Use of non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography to identify deep digital flexor tendinopathy in horses with lameness: 28 cases (2014-2016).

The research paper describes a study on the use of non-contrast-enhanced CT scanning in diagnosing deep digital flexor tendinopathy, a common lameness issue in horses. The researchers aimed to determine if CT scans, specifically played a role in evaluating lameness in horses, could effectively aid in diagnosing this tendon issue.

Methodology

• The retrospective study reviewed medical records of 28 horses that had CT and/or MRI scans for lameness issues, focusing on areas located below the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints – joints in the foot equivalent region for horses.
• Only those horses with one or more diagnosed deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon lesions were included in this research.
• Various data including the horse’s comprehensive medical background, lameness examination results, response to perineural anesthesia, imaging modality, anesthesia-related factors, and imaging diagnosis were collated.

Results

• All horses underwent bilateral imaging, irrespective of whether lameness was present on one side or both.
• In the case of nine horses, both CT and MRI scans were performed and any DDF tendon lesions identified on one imaging platform were also identifiable on the other.
• Out of the 48 limbs diagnosed with DDF tendon lesions, 46 (or 96%) had core lesions while 35 (or 73%) revealed dorsal border irregularities.
• The median anesthesia duration for a CT scan was 15 minutes, this increased to 110 minutes when MRI was also performed.

Conclusion

• The study’s findings suggest that non-contrast-enhanced CT scans are useful in diagnosing DDF tendinopathy in horses suffering from lameness localized in the foot region.
• The consistency of the results between CT and MRI in a subset of horses bolstered the value of CT scans in identifying lameness.
• However, the researchers concluded that further studies are necessary to solidify these findings.