Radiologic anatomic variation of the carpus in horses with carpal lameness and control horses.
Abstract: Our purpose was to describe the variation of the radiologic appearance of the carpus of horses of different breeds, discipline, and gender with lameness related to the carpus and control horses, with particular reference to the ulnar carpal bone. Two hundred and eighty-six sets of carpal radiographs from 222 horses were analyzed. Breed, gender, discipline, and cause of lameness were recorded. Chi square tests were used to test for associations between radiologic findings and gender, breed and discipline, to test for associations between different radiologic findings, and to test for associations between radiologic findings and causes of lameness. Bonferroni correction was applied when necessary. The shape of the ulnar carpal bone and most of the anatomic variants, with the exception of the first carpal bone and a radiolucent area in the second carpal bone, were not breed or gender related. Radiolucent areas and associated fragments on the palmaromedial aspect of the ulnar carpal bone can be an incidental finding in horses from all disciplines.
Publication Date: 2010-12-17 PubMed ID: 21158230DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2010.01716.xGoogle 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.
This article studies the radiologic appearances of the forelimb carpal joint (equivalent to the human wrist) in horses of various breeds, roles, and genders; particularly focusing on whether there’s a difference between horses with carpal-related lameness and healthy horses.
Research Context
- The forelimb carpal joint in the horse, also known as the knee, is a critical component of the movement apparatus. Lameness or difficulty in movement often originates in this area.
- The research seeks to understand the variations in the radiologic anatomy of this complex joint amongst different types of horses, and how these variations might be related to lameness.
- Particular attention is given to the appearance of the ulnar carpal bone.
Research Methodology
- A total of 286 sets of carpal radiographs from 222 horses were considered for the study.
- For each horse, the breed, gender, role, and cause (if any) of lameness were recorded.
- The researchers used Chi square tests to search for associations between the radiologic findings and the breed, gender, and discipline of the horses.
- The tests were also used to find any relationships between different radiologic findings and to ascertain if there was a correlation between specific radiologic appearances and causes of lameness.
Research Findings
- The study concluded that the shape of the ulnar carpal bone and most of the anatomic variants were not related to the breed or gender of the horses, with two exceptions: the first carpal bone and a radiolucent (dark appearing) area in the second carpal bone.
- The so-called radiolucent areas and associated fragments on a specific aspect (palmaromedial) of the ulnar carpal bone could occur incidentally in any horse, irrespective of its breed, gender, or discipline.
Significance of the Study
- This research provides veterinarians and equine practitioners with a definitive understanding of the variations in the radiologic appearance of the horse’s carpal joint and how said variations may or may not be associated with lameness.
- Such knowledge can enhance the understanding and treatment of various conditions of lameness in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Simon V, Dyson SJ.
(2010).
Radiologic anatomic variation of the carpus in horses with carpal lameness and control horses.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 51(6), 601-606.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2010.01716.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Carpus, Animal / diagnostic imaging
- Case-Control Studies
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Lameness, Animal / diagnostic imaging
- Lameness, Animal / epidemiology
- Male
- Radiography
- Risk Factors
- United Kingdom / epidemiology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Baville E, Carstanjen B, Thomas-Cancian A, Calgaro A, Bonnet N, Tiret L, Gache V, Abitbol M. Inherited non-syndromic polydactyly in a Berber and Arabian-Berber horse family. Equine Vet J 2025 Nov;57(6):1511-1519.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
