Ultrasonographic anatomy of the dorsal region of the carpus of the dog

Abstract

The dorsal region of the canine carpus is anatomically complex and its normal ultrasonographic characteristics have not been published. The aims of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study were (a) to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the dorsal carpal structures in medium to large breed dogs, and (b) to describe a standardized protocol for evaluations. The final study, based on the methodology developed in a pilot study performed in twenty-two carpi, comprised two phases: (a) identification phase, in which a correlation between ultrasound and dissection and anatomic slices was performed in forty-eight cadaver carpi and the ultrasonographic protocol was developed; and (b) descriptive phase, in which the ultrasonographic characteristics of the examined structures in 23 carpi of 12 alive adult and healthy dogs were recorded. The tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor muscles of the carpus and digits, the dorsal ligaments of the carpus -including the medial and lateral collateral ligaments -the extensor retinaculum, a distal radioulnar fibrocartilage and the regional osseous surfaces were ultrasonographically identified and described.Findings from the current study can be used as a reference for ultrasonographic examinations in dogs with injuries or other diseases affecting the dorsal region of the carpus.

Anatomy of the Palmar Region of the Carpus of the Dog

“…The use of more sensitive techniques such as ultrasound to rule out disease in these structures would have been optimal during the selection process of the cadaveric specimens. However, despite the fact that the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the dorsal region of the carpus of the dog has recently been published [ 16 ], the same information about the palmar structures is lacking. For that reason, this technique has not been included in the protocol of this study, but we consider that once a correct description of the anatomy of this region is published, further studies about the normal and pathological ultrasonographic appearance of the palmar structures of the canine carpus will be highly interesting.…”

“…During the design of the protocol, the use of diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound, which is more sensitive to evaluate soft tissues than radiography, was considered. However, given that the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the components of the palmar region of the canine carpus has not been published, in contrast with the dorsal structures [ 16 ], we decided not to use this technique to avoid potential bias. Both carpi of each dog were randomly assigned to group A or B, which included right and left specimens.…”

High-Resolution Ultrasonographic Anatomy of the Carpal Tendons of Sporting Border Collies

“…The echogenicity of the tendon is strictly correlated with the diameter, with the smaller tendon being more hypoechoic than the larger structures. With the high-frequency probe, it is also nearly always possible to visualise the tendon sheath surrounding the major part of the tendon in the region of the canine carpus [ 4 ].…”

“…According to previously published papers, a pilot study was carried out to identify and correlate the gross anatomy of the carpal tendons with their imaging appearance [ 4 , 10 , 11 ]. The final study comprised two phases: identification ex vivo and description in vivo.…”

“…In veterinary medicine, ultrasound has been shown to help assess soft tissue injuries of several canine and equine front- and hindlimbs. One paper has been published regarding the ultrasonographic anatomy of the canine carpus; however, only the dorsal structures were investigated, and several breeds were studied together [ 4 ].…”