Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How to diagnose lameness in racehorses with leg ligament issues?
By Mizobe, Fumiaki et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2016·Racehorse Hospital, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging to assess oblique distal sesamoidean ligament desmitis in three Thoroughbred racehorses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three Thoroughbred racehorses, aged 3 to 6 years, were experiencing lameness due to an injury called desmitis in the oblique distal sesamoidean ligaments, which is often caused by hyperextension of the leg joint. Traditional imaging methods like X-rays and ultrasounds didn't provide clear answers, but standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) revealed the problem and showed swelling in the affected area. After about three months of rest and controlled exercise, two of the horses were able to return to racing within five months. This case highlights the effectiveness of sMRI for diagnosing this type of injury in racehorses.
People also search for: horse lameness treatment · Thoroughbred desmitis diagnosis · racehorse injury recovery
Abstract
Desmitis of the oblique distal sesamoidean ligaments (ODSL) is caused by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint and has been described as a significant cause of lameness in racehorses. In this study, three Thoroughbred racehorses (age range: 3-6 years) were diagnosed with desmitis of the forelimb ODSL using standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). Radiography and ultrasonography were inconclusive with regard to a definitive diagnosis. For all horses, the sMRI characteristics included increased signal intensity within the medial ODSL on T1-weighted gradient echo, T2-weighted fast spin echo and short tau inversion recovery fast spin echo images, which use a fat suppression technique. Effusion of the digital flexor tendon sheath was also clearly visible on sMRI. Following rest and controlled exercise for roughly 3 months, two horses successfully returned to racing within 5 months. Our findings support the use of sMRI for diagnosing ODSL injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27320360/