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

Authors :
Irene Nocera
Caterina Puccinelli
Micaela Sgorbini
Emma Bagnoli
Simonetta Citi
Source :
Animals, Vol 12, Iss 19, p 2657 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2022.

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20762615
Volume :
12
Issue :
19
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Animals
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.0116f66a443afa4e15c1366d887b5
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192657