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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Ultrasonographic evaluation of the width, thickness, and len...
Veterinary surgery : VS2020; 50(1); 158-169; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13528

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the width, thickness, and length of the normal linea alba in standing and dorsal recumbent horses.

Abstract: To determine the variability in length, width, and thickness of the equine linea alba (LA) and the effect of a standing vs dorsal recumbent position on these measurements. Methods: Descriptive anatomical comparative study. Methods: Standing horses (N = 75; in 30 horses, measurements were obtained in dorsal recumbency first and repeated after horses were standing). Methods: Linea alba length was measured in standing position from xiphoid to umbilicus, and transverse ultrasonographic images were obtained at five reference points to measure LA width and thickness. In 30 horses, measurements were obtained in dorsal recumbency first and repeated after horses were standing. Results: There was wide variation in LA width and thickness between standing horses, with gradual increase from xiphoid (range, 0.14-0.64 cm) to umbilicus (range, 0.2-2.97 cm). Linea alba length in standing position was 51.09 ± 6.219 cm. Width was independent of the size of the horse; thickness and length were correlated at some reference points to height (r = 0.346-585, P < .05) and weight (r = 0.324-0.642, P < .05). Different LA shapes could be identified. In dorsal recumbency, the LA was smaller in width at all reference points (15%-23%, P < .05) and shorter (20%, P < .001) compared with standing. Conclusions: In addition to the wide variability in LA measurements and shapes between horses, there was a significant decrease in LA width and length when horses changed from standing to dorsal recumbency. Conclusions: The difference in LA length and width between dorsal recumbency and when standing could increase tension on sutures after laparotomy and should be taken into account when surgeons are closing the abdomen.
© 2020 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2020-10-12 PubMed ID: 33043994DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13528Google 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 research investigated the anatomical features of the equine linea alba (LA), a structure in the abdominal area of horses, and its variability in measurement among horses and when horses change their positions from standing to lying on their backs, or dorsal recumbency. The study found that the LA’s width and length decrease when horses lay on their backs, which might create tension on stitches after abdominal surgery.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary aim of the research was to observe the variations in the length, width, and thickness of the equine linea alba (LA), a fibrous structure in the horse’s abdomen, and the effect of different positions (standing versus lying on their back) on these measurements.
  • The study was a descriptive anatomical comparative investigation that involved 75 horses. For 30 of these horses, researchers took measurements first in dorsal recumbency (lying on their back) and repeated after they were standing.
  • The linea alba’s length was first measured while the horse was standing, from the end of the breastbone (xiphoid) to the navel (umbilicus), after which ultrasonographic images were captured at five reference points to establish the LA’s width and thickness.

Key Findings

  • There was significant variation in LA’s width and thickness among standing horses. The size gradually increased from the xiphoid end to the umbilicus.
  • In standing position, the average length of LA was 51.09 ± 6.219 cm.
  • LA’s width was not influenced by the size of the horse, but its thickness and length were correlated to some extent with the horse’s height and weight.
  • Different shapes of the LA were identified among the studied horses.
  • In dorsal recumbency, LA measurements reduced in terms of width at all reference points (15%-23%) and length (20%) compared to standing position.

Conclusions

  • Not only was there wide variability in LA measurements and shapes between horses, but the width and length of LA showed a significant decrease when horses changed position from standing to dorsal recumbency.
  • The researchers concluded that the reduction in LA length and width when horses move to dorsal recumbency might potentially increase tension on sutures after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended for surgeons performing abdominal surgeries to consider this difference in measurement when closing the abdomen.

Cite This Article

APA
Verkade ME, Suthers J, Wiemer P, Martens A, De Clercq E, Burford J. (2020). Ultrasonographic evaluation of the width, thickness, and length of the normal linea alba in standing and dorsal recumbent horses. Vet Surg, 50(1), 158-169. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13528

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 50
Issue: 1
Pages: 158-169

Researcher Affiliations

Verkade, Maria E
  • De Lingehoeve Diergeneeskunde, Lienden, the Netherlands.
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.
Suthers, Joanna
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.
Wiemer, Peter
  • De Lingehoeve Diergeneeskunde, Lienden, the Netherlands.
  • Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Martens, Ann
  • Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
De Clercq, Eva
  • Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Burford, John
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom.

MeSH Terms

  • Abdominal Wall / anatomy & histology
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Male
  • Reference Values
  • Standing Position

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Gaitan HM, Mudge MC, Litsky AS, Arruda AG, Gardner AK. Ex vivo biomechanical evaluation of tissue construct strength in an equine colopexy model. Vet Surg 2025 Jan;54(1):189-198.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.14117pubmed: 38975740google scholar: lookup
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