Radiographic and ultrasonographic assessment of the distal forelimb in lame horses = Aspectos radiográficos y ultrasonográficos de las regiones que causan claudicación en la porción distal de los miembros torácicos de equinos
The digits on equine forelimbs withhold a great variability of weight overload, mainly caused by motion. Bones are linked through tendons and ligaments, which receive the greatest loads during the different phases of the stride. Ultrasound has become an important aid on evaluating these structures, since they are highly prone to lesion. To that purpose, we ought to evaluate tendinous and ligamentous lesions associated to distal limb lameness in horses by ultrasonographic examination of the distal limb. Furthermore, we studied the incidence of ungular cartilages ossification through radiographic examination. Tendinous and ligamentous structures were assessed on longitudinal and transversal planes. Colateral ligaments of the distal interfalangeal joints were also evaluated at the dorsal aspect of the limb, over the coronary band of the hoof. Aditionally, transcuneal examinaition was performed following trimming the hoof and levelling the frog. Dorsopalmar radiographs of both forelimbs were taken in order to grade ossification of the ungular cartilages by using the Ruohoniemi scale. Palmar structures such as oblique sesamoidean ligaments (46,66%), straight sesamoidean ligament (53,33%) also presented ultrasonographic signs of disruption. Suprasesamoidean, sesamoidean and infrasesamoidean lessions were observed on the deep digital flexor tendon. There were correspondence between the grade 1 and 3 of the ossification of the ungular cartilages and the desmopathy of the collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint, characterized by loss of the echographic pattern and the presence of fibrotic or mineralized areas. The desmopathies of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint, does not always have correspondence relationship with the ossification of the ipsilateral ungular cartilage. When the ossification of the cartilages is severe, can disturb the ability to dampen.
Fuente:
Biblioteca Virtual Banco de la República
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