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Frontiers in veterinary science2020; 7; 117; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00117

Subclinical Ultrasonographic Abnormalities of the Suspensory Ligament Branches Are Common in Elite Showjumping Warmblood Horses.

Abstract: There is limited information concerning the ultrasonographic appearance of suspensory ligament branches (SLB) in sports horses. Publications exist on clinical injuries that lead to loss of training days and retirement, but not on the appearance of SLBs in high level showjumping Warmbloods. To demonstrate the prevalence of subclinical SLB abnormalities in regularly competing high-level showjumpers; to grade each branch 0-3; compare forelimb vs. hindlimb and medial vs. lateral SLBs; subjectively assess periligamentous fibrosis; measure cross sectional area (CSA) and to gather competition follow-up data. Prospective cross-sectional study using ultrasonograms. Sixty elite showjumping Warmbloods without recent history or clinical signs of SLB desmopathy were examined ultrasonographically. Eight static images of each SLB were acquired in transverse and longitudinal sections, anonymised and stored. Images were then assessed and graded by two experienced blinded clinicians based on a published ordinal scale (grade 0-3). A branch score was assigned based on the most severe grade of any image slice in each branch series. SLB cross-sectional area measurement was obtained from each SLB using the transverse image proximal to insertion. The frequency of grade 2 (moderate) ultrasonographic abnormalities was high. Combined data showed a prevalence of 58% (554/960) grade 2 SLBs. Interobserver agreement was good (kappa = 0.65). Periligamentous fibrosis was over represented in hindlimbs (64%). Combined observer data showed there was no statistical difference in branch scores based on limb or laterality. Follow-up over 12 months revealed only two horses were excluded from competition due to SLB injury. Sample size was small. Images were obtained in static mode, limbs were not clipped of hair, lameness evaluation was under FEI veterinary inspection and not performed by the authors and follow-up evaluation was from FEI competition records and communication only, and was limited to 1 year. Regularly competing elite showjumping Warmbloods have a high prevalence of subclinical SLB ultrasongraphic abnormalities, which may not contribute to causing lameness, poor-performance or be viewed entirely negatively at prepurchase examination. Judicious interpretation of moderate severity SLB abnormalities is advised due the low incidence of clinical injury demonstrated during the 1 year follow-up.
Copyright © 2020 Read, Boys-Smith and Bathe.
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Publication Date: 2020-03-17 PubMed ID: 32258068PubMed Central: PMC7092662DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00117Google 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.

The study investigates the prevalence of subclinical abnormalities in the suspensory ligament branches (SLBs) of elite showjumping Warmblood horses using ultrasonographic imaging. Despite the high prevalence of these abnormalities, they have not been identified as significant contributors to lameness or poor performance in these horses.

Research Context and Purpose

  • This research arises from the lack of knowledge about the appearance and potential impact of subclinical SLB abnormalities in highly competitive Warmblood horses frequently engaged in showjumping.
  • The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of such abnormalities, grade them on a scale of 0 to 3, compare abnormalities in different limbs and branches, evaluate the presence of periligamentous fibrosis, and monitor the horses’ participation in competitions.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers used ultrasonography to study sixty elite showjumping Warmblood horses, none of which had a recent history or notable symptoms of SLB desmopathy, a disorder affecting ligaments.
  • Various images of each SLB were taken, analysed and graded by two separate clinicians who were blind to the other’s ratings. The maximum severity score in any image of a branch determined the final score for that branch.
  • The researchers also measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of each SLB from the image proximal to its insertion base.

Findings of the Study

  • The study found a high prevalence of moderate ultrasonographic abnormalities (grade 2) in SLBs, at 58% among 960 captured images.
  • Agreement between the two observing clinicians was good, indicating the grading system was reliable.
  • Periligamentous fibrosis, which is an increased fibrous tissue around the ligament, was more frequent in the horses’ hindlimbs (64%).
  • There was no statistical difference in branch scores depending on the limb or the side (medial or lateral) of the SLB.
  • Even with the detected abnormalities, only two horses were excluded from competition due to SLB injury within the following year.

Implications and Limitations

  • It has been observed that although there are frequent subclinical SLB abnormalities in showjumping Warmblood horses, these do not significantly contribute to lameness or poor performance in these animals. Thus, intermediated severity SLB abnormalities should be interpreted with discretion.
  • The researchers noted the limitations of their study: the small sample size, the use of static imaging, not shaving the hairs on the horses’ limbs, evaluation by FEI veterinary inspectors, and the limited scope of follow-up information, which was only retrieved for one year.

Cite This Article

APA
Read RM, Boys-Smith S, Bathe AP. (2020). Subclinical Ultrasonographic Abnormalities of the Suspensory Ligament Branches Are Common in Elite Showjumping Warmblood Horses. Front Vet Sci, 7, 117. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00117

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 7
Pages: 117
PII: 117

Researcher Affiliations

Read, Rachel Mercedes
  • Rossdales LLP, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
Boys-Smith, Sarah
  • Rossdales LLP, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
Bathe, Andrew Perry
  • Rossdales LLP, Suffolk, United Kingdom.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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