Comparison between palpation and ultrasonography for evaluation of experimentally induced effusion in the distal interphalangeal joint of horses

Abstract

Although palpation provided a reliable clinical assessment of DIP joint effusion for volumes of 4 to 10 mL, ultrasonographic measurements were easy to obtain, more accurate, and able to detect smaller amounts of distension. This may be clinically relevant for the assessment of effusion of the DIP joint that can arise in horses with early osteoarthritis or infectious arthritis with concomitant soft tissue swelling that precludes accurate assessment with palpation.

Multidrug resistant bacteria isolated from septic arthritis in horses

“…Septic arthritis is an inflammatory process of the joints caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses (Taylor et al 2010). It is possible that all joint structures are affected, which may cause clinical manifestations according to the location of the lesion (Bertone 2003, Olive et al 2014. Septic arthritis is usually caused by bacteria.…”

“…In its initial course, diagnosis is based on clinical signs, rigorous clinical examination of the affected joints and limbs, and identification of potential risk factors in the anamnesis (recent traumas, intra-articular injections, systemic diseases, and immunosuppression) (Olive et al 2014). Diagnosis is confirmed by arthrocentesis, followed by laboratory analysis of the synovial fluid, microbial culture, in vitro susceptibility test, and imaging tests of the affected joint (Taylor et al 2010, Hall et al 2012.…”

“…Early diagnosis of the causative agent is necessary, because many animals evolve rapidly to chronic and debilitating lesions, and the animal may not support its weight on the affected limb. Consequently, the animal will gradually lose joint function, tending to decubitus and leading to a poor prognosis (Forresu et al 2006, Olive et al 2014.…”

Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers

“…In this study, Julien Olive and colleagues at the University of Montreal, Canada, have ultrasonographically quantified experimentally induced effusion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of horses and compared results with those obtained with palpation.…”

Ultrasonographic measurements on normal tarsocrural articular recesses in the Standardbred Trotter horse

“…Additionally, the indications for ultrasonographic examination of equine joints include synovial fluid distention, given that could be a sign of early osteoarthritis (Olive et al 2014), local swelling, pain on passive manipulation of the joint, improvement in lameness after intra-articular or regional analgesia, and positive radiographic or scintigraphic findings (Denoix 2003).…”