Magnetic resonance imaging assisted management in five cases of suspected quittor.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in treatment planning in suspected cases of quittor in the horse. METHODS: Five horses with chronic discharging tracts at the level of the foot underwent MRI for treatment planning. RESULTS: The MRI examination revealed variable involvement of soft tissue and osseous structures of the foot in addition to abnormalities of the ungular cartilages in all cases. In two cases, follow-up MRI examination was performed. Four of five horses had a successful outcome, with three of these undergoing only one surgical procedure and one being managed medically. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: We believe that the use of preoperative MRI facilitated accurate determination of the structures involved in cases of quittor, guiding the management, surgical approach and postoperative therapy.