Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the proximal metacarpus in Quarter Horses used for cutting: Retrospective analysis of 32 horses 2009-2012.
Abstract: Injury to the proximal suspensory ligament is a common cause of lameness in cutting horses. Radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging of lesions responsible for lameness can provide ambiguous results. MRI provides the most comprehensive diagnostic imaging evaluation of lesions specifically affecting cutting horses. Objective: To describe the distribution and severity of bone and soft tissue lesions present in the proximal metacarpus of Quarter Horse cutting horses and to assess the impact of these lesions on return to competition. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 32 cutting horses referred for MRI of the proximal metacarpus between 2009 and 2012 with a 2-year follow-up period. MRI studies were evaluated by a board-certified veterinary radiologist; the severity of lesions was graded from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). Results: A total of 20 right and 24 left forelimbs (12 bilateral studies) of 32 horses were evaluated. The most common findings were: third metacarpal (McIII) sclerosis at the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) origin (42/44), McIII resorption at the PSL origin (32/44), PSL dorsal margin fibre irregularity (30/44) and McIII bone contusion (22/39). Of the 30 horses, 22 horses successfully returned to competition, irrespective of severity of injury. Strong correlation exists between the degree of resorption in the palmar cortex of proximal McIII, degree of McIII sclerosis and severity of dorsal margin fibre irregularity. Conclusions: Statistical significance was limited by small study population. Further analysis of prognosis was limited by availability of comprehensive medical records. Conclusions: Cutting horses with proximal metacarpal pain have significant pathological change within the proximal suspensory ligament and its enthesis on the palmar cortex of McIII. Severity of lesions and degree of lameness at the time of diagnosis does not influence return to performance. Accurate diagnosis of proximal metacarpal lesions based on MRI offers clinicians the capacity to select treatment protocols targeted to each disease process.
© 2017 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2017-09-21 PubMed ID: 28833365DOI: 10.1111/evj.12746Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This article explores a research study on the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing injuries in horses used for cutting. The injuries, specifically in the proximal metacarpus (a bone in the horse’s forelimb), are evaluated and linked to the horses’ ability to return to competition.
Overview of the Study
- The study is centered around an examination of 32 cutting horses referred for MRI of the proximal metacarpus between 2009 and 2012. The results were followed up on two years post-procedure.
- The MRI studies were conducted by a board-certified veterinary radiologist.
- The injuries were rated on a severity scale ranging from 0, denoting an absence of injury, to 3, indicating severe injury.
Key Findings
- The most common injuries identified were third metacarpal (McIII) sclerosis at the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) origin, McIII resorption at the PSL origin, PSL dorsal margin fiber irregularity, and McIII bone contusion.
- Out of the 30 horses, 22 were able to return to competition regardless of the severity of their injury.
- A strong correlation was found between the degree of resorption in the palmar cortex of proximal McIII, the degree of McIII sclerosis, and the severity of dorsal margin fiber irregularity.
Conclusions
- The study found significant pathological changes within the proximal suspensory ligament and its attachment, or enthesis, on the palmar cortex of McIII.
- Interestingly, the severity of the lesions and the degree of lameness at the time of diagnosis did not influence a horse’s return to performance.
- The use of MRI for accurate diagnosis allows clinicians to choose specific treatment protocols targeted to each disease process.
- Due to the small study population, the statistical significance of the findings is limited. Also, a broader analysis of prognosis was restricted by the unavailability of comprehensive medical records.
Cite This Article
APA
Barrett MF, Manchon PT, Hersman J, Kawcak CE.
(2017).
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the proximal metacarpus in Quarter Horses used for cutting: Retrospective analysis of 32 horses 2009-2012.
Equine Vet J, 50(2), 172-178.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12746 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Animal Imaging, Irving, Texas, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Metacarpus / diagnostic imaging
- Metacarpus / injuries
- Retrospective Studies
- Sports
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Guest DJ, Birch HL, Thorpe CT. A review of the equine suspensory ligament: Injury prone yet understudied. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1167-1182.
- van Veggel ECS, Vanderperren K, Selberg KT, Bergman HJ, Hoogelander B. The Evolution of Lesions on Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Proximal Metacarpal Region in Non-Racing Sport Horses That Returned to Work (2015-2023). Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 8;14(12).
- van Veggel E, Selberg K, van der Velde-Hoogelander B, Bolas N, Vanderperren K, Bergman HJ. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Proximal Metacarpal Region in Warmblood Horses: 36 Lame and 26 Control Limbs (2015-2021). Front Vet Sci 2021;8:714423.
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