Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques in the Equine Digit

Abstract

An anatomic study of the equine digit using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Seventeen isolated forelimbs and one hindleg of nine warmblood horses were imaged in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes with a 1.5 Tesla magnet using T1-, T2- proton density-weighted spin echo sequences as well as T2 gradient echo sequences. One scan plane in each horse was compared with corresponding anatomic and histologic sections. The best imaging planes to visualize various anatomic structures were determined. Fibrocartilage was visualized in the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament as well as in the distal sesamoidean ligaments. The correlation of MRI images with anatomic and histologic sections confirmed that all of the anatomic structures in the equine digit could be evaluated in PD and T2 studies.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal bovine digit

“…The use of MRI in large animal medicine is currently limited by logistical problems of acquiring MRI images; meanwhile a few MRI studies on horses' digit have been done for example, Hevesi et al (2004), Kleitoer et al (1999) and Murray et al (2004). Characterization of the normal MRI images of different animals is, however, essential for veterinary radiologists, clinicians and surgeons to interpret these images correctly.…”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Application to Live Horse for Diagnosis of Tendinitis

“…Consequently MRI may have clinical benefits in preventing the recurrence of tendinitis caused by inadequate rehabilitation or imprudent return to training. However, the application of MRI to large animals is limited by costs and the size of the animal and most reports on the application of MRI to equine limbs have involved studies using cadaver limbs [7,15]. In this study, we applied MRI systems with a permanent magnet to live horses affected with various stages from acute to chronic SDF tendinitis.…”

Magnetic resonance protocols in equine lameness examination, used sequences, and interpretation

“…T1w sequences are useful for describing anatomical details (Werpy 2004, Tucker and Sampson 2007. In T1-weighted images, the postmortem synovial fluid and the articular cartilage have high signal intensity, while tendons and ligaments are of low signal intensity (Erickson et al 1991, Crass et al 1992, Erickson et al 1993, Kleiter 1999. However, when assessing the articular cartilage in living patients it has intermediate signal intensity with adjacent low signal intensity of synovial fluid (Stoller 1993, Haaga et al 1994.…”

“…Without using magnetic resonance it was impossible to make detailed diagnosis antemortem, because damage to several structures within the hoof capsule may occur concurrently and none of imaging modalities, except magnetic resonance, gives a possibility to provide information about both soft tissues and osseus injuries (Mehl et al 1998, Kleiter et al 1999, Widmer et al 2000, Tucker and Sande 2001, Whitton et al 2003, Werpy 2004, Tucker and Sampson 2007. In chronic laminitis laminar disruption, areas of laminar gas, laminar fluid and bone medullary fluid, as well as increased size and number of vascular channels, alterCorrespondence to: M. Jaskólska, e-mail: marta.jaskoolska@gmail.com ations in the corium coronae, and distal interphalangeal joint distention, can be observed with MRI but not with radiography .…”