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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Ultrasonography of the Metacarpal/Tarsal-Phalangeal Joints i...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(19); 2657; doi: 10.3390/ani12192657

Ultrasonography of the Metacarpal/Tarsal-Phalangeal Joints in Healthy Racehorses: Normal Appearance, Breed-Related and Age-Related Features.

Abstract: In adult horses, specific ultrasound (US) features and reference values have been reported for the appearance of the joint cartilage and thickness according to the type of joint, such as femoropatellar and tarsocrural. The US appearance of the fetlock has been described in several diseases. The present research evaluates the US features of the metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints in healthy racehorses according to age and breed, since no information is available in the literature. Seventy-one fetlocks in 28 healthy horses (15/28 thoroughbreds and 13/28 standardbreds) were assessed. The horses were grouped as follows: group A < 5 years old vs. group B ≥ 5. A portable ultrasound machine and a linear transducer (5−7.5 MHz) were used. Dorsal metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints were scanned. The US images were reviewed offline in terms of articular cartilage appearance, thickness, and subchondral bone appearance by an experienced observer. Data were reported as the median, minimum, and maximum for cartilage thickness values, and differences between groups were evaluated. Cartilage thickness values were statistically lower in group A than B in the standardbreds, except for the lateral thickness in longitudinal view. No differences were detected in the thoroughbreds within age groups. All of the young standardbreds showed a normal cartilage and subchondral appearance. No statistical differences were found between breeds. Our results highlight the characteristics of the US appearance of metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints specifically in racehorses, with some variations according to age. Since the cartilage can change according to joint growth, age and training activity, the present findings suggest the use of specific references for US features, which are key to correctly evaluating the health of the fetlock.
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Publication Date: 2022-10-03 PubMed ID: 36230398PubMed Central: PMC9558986DOI: 10.3390/ani12192657Google 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.

The study examines ultrasound (US) appearance of the metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints in healthy racehorses, focusing on how age and breed may affect these features. The findings suggest a need for breed and age-specific references for ultrasounds of these joints to adequately assess horse health.

Research Methodology

  • The study involved an examination of 71 fetlocks in 28 healthy horses, which included 15 thoroughbreds and 13 standardbreds. The horses were grouped into two categories: those under 5 years old (Group A) and those aged 5 or older (Group B).
  • A portable ultrasound machine and a linear transducer with a frequency of between 5 to 7.5 MHz were used for the study.
  • The dorsal metacarpal/ tarsal-phalangeal joints, also known as fetlocks, were scanned. These scans were then evaluated offline with a particular focus on factors such as the appearance of articular cartilage, thickness, and subchondral bone appearance.

Key Findings

  • The study found that cartilage thickness values were statistically lower in Group A than in Group B for standardbreds. However, this difference was not observed in the lateral thickness in longitudinal view.
  • No differences in cartilage thickness were observed in the thoroughbreds between the two age groups.
  • All young standardbreds had a normal cartilage and subchondral appearance, and no statistical differences were found between breeds in terms of cartilage and subchondral thickness.
  • There seemed to be some variations in the US appearance of the metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints in racehorses according to age.

Significance and Implications

  • This study provides unique information regarding the US characteristics of metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints in racehorses and how these characteristics are affected by age.
  • As changes in cartilage can indicate variation in joint growth, training activity, and age, the study suggests the use of specific references for ultrasound features to correctly assess the health of the fetlock in racehorses.

Cite This Article

APA
Nocera I, Puccinelli C, Sgorbini M, Bagnoli E, Citi S. (2022). Ultrasonography of the Metacarpal/Tarsal-Phalangeal Joints in Healthy Racehorses: Normal Appearance, Breed-Related and Age-Related Features. Animals (Basel), 12(19), 2657. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192657

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 19
PII: 2657

Researcher Affiliations

Nocera, Irene
  • Institute of Life Sciences, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Via Santa Cecilia 3, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
Puccinelli, Caterina
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Sgorbini, Micaela
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Bagnoli, Emma
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Citi, Simonetta
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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