The impact of ultrasound during emergency after-hour admissions of horses.
Abstract: Clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound at point-of-care or emergency situations, although common, has not been well documented in veterinary medicine. Medical records of after-hour emergency equine admissions during a 10-year period were reviewed and horses that received ultrasound scans were identified. Data sheets for each ultrasound scan performed during emergency clinical evaluation were collected and reviewed. Data extracted included anatomical region imaged, body system affected, documented ultrasonographic diagnosis and final diagnosis. Six hundred and nine records were available of which 108 horses had an ultrasound diagnostic procedure performed. The most common reason for emergency ultrasonography was to investigate gastrointestinal abnormalities, the largest proportion of these being large intestinal disorders. A complete ultrasound report was documented in 57% of evaluations, of which 79% correlated with a final diagnosis. Incomplete reporting made accurate interpretation of records difficult. Results indicate that the use of ultrasound in the emergency setting may be of diagnostic benefit and impact on patient management. Ultrasound training should be provided to residents in order to gain proficiency, especially with regard to the gastrointestinal system.
Publication Date: 2011-04-30 PubMed ID: 21526735DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v81i4.150Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Anatomy
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Treatment
- Emergency Care
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Gastrointestinal Health
- Horse Training
- Horses
- Hospitalization
- Medical Records
- Ultrasound
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Practice
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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This research paper reviews the medical records of emergency equine admissions over a 10-year period to examine the use and effectiveness of diagnostic ultrasound in these emergency scenarios, highlighting its utility in diagnosing gastrointestinal issues.
Objective of the Study
- The research examines the application and importance of diagnostic ultrasound in emergency medical care for horses. This is achieved by reviewing emergency admissions records over a span of 10 years and identifying cases where an ultrasound procedure was performed.
Methodology
- The researchers collected and analyzed data sheets for each ultrasound scan performed during the emergency clinical evaluations.
- Key data extracted from these records included the anatomical region imaged, the body system affected, the recorded ultrasonographic diagnosis, and the final diagnosis.
- Out of the 609 available records, 108 horses had undergone an ultrasound diagnostic procedure during their emergency admission.
Findings
- Emergency ultrasonographies were most commonly used to investigate gastrointestinal abnormalities, with a significant number of these being large intestinal disorders.
- A complete ultrasound report was documented in 57% of evaluations and showed a 79% correlation with the final diagnosis. This highlights the diagnostic value of ultrasound in emergency equine medical care.
- However, incomplete reporting hindered the accurate interpretation of records. This suggests room for improvement in the documentation process for ultrasound procedures.
Recommendations and Conclusions
- Based on the results, the study indicates that the use of ultrasound in emergency settings could be beneficial and could influence patient management strategies.
- Given the high incidence of ultrasonography use for gastrointestinal abnormalities, the researchers recommend providing ultrasound training to emergency care residents for proficiency, particularly with respect to the gastrointestinal system.
Cite This Article
APA
Viljoen A, Saulez MN, Carstens A, Gummow B.
(2011).
The impact of ultrasound during emergency after-hour admissions of horses.
J S Afr Vet Assoc, 81(4), 216-218.
https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v81i4.150 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Section of Equine Medicine, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa. adrienne.viljoen@up.ac.za
MeSH Terms
- After-Hours Care
- Animals
- Emergency Medical Services
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Hospitals, Animal
- Retrospective Studies
- Ultrasonography
Citations
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