{"title":"Dysphagia in an equine referral hospital, 182 cases.","authors":"Kevin M Connolly, Krista Estell","doi":"10.1111/evj.14512","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14512","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dysphagia describes a clinical sign of pathologies of the oral cavity, pharynx, and oesophagus that carries potentially serious consequences for horses. Given the diversity of differential diagnoses that may cause dysphagia, an understanding of the prevalence of dysphagia in hospitalised patients, the distribution of aetiologies and clinical outcomes could inform diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to describe the incidence, signalment, history, aetiology, treatment, and outcome of horses presenting to a referral hospital for dysphagia.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Referral hospital cases over a 12-year period were screened and included in the analysis for patients >6 months of age with at least one clinical sign of dysphagia and an aetiological diagnosis. Cases were partitioned into one or more aetiological categories of dysphagia (oral, pharyngeal, oesophageal, and neurogenic) based on recorded diagnosis. Treatment, survival, and resolution of dysphagia were reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dysphagia was recorded in 1.1% of all cases. Inclusion criteria were met for 182 cases. Resolution of clinical signs for oral, pharyngeal, and oesophageal aetiologies of dysphagia was >80%, while recovery of neurogenic dysphagia was 46%. Aspiration pneumonia was a common sequela of dysphagia.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>The retrospective design of the study was limited by the completeness of the medical record. Horses in this study population may not be representative of all dysphagia cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dysphagia is an uncommon condition in hospitalised patients. Prognosis is good for most aetiologies, but resolution of dysphagia of neurogenic origin occurs less frequently than the other causes of dysphagia.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
William W Muir, Xiu Ting Yiew, Shane W Bateman, Robert G Hahn
{"title":"Volume kinetics of lactated Ringer's solution in adult horses.","authors":"William W Muir, Xiu Ting Yiew, Shane W Bateman, Robert G Hahn","doi":"10.1111/evj.14534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fluid therapy in horses is primarily empirical. Evidence-based quantification of the disposition of intravenous (IV) crystalloids used in clinical practice could enhance the effectiveness of fluid therapy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the pharmacokinetics (i.e., volume kinetics: VK) and associated haemodynamic effects of IV lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) in adult euvolemic horses.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Unmasked multiple subjects, single baseline design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirteen healthy, euvolemic adult female horses were administered an IV bolus of LRS and monitored over 4 h. Haemoglobin, albumin and haematocrit concentrations were used to generate VK parameter estimates through a non-linear mixed effects model and stepwise covariate testing. Cardiorespiratory effects, hormonal parameters and urine output were monitored.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Administration of an IV bolus of LRS increased heart rate and systolic arterial pressure. Kinetic analysis was based on plasma albumin, as fluctuations in haemoglobin concentration suggested splenic recruitment of erythrocytes. Fluid disposition was best described by a two-volume fluid space model. Covariate analysis showed that a high systolic arterial pressure is associated with a decrease in urine output, and that haemoglobin recruitment was associated with the transfer of fluid from the central compartment, which was estimated to be 26.2 L, to a peripheral space. Kinetic constants showed rapid fluid distribution to the peripheral compartment and slow return to the central compartment, impeding fluid elimination from the body. Distribution of LRS from the central compartment was rapid but elimination from the body was slow.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Limited sample size and sample collection duration may have influenced model selection and covariate identification.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Volume kinetics provides a method for quantitatively describing the volume expanding effects of administered fluids. Fluid infusion is associated with an increase in heart rate and arterial blood pressure. Volume kinetic analysis offers a context-dependent method for developing and refining more effective fluid infusion protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143996485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rodrigo Munevar Luque, Bri Henderson, Terence Connor McCorkell, Amir Hamed Alizadeh, Keith A Russell, Thomas G Koch, Judith Koenig
{"title":"Treatment outcomes for equine osteoarthritis with mesenchymal stromal cells and hyaluronic acid.","authors":"Rodrigo Munevar Luque, Bri Henderson, Terence Connor McCorkell, Amir Hamed Alizadeh, Keith A Russell, Thomas G Koch, Judith Koenig","doi":"10.1111/evj.14531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are widely used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Optimising dose, timing, and safety while comparing efficacy with standard therapies like hyaluronic acid (HA) is essential for their standardisation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the safety and efficacy of equine umbilical cord-derived (eCB) MSCs in client-owned horses with fetlock or carpus OA.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prospective single-blinded randomised clinical study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Horses diagnosed with fetlock or carpus OA via intra-articular (IA) anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either 10 or 20 million eCB-MSCs in HA or 3 mL of HA alone (control). Subjective lameness examinations were performed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks post-treatment. Adverse reactions were evaluated 24-72 h post-injection. Follow-up surveys were sent to owners at 18 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-seven client-owned horses were enrolled. No significant adverse reactions occurred. Lameness outcomes did not differ significantly between treatment groups at 3 or 6 weeks (p > 0.05), though all groups showed improvement over time (p < 0.05). Median lameness change at 6 weeks was -1.5 (0.5) grades for HA, -2.0 (1.0) for 10-MSC + HA, and -2.0 (1.0) for 20-MSC + HA. Although return-to-work rates were not significantly different (p > 0.05), both MSC + HA groups had higher return rates to the same or higher work levels than HA-only (8 out of 9, 7 out of 9, and 5 out of 9, respectively).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small sample size.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study aimed to assess MSC treatment safety and efficacy. Higher return-to-exercise rates were expected in the MSC groups at 18 weeks, but unexpectedly high rates in the HA group may have led to underpowering. A post hoc calculation suggests 30 horses per group would be needed to detect significant differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, bursography and standing magnetic resonance to detect navicular intrabursal pathology in horses with foot pain.","authors":"Grigorios Maleas, Natasha Werpy, Zoë Joostens, Bruce Bladon, Kerstin Gerlach, Mahmoud Mageed","doi":"10.1111/evj.14530","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Navicular intrabursal pathology (NIP) is a common cause of forelimb lameness in horses. An accurate diagnosis of which structure is involved is essential for therapy and prognosis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, bursography and standing magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging as diagnostic tools of the proximal NIP using bursoscopy as the gold standard.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prospective blinded study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 21 feet from 17 horses were included. The feet underwent ultrasonography, followed by MRI, and thereafter bursography and bursoscopy. The images were interpreted blindly to document the presence or absence of the podotrochlear lesions. The lesions of interest were dorsal fibrillations (DF) and splits of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), adhesions and fibrocartilage defect (FD) of the navicular bone. The accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were calculated. Furthermore, the kappa test was used to calculate the inter-observer agreement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bursoscopy revealed lesions in 95% (20/21) of the feet. Eighteen DF and 11 split lesions in the DDFT, 19 FD and 8 adhesions were identified. MRI showed accuracy of 94% (17/18, 95% CI 76.2%-99.9%) for DF and 81% (9/11, 95% CI 63.6%-97%) for split lesions in the DDFT, whereas the accuracy for FD was 58% (11/19; 95% CI 36.1%-80.8%). Adhesions with MRI were predicted correctly in only 37.5% (3/8; 95% CI 43%-85.4%) of the feet. Bursography showed with MRI similar accuracy regarding the adhesions. Bursography had accuracy for FD of 68% (13/19; 95% CI 52.8%-91.8%) and DDFT lesions were detected in 85% (17/20, 95% CI 34%-78.2%) of the feet. Ultrasonography predicted DDFT lesions in 65% (13/20, 95% CI 63.6%-96.9%) of the feet, whereas its adhesions' accuracy was 25% (2/8, 95% CI 14.5%-56.9%). The inter-observer agreement was the lowest for ultrasonography compared to MRI and bursography.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A combination of ultrasonography and bursography can be an alternative to standing MRI when the latter is not an option or is used as complementary tests.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143985927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dorothea Tress, Simon Hennessy, Roswitha Merle, Katharina Charlotte Jensen, Christoph Lischer, Anna Ehrle
{"title":"Analysis of different techniques for injection of the interspinal space in horses.","authors":"Dorothea Tress, Simon Hennessy, Roswitha Merle, Katharina Charlotte Jensen, Christoph Lischer, Anna Ehrle","doi":"10.1111/evj.14515","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14515","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Impingement of spinous processes (SPs) is commonly diagnosed in the equine athlete. For diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, local injections are performed at the level of the space between adjacent spinous processes in affected horses.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the accuracy of different techniques for the local injection of the interspinal space in the equine thoracolumbar spine.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Ex vivo experimental study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Equine thoracolumbar spine specimens were used to compare three techniques for needle insertion (midline; bilateral abaxial; unilateral oblique), two needles (20G-1½″; 20G-3½″) and two volumes (5 mL; 20 mL) for local injection of the interspinal space. Additionally, needle insertion based on radiographic, ultrasonographic guidance, or palpation was assessed. Computed tomographic analysis and anatomical dissection were performed to evaluate the distribution of the injected volume.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most accurate injection of the interspinous ligament was achieved when the midline injection method using a 20G-1½″ short needle and a volume of 5 mL was used. Wide distribution of the injected volume was observed when the bilateral abaxial injection technique was utilised. The unilateral oblique injection technique led to significantly asymmetrical unilateral distribution of the injectate. Radiographic guidance did not increase the accuracy of the injection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The midline injection method is the most reliable technique for the targeted injection of the thoracolumbar interspinal space.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143992709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Erica J Secor, Sydney J Womack, Machiel P Ysebaert, Marshall J Colville, Heidi L Reesink
{"title":"Synovial fluid alpha-2-macroglobulin, gelsolin and lubricin distinguish between osteoarthritic and healthy equine joints.","authors":"Erica J Secor, Sydney J Womack, Machiel P Ysebaert, Marshall J Colville, Heidi L Reesink","doi":"10.1111/evj.14511","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14511","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Synovial fluid (SF) is an ideal sentinel fluid for osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis and prognostication due to its critical homeostatic role, proximity to articular tissues and immune cell composition. Untargeted proteomics enable identification of soluble markers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications while minimising bias.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to define the SF proteome in horses with and without carpal OA. The goal was to identify differentially regulated proteins in mild-moderate carpal joint disease compared with healthy joints.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Synovial fluid was obtained from horses undergoing arthroscopic treatment for carpal fragmentation and from horses with healthy carpal joints. LC-MS/MS proteomics was performed on a subset of joints (n = 8 OA, n = 8 healthy). Total protein (TP), gelsolin, lubricin and prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> (PGE<sub>2</sub>) concentrations were quantified via biochemical or immunoassays (n = 58 OA, n = 25 healthy), and synovial membrane histology was graded (n = 16 OA, n = 6 healthy). Univariate and multivariate modelling were used to compare the predictive capacities of soluble factors between healthy and OA joints.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 119 proteins identified, 14 were increased and 10 decreased in OA. Two of the most upregulated proteins included pregnancy zone protein and alpha-2-macroglobulin. In OA, gelsolin/TP was decreased (OA median: 0.48 μg/mL/mg [95% confidence interval 0.27-0.73]; healthy: 0.89 μg/mL/mg [0.63-1.17]) and lubricin/TP increased (OA: 27.98 μg/mL/mg, [21.71-45.79]; healthy: 6.77 μg/mL/mg [4.36-9.94]) when measured by immunoassay. Multivariate modelling including gelsolin/TP, lubricin/TP and PGE<sub>2</sub> was superior to univariate models for differentiating between OA and healthy joints.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Synovial membrane was available for a limited number of joints and most healthy samples were collected following euthanasia.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The upregulation of pregnancy zone protein and alpha-2-macroglobulin in OA joints motivates investigation into their function in OA and development of reagents for quantification. Several proteins with differential abundance in OA SF, including gelsolin and lubricin, were measured and may have diagnostic utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143978922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Changes in measurable ultrasonographic parameters in growing Arabian foals from birth to 1 year.","authors":"Tiago Fernandes, Benjamin Uberti, Matthew Robin","doi":"10.1111/evj.14520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14520","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Utrasonographic measurements of the abdominal viscera and the heart in growing Arabian foals have not been described.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To establish normal intervals for ultrasonographic measurements of cardiac indices and abdominal viscera in growing Arabian foals from birth to 1 year of age.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prospective longitudinal descriptive study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ultrasonographic images were captured from 15 foals every 3 months from 1 week to 1 year of age. During each examination, at least three images were obtained at each location and measurements were obtained using standardised ultrasonographic approaches. Reference intervals were established for 11 indices of abdominal viscera (left and right kidney length, width and cortical thickness; left and right caudal aorta diameter, caecal wall thickness and vasculature diameter; and stomach wall thickness) and 11 cardiac indices (pulmonary artery diameter at end-diastole, aortic diameter at end-diastole, left atrial diameter at end-diastole, right ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole, interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole, interventricular septal thickness at peak-systole, left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole, left ventricular internal diameter at peak-systole, left ventricular free wall thickness at end-diastole, left ventricular free wall thickness at peak-systole and fractional shortening).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All abdominal structures grew in size from the first week of life up to 1 year of age. All cardiac variables, except for interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole and fractional shortening, increased with age up to 1 year. No sex differences were detected.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Small sample size.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides age-appropriate reference intervals for several ultrasonographically visible structures in Arabian foals up to 1 year of age. This information is essential for clinical management and decision-making in this sub-population of equine patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah A Ciamillo, Kathryn W Bills, Taryn M Gassert, Dean W Richardson, Kara A Brown, Darko Stefanovski, Kyla F Ortved
{"title":"Effect of high-speed exercise on subchondral bone in the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joints of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses in their first year of training.","authors":"Sarah A Ciamillo, Kathryn W Bills, Taryn M Gassert, Dean W Richardson, Kara A Brown, Darko Stefanovski, Kyla F Ortved","doi":"10.1111/evj.14524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14524","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stress-induced bone injury can lead to catastrophic injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. Accumulation of high-speed exercise can increase the risk of subchondral bone injury.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the effect of high-speed exercise on the subchondral bone of the metacarpo-metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints using standing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in young racing Thoroughbreds.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Observational cohort study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-one 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses during their first year of training were evaluated at 0, 6 and 12 months. Horses were evaluated for lameness and effusion of the MCP/MTP joints, and then standing CBCT was performed of the MCP/MTP joints. Subchondral bone hyperdensity (sclerosis) was measured (mm) at defined locations in the distal aspect of the third metacarpal (MC3)/metatarsal (MT3) bone and proximal phalanx (P1). CBCT scans were evaluated for subchondral bone hypodensity (pathology) in MC3/MT3, P1 and proximal sesamoid bones. Racing and training records were obtained from a national online database and trainers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Subchondral bone sclerosis (coefficient = 0.45; p < 0.003; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.74) and pathology (IRR = 1.01; p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.00-1.01) increased significantly with the number of high-speed furlongs accumulated. Lameness was not associated with sclerosis or pathology; however, joint effusion was associated with both sclerosis (IRR = 1.01; p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.02) and pathology lesion (IRR = 1.14; p < 0.01; 95% CI 1.04-1.25).</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Limitations include attrition of horses over time and lack of control over training and husbandry.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>An increase in high-speed work was associated with both an increase in subchondral bone sclerosis and pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143985020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rupert F Dash, Justin D Perkins, Yu-Mei Chang, Rhiannon E Morgan
{"title":"Computed tomography of the equine temporohyoid joint: Association between imaging changes and potential risk factors.","authors":"Rupert F Dash, Justin D Perkins, Yu-Mei Chang, Rhiannon E Morgan","doi":"10.1111/evj.14495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is characterised by bone proliferation and cartilage ossification caused by infectious and degenerative conditions, amongst others.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the variable appearance of the temporohyoid joint (THJ) on computed tomography (CT) and investigate associations between CT changes and potential risk factors.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Head CT examinations were assessed. A grading system was developed for osseous proliferation (grade 0 [normal] to 3 [severe]) and tympanohyoid cartilage change (grade 0 [normal] to 3 [complete ossification]). Grades were also summed to create an overall sum grade. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to produce a multivariable model that assessed the association between THJ grade and signalment, presenting signs, CT features, and final diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The horses included (n = 424) most commonly presented for dental and sinus disorders (37.7%). The most frequently observed (mode) bone grade, cartilage grade and overall grade were 2 (41.9%), 0 (52.6%) and 2 (27.0%), respectively. Bone proliferation was most common medially and caudally. Soft tissue swelling (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1, p < 0.05) and temporal bone fragmentation (OR 26.6, 95% CI 5.1-141.4, p < 0.05) were associated with increased bone grade. There was no correlation between increased grade and any presenting sign. Increased sum grade was significantly associated with increased age (OR per year 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p < 0.05), Arabians (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.3-14.0, p < 0.05) and Thoroughbreds (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5-5.4, p < 0.05) relative to Warmbloods.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Following training, a single observer evaluated images.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Moderate caudomedial osseous proliferation of the THJ is common in horses presented for unrelated disease. Cartilage mineralisation, soft tissue swelling, and temporal bone fragmentation may serve as markers of disease. Thoroughbreds and Arabians are at increased risk of greater THJ remodelling. Increased THJ change was associated with age but not otitis, suggesting THO is predominantly degenerative.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexandra Scharf, Elizabeth Acutt, Kathryn Bills, Natasha Werpy
{"title":"Magnetic resonance Imaging for diagnosing and managing deep digital flexor tendinopathy in equine athletes: Insights, advances and future directions.","authors":"Alexandra Scharf, Elizabeth Acutt, Kathryn Bills, Natasha Werpy","doi":"10.1111/evj.14508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Deep digital flexor (DDF) tendinopathy is a significant cause of lameness and poor performance in equine athletes with substantial implications for their return to athletic performance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly integrated into the diagnostic workup of horses with foot pain and has revolutionised the diagnosis and management of these injuries. This review discusses the principles of MRI in the context of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury, comparing high-field and low-field systems and highlighting the clinical relevance of technical parameters, including field strength and sequence selection, in achieving an accurate diagnosis. This review also critically evaluates how different configurations and/or imaging features of tendon lesions may impact patient prognosis, considers the complementary role of computed tomography and ultrasonography in cases where MRI may not be feasible, and discusses emerging imaging techniques including positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI and quantitative MRI. Lastly, this review underscores the importance of serial imaging to monitor lesion progression and guide rehabilitation, while identifying knowledge gaps and proposing future research directions. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach incorporating advanced imaging and tailored rehabilitation is essential to improving clinical outcomes in horses with DDFT injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":11796,"journal":{"name":"Equine Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}