Ultrasonographic findings in 100 horses with tarsal region disorders.

The article shares the findings of a study that used ultrasound to diagnose disorders in the tarsal region (hind leg joint complex or “hock”) of 100 horses. The study found that ultrasound was able to detect abnormalities in all the joints examined, suggesting it to be a highly effective tool in diagnosing equine tarsal disorders.

Study Methodology

• The study involved 100 horses with a total of 103 joints that were diagnosed with tarsal region disorders.
• The researchers analyzed the results of standard orthopedic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examinations of these affected tarsal regions retrospectively.

Main Findings

• All the joints examined showed the presence of periarticular swelling and/or synovial effusion – the accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity.
• Wounds were observed in 14.5% of the horses, while 76.7% were lame.
• Radiography detected abnormalities in 69.7% of the joints. However, ultrasonography indicated abnormalities in 100% of joints, suggesting the superior diagnostic ability of the latter.
• The main disease process observed was found to affect all aspects of the tarsus – the region of the hindlimb between the stifle and the hock.

Most Common Ultrasonographic Findings

• The most frequently observed abnormalities were synovitis of the tarso-crural joint (inflammation of the joint linking the tarsal and crural bones) in 52 instances, found at the dorsal aspect (back end) of the joint.
• This was followed by collateral ligament injury (affecting the ligaments on the sides of the joint) in 23 instances, occurring at the lateral/medial aspect (sides) of the joint.
• Superficial digital flexor tendon injuries were the third most common, observed in 15 cases at the plantar aspect (underside) of the joint.

Multiple Abnormalities Detected

• The study also found more than one ultrasonographic abnormality in 60 out of 103 joints (58.3%).
• This indicates that a complete and systematic ultrasonographic examination is crucial in investigating any horse with suspected tarsal region disorders.