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Puccetti M, Beccati F, Denoix JM. Bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures of the pelvis in endurance horses. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:1064-1075. [PMID: 34738269 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures of the pelvis are reported in only a small number of endurance horses. OBJECTIVES To describe bone stress injuries and fatigue fracture of the pelvis in endurance horses trained and competing on the deep sand surfaces. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Medical records of horses used for endurance and diagnosed with bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the pelvis by ultrasound were reviewed. The bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures were classified as affecting the iliac wing, the iliac shaft, the tuber ischiadicum, the rest of the ischium or the pubis and subdivided into four fracture configurations: isolated iliac fracture, isolated fracture of the floor of the pelvis, isolated tuber ischiadicum fracture and multiple fractures. Descriptive statistics were performed overall and on fracture configurations for age, sex, breed, level of activity, affected limbs, previous injuries, development of the injury, seasons in the UAE, physical and dynamic findings and outcome. For each fracture configuration and the outcome, multivariable logistic regression models were developed after univariable logistic regression and collinearity analyses. Significance was set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS Sixty endurance horses were included; 48% (95% CI: 36%-61%) had isolated iliac fracture, 17% (7%-26%) isolated fracture of the floor of the pelvis, 15% (6%-24%) isolated tuber ischiadicum fracture and 20% (10%-30%) had multiple fractures. Breed (OR, 4.42; 95%CI, 1.02-19.57) was significantly associated with isolated iliac fracture and asymmetry of bone landmarks (OR, 7.42; 95% CI, 1.47-37.45) with isolated tuber ischiadicum fracture. Degree of lameness (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.07-8.9) and trotting on three tracks (OR, 8.62; 95% CI, 1.43-51.9) were significantly associated with the diagnosis of isolated fracture of the floor of the pelvis. MAIN LIMITATIONS Data acquired in a single country. CONCLUSIONS Bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures of the pelvis can affect endurance horses trained and competing on deep sand. Isolated bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the ileum were the commonest followed by multiple pelvic bones involvement. The presence of lameness and trotting on three tracks suggest the presence of bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the floor of the pelvis; asymmetry of bony landmarks is more commonly detected in horses with bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the tuber ischiadicum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Beccati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sport Horse Research Centre, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Diab SS, Stover SM, Carvallo F, Nyaoke AC, Moore J, Hill A, Arthur R, Uzal FA. Diagnostic approach to catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 29:405-413. [PMID: 28065163 DOI: 10.1177/1040638716685598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries are the most common cause of euthanasia or spontaneous death in racehorses, and the most common cause of jockey falls with potential for serious human injury. Horses are predisposed to the vast majority of these injuries by preexisting lesions that can be prevented by early diagnosis and adequate bone injury management. A thorough examination of the musculoskeletal system in racehorses often determines the cause of these injuries and generates data to develop injury prevention strategies. We describe the diagnostic approach to musculoskeletal injury, review the methodology for the examination of racehorse limbs, and provide anatomy and pathology tools to perform an organized and thorough postmortem examination of the musculoskeletal system in equine athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago S Diab
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
| | - Susan M Stover
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
| | - Francisco Carvallo
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
| | - Akinyi C Nyaoke
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
| | - Janet Moore
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
| | - Ashley Hill
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
| | - Rick Arthur
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA (Diab) and San Bernardino, CA (Uzal, Carvallo, Nyaoke, Moore).,J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Stover).,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA (Arthur)
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Hennessy SE, Muurlink MA, Anderson GA, Puksmann TN, Whitton RC. Effect of displaced versus non-displaced pelvic fractures on long-term racing performance in 31 Thoroughbred racehorses. Aust Vet J 2013; 91:246-50. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SE Hennessy
- University of Melbourne; Equine Centre; Werribee; Victoria; Australia
| | | | - GA Anderson
- University of Melbourne; Faculty of Veterinary Science; Werribee; Victoria; Australia
| | - TN Puksmann
- University of Melbourne; Equine Centre; Werribee; Victoria; Australia
| | - RC Whitton
- University of Melbourne; Equine Centre; Werribee; Victoria; Australia
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Sarrafian TL, Case JT, Kinde H, Daft BM, Read DH, Moore JD, Uzal FA, Stover SM. Fatal musculoskeletal injuries of Quarter Horse racehorses: 314 cases (1990-2007). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 241:935-42. [PMID: 23013508 DOI: 10.2460/javma.241.7.935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine major causes of death and the anatomic location of musculoskeletal injuries in Quarter Horse racehorses in California. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 314 Quarter Horse racehorses with musculoskeletal injuries that were necropsied through the California Horse Racing Board Postmortem Program from 1990 to 2007. PROCEDURES Postmortem pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed. Musculoskeletal injuries were categorized by anatomic region and described. The number of Quarter Horse starts and starters for the same period of time were obtained from a commercial database for determination of fatal injury incidence. RESULTS Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for 314 of the 443 (71 %) Quarter Horse racehorses that died during the 18-year study period. Fatal musculoskeletal injuries occurred at a rate of 2.0 deaths/1,000 race starts and 18.6 deaths/1,000 horses that started a race. Musculoskeletal injuries occurred predominantly during racing (84%) and in the forelimbs (81%). The most common fatal musculoskeletal injuries were metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint (fetlock) support injuries (40%) and carpal (24%), vertebral (10%), and scapular (8%) fractures. Proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joint luxations resulted in death of 3% of horses. Fracture configurations of some bones were consistent with those of Thoroughbred racehorses. Evidence of preexisting stress remodeling of bone was reported for some fractures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Knowledge of common locations and types of fatal musculoskeletal injuries in racing Quarter Horses may enhance practitioners' ability to detect mild injuries early, rest horses, and help prevent catastrophic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany L Sarrafian
- JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 95616, USA
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Procedure for the Transrectal and Transcutaneous Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Pelvic Fractures in the Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Stover SM, Murray A. The California Postmortem Program: Leading the Way. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2008; 24:21-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2007.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Archer DC, Boswell JC, Voute LC, Clegg PD. Skeletal scintigraphy in the horse: Current indications and validity as a diagnostic test. Vet J 2007; 173:31-44. [PMID: 16359891 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2005.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Gamma scintigraphy is a well established imaging modality, which in equine practice is predominantly used in the investigation of lameness and suspected musculoskeletal problems. Whilst there is a growing literature on the indications for scintigraphy in the horse, there has been little emphasis so far on identifying the validity of scintigraphy as a diagnostic test. In particular, to what extent can the results of a scintigraphic examination be trusted? In this opinionated review the current indications for skeletal scintigraphy in the horse are considered and its validity as a diagnostic test reviewed. It is concluded that in the majority of published studies, inherent biases in study design make it difficult to assess accurately the validity of skeletal scintigraphy in the horse. Further well designed, prospective studies are required to assess the validity of skeletal scintigraphy as a diagnostic tool, particularly in horses with subtle alterations in radiopharmaceutical uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Archer
- Department of Clinical Studies, Philip Leverhulme Large Animal Hospital, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, The Wirral CH64 7TE, UK.
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Barrett EL, Talbot AM, Driver AJ, Barr FJ, Barr ARS. A technique for pelvic radiography in the standing horse. Equine Vet J 2006; 38:266-70. [PMID: 16706284 DOI: 10.2746/042516406776866435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY An alternative technique of radiographing the pelvis in the standing horse is required, to avoid the risks associated with general anaesthesia. HYPOTHESIS That lateral oblique radiography in the standing horse would be a useful technique in the investigation of pelvic injury. OBJECTIVES To describe the technique of lateral oblique pelvic radiography in the standing horse and demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of this technique. METHODS A technique for lateral oblique radiography in the standing horse was devised and retrospective review made of radiographic findings in 18 clinical cases. RESULTS The caudal iliac shaft, greater trochanter of the femur, femoral head, acetabulum and coxofemoral articulation on the side under investigation were visualised consistently using this technique. Of the 18 cases, 3 iliac shaft fractures, 1 acetabular fracture, 2 coxofemoral luxations and 4 horses with new bone formation around the coxofemoral joint and/or proximal femur were identified. CONCLUSIONS Lateral oblique radiography in the standing, conscious horse can be used to investigate conditions affecting the caudal iliac shaft, coxofemoral articulation and proximal femur in the horse. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The technique is straightforward, noninvasive and useful in the investigation of horses with suspected pelvic injury. However, not all pelvic injuries would be identified, and normal radiographic findings do not rule out injury or fractures elsewhere in the pelvis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Barrett
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU
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Davenport-Goodall CLM, Ross MW. Scintigraphic abnormalities of the pelvic region in horses examined because of lameness or poor performance: 128 cases (1993–2000). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004; 224:88-95. [PMID: 14710883 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2004.224.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify scintigraphic abnormalities in the pelvic region of horses examined because of hind limb lameness or poor performance and determine the clinical relevance of areas of abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake (ARU) in these horses. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 128 horses. PROCEDURE Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, history, admitting complaints, physical examination findings, and results of lameness examinations was recorded. Clinical relevance of areas of ARU was determined by comparison with results of other diagnostic tests. For horses with clinically relevant areas of ARU, follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners and trainers and analysis of race records. RESULTS Areas of ARU were identified in the tuber coxae (25 horses), ischiatic tuber (9), hip joint (10), third trochanter (10), ilium (5), sacral tuber region (22), greater trochanter (1), cranial femoral cortex (1), skeletal muscle surrounding the pelvis (34), or multiple areas (11). In 44 horses, areas of ARU were associated with the primary cause of lameness; in 51, areas of ARU were not associated with the primary cause of lameness; and in 33, the primary cause of lameness was not determined. Thirty-six of the 44 horses with clinically relevant areas of ARU were available for follow-up; 15 (42%) had a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that pelvic scintigraphy may be useful in identifying abnormalities in horses with hind limb lameness or poor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia L M Davenport-Goodall
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
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Davidson EJ, Ross MW. Clinical recognition of stress-related bone injury in racehorses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1053/j.ctep.2004.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Dyson S, Murray R, Branch M, Whitton C, Donovan T, Harding E. The sacroiliac joints: evaluation using nuclear scintigraphy. Part 1: The normal horse. Equine Vet J 2003; 35:226-32. [PMID: 12755423 DOI: 10.2746/042516403776148219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Sacroiliac (SI) disease is recognised as a cause of poor hindlimb action but differential diagnosis is often difficult. HYPOTHESES That in clinically normal horses there would be a significant difference in the ratio of radiopharmaceutical uptake (RU) between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and each tuber sacrale (TS) and between L5 and each SI joint; and that these ratios would alter with age, but ratios would be bilaterally symmetrical. METHODS Dorsal scintigraphic images of the SI region of 15 horses, selected randomly from the clinic database, were analysed by 2 of the authors, comparing noncorrected and motion-corrected images. To determine scintigraphic anatomy, the scintigraphic images of 10 Thoroughbred horses were superimposed over a ventrodorsal radiographic image of an isolated pelvis. Dorsal scintigraphic images of 40 clinically normal horses age 3-16 years were evaluated using subjective examination, profile analysis and quantification using regions of interest. RESULTS The tubera sacrale were seen as 2 well-defined oval regions immediately to the left and right of the midline, abaxial to which were larger, approximately oval areas with less RU, representing uptake in the SI joints. The definition between the SI region and the TS was more obvious in younger horses. Nonmotion-corrected images were often not of diagnostic quality or could be misinterpreted as abnormal. There were significant differences in RU between the TS and SI joints compared to L5, and decreased RU in the tubera sacrale with increasing age, but no change of uptake in the SI joint region and no effect of gender on RU. There was a high degree of left-right symmetry of the TS and SI joint regions. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The scintigraphic images of horses with suspected sacroiliac joint disease should be compared with images of normal horses of comparable age. In normal horses, there was a high degree of symmetry; therefore, marked left-right asymmetry is likely to be abnormal.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dyson
- Centre for Equine Studies and Epidemiology Unit, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the scintigraphic appearance and location of the sacroiliac joint (SI-joint) in dorsal and dorso 30 degree lateral views of the equine pelvis in a scintigram. The pelvis from 10 different horses was prepared by attaching plastic tubes along relevant margins of the bone and around the SI-joint. A radioactive solution was injected into the tubes, and scintigraphic images were acquired with a gamma camera. Five specific landmarks were identified on the left and right sides of the pelvis. There was no significant difference in the distance measurements between the left and right sides in the dorsal view. The SI-joint was roughly ovoid in shape, with its long axis angled to the midline. The most craniolateral point of the SI-joint (Y) was located at the middle (SD = 0.04) of a line drawn from the caudal margin of the tuber sacrale (TS) to the craniolateral margin of the tuber coxa (TC), which was called TS-TC. In 85% of the specimens, the long axis of the SI-joint (SILA) was located caudal to or intersecting TS-TC, and the mean angle between SILA and TS-TC was 16.4 degrees (SD = 5.6 degrees). The distance from the caudomedial point of the SI-joint (Z) to Y was 0.38 times (SD = 0.04) the length of TS-TC. The distance from the tuber sacrale to the medial border of the SI-joint (TS-X) was 0.15 times (SD = 0.02) the length of TS-TC. In the oblique view, the SI-joint appeared wider and was positioned more laterally compared to the dorsal view. The distance TS-Y increased to 0.61 times (SD = 0.046) TS-TC, but SILA/TS-TC was essentially unchanged. The mean angle between TS-TC and SILA increased to 20.9 degrees (SD = 5.6 degrees). TS-X increased to 0.31 times (SD = 0.037) TS-TC. The location of the SI-joint was very similar in all horses, which makes it possible to estimate the location of the SI-joint in a scintigram in which the tuber sacrale and the craniolateral margin of the tuber coxa are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Erichsen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo
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Swor TM, Schneider RK, Ross MW, Hammer EJ, Tucker RL. Injury to the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle as a possible cause of lameness in four horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001; 219:215-9. [PMID: 11469578 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2001.219.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Four horses were evaluated because of hind limb lameness. Two had a distinct gait abnormality at the walk characterized by lateral rotation of the point of the calcaneus and medial rotation of the toe during the stance phase. Nuclear scintigraphy revealed a focal area of intense radioisotope uptake in the caudodistal aspect of the femur in all 4 horses, and 3 of the horses had a corresponding proliferative reaction on the caudodistal cortex of the femur on radiographs. In all 4 horses, a diagnosis of injury to the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle was made. Three of the horses returned to athletic endeavors after an extended period of rest and a gradual return to exercise. The fourth improved after 5 months of rest but became lame again when returned to exercise and was euthanatized.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Swor
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164, USA
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Weller R, Livesey L, Maierl J, Nuss K, Bowen IM, Cauvin ER, Weaver M, Schumacher J, May SA. Comparison of radiography and scintigraphy in the diagnosis of dental disorders in the horse. Equine Vet J 2001; 33:49-58. [PMID: 11191610 DOI: 10.2746/042516401776767458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Scintigraphy, with 99mTechnetium methylenediphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) and 99mTc-labelled leucocytes, was compared to radiography in the diagnosis of dental disease in the horse in a prospective case-controlled study, comprising 30 horses with clinical signs of dental disease and 30 control horses. In each case, right and left lateral, ventral and dorsal soft tissue and bone phase scintigraphic images were obtained after i.v. injection of 1 GBq/100 kg bwt 99mTc-MDP, using a gamma camera. The same views were acquired in 10 horses with clinical signs of dental disease and 12 control horses after injection of 99mTc-labelled leucocytes. Standard radiographic projections of the paranasal sinuses and of the apices of the maxillary and mandibular teeth were obtained. The scintigraphs and radiographs were assessed subjectively by 2 board-certified surgeons and one board-certified radiologist, with extensive experience of equine radiology, from who the clinical history was withheld. Sensitivity, specificity and kappa, as a measure of agreement, were calculated for the different methods. Bone phase images were also scored subjectively on a scale from 0 to 3 on the basis of isotope uptake over the teeth. Regions of interest were defined over the teeth, and normal teeth compared to diseased counterparts. Total scintigraphic counts were related to the age of the animal and to the disease process. Differences in density ratios between left and right teeth were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney Test. Dental disease was confirmed in 22 horses at surgery or postmortem examination. Horses with dental disease showed a significant increase in scintigraphic activity over the affected tooth compared to the contralateral tooth, with a typical pattern for different diseases. The sensitivity of scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP proved to be excellent (95.5%), whereas the specificity was moderate (86.4%). In contrast, radiography had excellent specificity (95.0%) and a low sensitivity (51.5%). The greatest sensitivity and specificity were achieved by evaluating radiographs and scintigrams together. The objective scintigraphic density ratios were found to be significantly different between diseased and control horses. The results of this study suggest that, if a density ratio of 1.5 or greater between a suspected diseased tooth and its contralateral number is regarded as abnormal, only 1% false positive diagnoses and 20% false negative diagnoses will occur. In contrast, scintigraphy with 99mTc-labelled leucocytes was not very successful, due to the lack of anatomical detail provided by this technique, which made identification of the diseased tooth impossible. Accurate radiographic interpretation of dental disease presents difficulties, both in terms of missed diagnoses and mistaken diagnoses. Scintigraphy complements radiographic examination of dental structures by providing information important for accurate diagnosis and is, therefore, conceived to be essential for selection of the appropriate treatment for dental disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Weller
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilian Universität, München, Germany
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Weaver MP, Jeffcott LB, Nowak M. Back problems. Radiology and scintigraphy. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1999; 15:113-29, vii-viii. [PMID: 10218246 DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiology and, more recently, scintigraphy are important ancillary diagnostic aids in the diagnosis of a horse with suspected back pain. Although the image quality is restricted by the size of the patient, radiographs have been used for several decades. With the introduction of modern fast-screen film systems, the quality of the images has greatly improved. These imaging techniques allow assessment of the anatomy and physiology of structures in the spine that are difficult or impossible to palpate. This article reviews the techniques and limitations of imaging the equine back, in addition to correlation imaging results and clinical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Weaver
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ballsbridge, Ireland
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Abstract
Pathologic changes have been observed at the spinous processes, intervertebral articulations, and sacroiliac joints in horses. Varying severity of degenerative articular changes are found in many articular processes, intertransverse, lumbosacral, and sacroiliac joints. Pathologic lesions tend to affect multiple vertebral locations within a specimen. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of the numerous vertebral and pelvic pathologic findings found in a sample of Thoroughbred racehorses that died because of unrelated injuries. Increased knowledge of osseous pathology inherent in equine athletes will enhance our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of spinal disorders and back pain in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Haussler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA
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Geissbühler U, Busato A, Ueltschi G. Abnormal bone scan findings of the equine ischial tuberosity and third trochanter. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1998; 39:572-7. [PMID: 9845200 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.1998.tb01654.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Obtaining high-quality radiographs of the proximal aspect of equine limbs is difficult because of the large muscles in these regions. The use of scintigraphy may provide further information. Abnormal bone scan findings of the ischial tuberosity or the third trochanter were found in 29 adult horses with obscure hind limb lameness between 1986 and 1996 at the Large Animal Clinic of the University of Bern. Each had abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake but not all had radiographic changes. Radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios between the ischial tuberosity and the greater trochanter were calculated. The uptake ratio in a control group of 11 clinically sound horses was lower than in 11 lame horses with subjectively enhanced radiopharmaceutical uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Geissbühler
- Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Tucker RL, Schneider RK, Sondhof AH, Ragle CA, Tyler JW. Bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of sacroiliac injury in twelve horses. Equine Vet J 1998; 30:390-5. [PMID: 9758095 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04506.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear bone scintigraphy was used to diagnose sacroiliac injury in 12 horses presented for nonspecific rear limb lameness. The most common history was decreased performance and/or a mild chronic rear limb lameness which could not be localised by routine lameness examination. The scintigraphic patterns of the 12 affected horses were compared to 5 normal horses and 10 horses with lameness not related to the pelvic region. Subjective and quantitative evaluation of the bone scans clearly separated the 12 affected horses from the 5 normal horses and the 10 horses with lameness from causes other than the sacroiliac joint disease. The 12 affected horses had a scintigraphic pattern of moderate to marked increased uptake of the radiopharmaceutical within the sacroiliac joint region on the side of lameness. In contrast, the 5 normal horses and 10 horses scanned for other causes of lameness, had a symmetric, or only slightly asymmetric pattern of radioisotope uptake. Although nonspecific for the type of injury, nuclear bone scintigraphy is considered sensitive for the detection of sacroiliac injuries in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Tucker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610, USA
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Abstract
Thirty-six Thoroughbred racehorses that died at California racetracks between October 1993 and July 1994 were evaluated for stress fractures in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions of the spine and the pelvis. The lumbosacral spine and pelvis were collected, debrided of soft tissues and examined visually for the presence of an incomplete fracture line and focal periosteal proliferation, characteristic of a stress fracture. Sixty-one per cent of specimens had evidence of stress fracture in the caudal portion of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions of the spine and the pelvis. Vertebral lamina stress fractures were found in 50% of specimens and were positively associated with the severity of dorsal spinous process impingement and overall severity of articular process degenerative changes. Pelvic stress fractures affected 28 % of specimens and occurred more frequently in older horses. Pelvic stress fractures were positively associated with the severity of lumbar transverse process impingement and several ilial articular surface degenerative changes. A high prevalence of vertebral and pelvic stress fractures was noted in this sample of Thoroughbred racehorses that died because of unrelated injuries. Vertebral and pelvic stress fractures need to be considered in the clinical evaluation of horses with back problems or hindlimb lameness. Undiagnosed stress fractures of the vertebrae or pelvis could be a significant cause of poor performance and lameness in Thoroughbred racehorses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Haussler
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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Pilsworth RC, Riggs CM. The motto of necessity: imaging modalities for orthopaedic prognosis. Equine Vet J 1996; 28:341-3. [PMID: 8894529 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb03102.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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