the affected collateral ligament (80%) were common MR imaging features. Treatment consisted of stall rest followed by a rehabilitation period. Additional treatments included shoeing, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, application of a half limb or foot cast, and medication of the distal interphalangeal joint. Twelve (60%) horses returned to their previous level of exercise and maintained their previous level, whereas eight horses had a poor outcome. Low-field MR imaging in the standing patient can be used to detect collateral ligament desmopathy of the distal interphalangeal joint without a need for general anesthesia.
Publication Date: 2009-02-27 PubMed ID: 19241750DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2008.01485.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Case Reports
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Study
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Treatment
- Distal Interphalangeal Joint
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Ligaments
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Musculoskeletal System
- Rehabilitation
- Retrospective Study
- Stall Rest
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The researchers have used a low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to monitor collateral ligament desmopathy in the distal interphalangeal joint among 20 horses, and tracked the long-term outcomes. The study revealed that low-field MRI can be utilized in standing patients without requiring general anesthesia.
Methodology and Participants
- The study involved 20 horses with a complete medical record and retrievable MRI images. The records and images were retrospectively analyzed to understand collateral ligament desmopathy.
- The horses’ long-term conditions were assessed through telephonic discussions with their owners, trainers or referring veterinarians.
MRI Findings
- The use of a low-field MRI system helped in the detection of both desmopathy and enthesopathy in the horses’ medial collateral ligament- each occurring in 80% of the studied horses.
- The MRI also served as a viable alternative to general anesthesia since it was effective in standing patients.
Treatment Administered
- Post-detection, the horses were kept under stall rest and subsequently underwent a rehabilitation period.
- Other treatments that were provided included shoeing, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, the application of a half limb or foot cast, and medicating the distal interphalangeal joint.
Outcome Overview
- The outcomes were varied. Out of the 20 horses, 12 (60%) were able to return to their previous level of exercise and continue with it.
- However, 8 horses had a poor outcome, showing that the condition and subsequent treatments potentially had a negative impact on some horses’ ability to exercise as before.
Impact of Findings
- This study demonstrates that using MRI systems to detect desmopathy in horses could lead to inception of effective treatments and potentially allow the animals to return to former exercise levels.
- The utilization of MRI has also demonstrated the possibility of diagnosing equine conditions without the need for general anesthesia.
Cite This Article
APA
Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, White NA, Werpy NM, Tyrrell L, Allen KA, Sullins KE, Mitchell RD.
(2009).
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 50(1), 21-31.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2008.01485.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 1938, Leesburg, VA 20177, USA. gutierre@vt.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Collateral Ligaments / anatomy & histology
- Collateral Ligaments / pathology
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Joint Diseases / diagnosis
- Joint Diseases / pathology
- Joint Diseases / therapy
- Joint Diseases / veterinary
- Lameness, Animal / pathology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Male
- Prognosis
- Reproducibility of Results
- Rest
- Retrospective Studies
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Toe Joint / anatomy & histology
- Toe Joint / pathology
- Treatment Outcome
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