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Journal of equine science2021; 32(4); 135-141; doi: 10.1294/jes.32.135

The influence of the metacarpophalangeal joint angle on the transversal area and mean echogenicity of the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament in gaited horses.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint angle on the transversal area (TA) and mean echogenicity (ME) of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) in gaited horses. Ultrasound images were obtained from 50 healthy adult horses of the Mangalarga Marchador (MM; n=25) and Campeiro (n=25) breeds. Static and dynamic angles of the MCP joint were measured from photographs and video recordings. Higher ME values were evinced for the SL only in the group with the smaller dynamic angles of the MCP joint in the MM horses, in addition to weak negative correlation between the dynamic angle and ME. Moreover, weak negative correlation was also observed between the static angle and TA of the lateral branch of the SL and between the static angle and the ME of the SDFT. However, the difference observed in the group of MM horses, as well as the weak correlation, was not considered sufficient to support the hypothesis that a smaller angle of the MCP joint (greater extension) is associated with larger TA and ME values for the structures. The results also suggest that the static and dynamic angles of the MCP joint do not influence the TA and ME values of the SDFT and SL in gaited horses.
©2021 The Japanese Society of Equine Science.
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Publication Date: 2021-12-28 PubMed ID: 35023991PubMed Central: PMC8731686DOI: 10.1294/jes.32.135Google 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 how the angle of a specific joint in a horse’s leg (the metacarpophalangeal or MCP joint) impacts the ultrasound appearance of two key tendons (the superficial digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament). The researchers did not find strong evidence that the MCP joint angle has a significant influence on these tendons in gaited horses, a specific horse group specialized for certain ways of moving.

Research Methodology

  • The research involved 50 healthy adult horses belonging to two different breeds, the Mangalarga Marchador (MM) and Campeiro, with 25 horses from each breed.
  • Ultrasound images were taken of these horses to measure the transversal area (TA) and the mean echogenicity (ME) – a measure of how the ultrasound waves are reflected back, related to the tissue composition – of the superficial digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament.
  • In addition, measurements were taken of both the static (at rest) and dynamic (in motion) angles of the MCP joint using photographs and video recordings of the horses.

Key Findings

  • Higher ME values for the suspensory ligament in the MM horses were only found in the group with smaller dynamic MCP joint angles.
  • There was a weak negative correlation between the dynamic MCP joint angle and ME.
  • There was also a weak negative correlation between the static MCP joint angle and the TA of the lateral branch of the suspensory ligament and between the static MCP joint angle and the ME of the superficial digital flexor tendon.

Implications and Conclusions

  • Despite the minor differences and weak correlations found in the group of MM horses, these were not considered substantial enough to support the theory that a smaller angle in the MCP joint (which means greater extension) is linked to larger TA and ME values of these tendons.
  • This suggests that both the static and dynamic angles of the MCP joint do not significantly influence the TA and ME values of the SDFT and SL in gaited horses. This could be important in better understanding the biomechanics and possible injury mechanisms in these specific horse breeds.

Cite This Article

APA
Schade J, de Souza AF, Vincensi LC, Fonteque JH. (2021). The influence of the metacarpophalangeal joint angle on the transversal area and mean echogenicity of the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament in gaited horses. J Equine Sci, 32(4), 135-141. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.32.135

Publication

Journal of equine science
ISSN: 1340-3516
NlmUniqueID: 9503751
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 4
Pages: 135-141

Researcher Affiliations

Schade, Jackson
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Santa Catarina State University, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil.
de Souza, Anderson Fernando
  • Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-030, Brazil.
Vincensi, Lorenzo Costa
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Santa Catarina State University, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil.
Fonteque, Joandes Henrique
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Santa Catarina State University, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Ripollés-Lobo M, Perdomo-González DI, Azor PJ, Valera M. Orthopedic Diseases in the Pura Raza Española Horse: The Prevalence and Genetic Parameters of Angular Hoof Deviations. Animals (Basel) 2023 Nov 10;13(22).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13223471pubmed: 38003089google scholar: lookup
  2. Vincelette AR, Renders E, Scott KM, Falkingham PL, Janis CM. Hipparion tracks and horses' toes: the evolution of the equid single hoof. R Soc Open Sci 2023 Jun;10(6):230358.
    doi: 10.1098/rsos.230358pubmed: 37351494google scholar: lookup
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