Summary
The rapid development of software and technology now allows a large amount of diagnostic information to be obtained from a computed tomographic examination. This imaging technique can also be usefully applied to the horse, given appropriate premises and a custom built table for accurate positioning. Computed tomography of the skull has considerable advantages over other techniques, as structures are viewed without superimposition. Fifteen cases are used to demonstrate how through high image quality (precise detail, reduction in artefacts) and objective measurement of density, various pathological changes can be analysed and exact diagnoses achieved. In particular, short measurement and examination times allow preoperative imaging under general anaesthesia giving significant information to assist subsequent surgery.
Computed tomographic evaluation of the distal aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in horsesThe objective of this study was to image the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in its normal position by means of computed tomography from distal aspect of the proximal phalanx (P1) down to the flexor surface of the distal phalanx (P3) in 10 predefined cutting planes. A total of 30 front extremities of randomly selected Warmblood horses were used. Criteria for evaluation were differntiation of the DDFT from surrounding structures, definition of its shape, contour and structure as well as determination of its density and measurements. The density of DDFT was determined at three sites in all transversal planes, the depth was determined at three locations in palmar to dorsal and the width in medial to lateral direction. The mean values for density amounted to 106.8 HU (s 12.7 HU), for depth 5.04 mm (s 0.66 mm) and for width to 35.05 mm (s 2.99 mm). Significant differences were demonstrated in between planes as well as within planes comparing measurements by statistical analysis, thus demonstrating that the data predominantly follow distinct rules. Within the transversal plane (distal navicular to proximal) lowest values for density were found in the axial region of interest with significantly lower values for depth axially. Also a distal to proximal increase in values for depth and a decrease for width were noted. Apart from determining standard values, CT-images of pathological DDFT were shown based on four samples. This was done in comparison to sonographic images and to specific postmortem findings. Measured values found in regions with pathological lesions were evaluated by referring to the mean of standard values plus/minus two standard deviations. The importance and high value of computed tomography in imaging the distal aspect of the DDFT was not only confirmed by comparing different images by means of subjective criteria but also by objectively collected data for density and distance.
Abb.2: Lateromediale Röntgenaufnahme; 2 Linien deuten transversale CT-Schnittebenen an. Lateromedial radiograph; 2 lines show position of transversal CT-scans.
Seit 1985 wird in der Tierklinik Hochmoor mit der Kaegi-Druckmeßstraße gearbeitet. Durch ständige'Weiterentwicklung vor allem von Sensoren und Computersoftware entstand in Zusammenarbeit mit der Firma International Sensor Technologies und dem Schweizer Konzern Sulzer das Equine-Gait-Analysis-System, kurz EGA-system genannt. Es handelt sich um eine computergesteuerte, elektronische Druckmessung zwischen Huf bzw. Hufeisen und Lauffläche. Methode Die Pferde werden in ruhigem Trab über die 35 m lange, mit einer Gummimatte bedeckte Bahn geführt. In der Mitte der Bahn und für das Pferd nicht wahrnehmbar befindet sich die 4 m lange Meßzone, auf der abhängig von der Trittlänge 6 bis 8 Fußungen stattfinden. Die Meßzone besteht aus 160 hochempfindlichen Kraftaufnehmern, die je 2,5 cm breit und quer zur Laufrichtung angeordnet sind. Je nach Hufgröße kommt ein Pferd pro Fußung mit 5 bis 8 Kraftaufnehmern in Kontakt. Abb. I zeigt an einem Präparat die Fußungsphase nach Entfernen der Gummimatte. Der Huf hatte Kontakt mit 6 Kraftaufnehmern.
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