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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(14); doi: 10.3390/ani13142267

Transmural Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Horse Hoof Internal Structures: Comparative Quantitative Findings-Part 2.

Abstract: The transmural ultrasound allows for the definition of the normal appearance of the hoof tissues and internal structures. Determining such measurements and proportions could contribute to evaluations of the normal spatial distal phalanx-hoof relationship. The objective was to describe the hoof's dermis and epidermis measurements using the transmural technique, in comparison with DR and anatomical sections. Sixty-two healthy hooves without digital radiographic abnormalities, made up of 30 anatomical pieces (phase 1) and 32 alive horse hooves (phase 2), and 16 sagittal sections of the first ones were used. The proximal and distal planes were compared, defining the following measurements: coronary band-extensor process, distal phalanx apex-hoof wall, sole dermis, middle stratum, parietal dermis, lamellar layer, the sublamellar dermis, and ratios between them. Most of the measurements were consistent among methods. Some showed measurement differences and a minority was impossible to determine. The transmural technique allowed for the observation and replication of measurements of the hoof structures, described with other diagnostic aids. It also allowed for the implementation of new measurements that would help to determine the spatial location of the distal phalanx. Additionally, it contributes to the visualization of normal findings, which will be useful to compare variations in the different phases of laminitis.
Publication Date: 2023-07-11 PubMed ID: 37508045PubMed Central: PMC10376526DOI: 10.3390/ani13142267Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 research study focuses on the use of transmural ultrasonography in studying the internal structures of horse hooves. It seeks to understand the normal proportions and measurements between different structures within the hoof and how this could be useful in identifying abnormalities and issues like laminitis.

Objective and Methods

  • The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of the transmural ultrasound technique to accurately measure and depict the internal structures of the hoof. This was compared with the results of digital radiography (DR) and anatomical sections of the hoof.
  • Researchers used 62 healthy horse hooves, 30 of which were anatomical pieces (phase 1) and 32 of which belonged to live horses (phase 2). They also used 16 sagittal sections of the hooves from phase 1.
  • They took measurements of various components within the hoof, including the dermis and epidermis, and also calculated ratios between these measurements. The aim was to establish a standard for what constitutes a normal horse hoof.

Results and Findings

  • The researchers discovered that most measurements they took using the transmural ultrasound technique were comparable to those taken using other methods.
  • In some instances, the measurements taken using transmural ultrasonography differed from other methods. There were also a few measurements that could not be determined using the transmural technique.
  • Despite these limitations, the researchers concluded that the transmural technique is useful in providing an overall visual representation of the internal structures of the horse hoof, as well as for allowing the identification of the spatial location of the distal phalanx.

Implications of the Study

  • The transmural technique could enable veterinarians and horse caretakers to better understand what a normal horse hoof should look like. This will make it easier to detect abnormalities and potential issues such as laminitis.
  • Future research could focus on refining the transmural ultrasound technique to improve its accuracy and consistency in measurement, and to address the issues identified in this study where some measurements could not be obtained.

Cite This Article

APA
Castro-Mesa AF, Resende Faleiros R, Martínez-Aranzales JR. (2023). Transmural Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Horse Hoof Internal Structures: Comparative Quantitative Findings-Part 2. Animals (Basel), 13(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142267

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 14

Researcher Affiliations

Castro-Mesa, Andrés Felipe
  • Equine Medicine and Surgery Research Line (LIMCE), CENTAURO Research Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
Resende Faleiros, Rafael
  • Equinova Research Group, School of Veterinary, Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
Martínez-Aranzales, José Ramón
  • Equine Medicine and Surgery Research Line (LIMCE), CENTAURO Research Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

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