Use of computed tomography to diagnose new bone formation associated with desmitis of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in third metacarpal or third metatarsal bones of three horses.

This research investigated the use of Computed Tomography (CT) for diagnosing new bone formation in horses associated with desmitis (inflammation of a ligament) in the top region of specific ligaments in their legs. Even after usual treatments had failed, the application of CT scans on these horses revealed new bone formations, which were subsequently removed surgically, allowing the horses to return to full training.

Study Information and Methods

• The study involved three horses that had displayed symptoms of lameness localized to the top region of either their metacarpus (part of the front leg) or metatarsus (part of the back leg).
• Various diagnostic methods were used to identify the source of the problem, including physical examination, nerve blocks, ultrasonography, and radiography. Each revealed signs that the problem originated from the top area of the suspensory ligament, a ligament that supports the fetlock joint.
• Each horse was diagnosed with desmitis of the suspensory ligament, but conventional treatments failed to improve their condition.
• The horses were then subjected to surgery, during which computed tomography (CT) was used to investigate the problematic area.

Findings

• The CT scans revealed new bone formations at the top area of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone, formations that had not been documented by previous diagnostic methods.
• Surgically, the newly formed bones were removed under the guidance of radiographic and CT imagery. The splitting and osteostixis (procedure to promote bone growth) of the originally planned surgery were also carried out.

Post-Surgery Outcome

• All horses returned to full training six months post-surgery and were sound eight months after the procedure.

Conclusions

• The use of CT imaging was determined to be potentially very useful in diagnosing lameness issues in horses related to the top segment of either the third metacarpal or metatarsal bones, particularly in cases where conservative treatment methods don’t yield results. The CT scans revealed new bone formations that were not identified by other diagnostic methods, leading to successful surgical treatments.