Ultrasonography of the equine cervical region: a descriptive study in eight horses.
BACKGROUND
In equine patients, the cause of clinical signs possibly related to the cervical region is often difficult to diagnose. Ultrasonography allows quick and noninvasive visualisation, but reference material of the normal equine neck is needed.


OBJECTIVE
To describe and document the normal ultrasonographic appearance of transverse scans in the cervical region with emphasis on the synovial articular facet joints, cervical vertebrae and paravertebral structures; and further, to provide images of frozen cross-sections for anatomical reference.


METHODS
A study describing the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the cervical anatomy was performed. Transverse scans were obtained from second cervical vertebra (C2) to first thoracic vertebra (T1). Post mortem photographs of frozen cross-sections were obtained as anatomical reference.


RESULTS
The structures were clearly visualised by ultrasonography and consistency was found between ultrasonographic images and corresponding cross-sectional anatomy. The articular facets varied between horses and facets (C2 to T1). Discrepancy in the existing anatomical descriptions was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The anatomical and ultrasonographic description provides a reference for ultrasonographic evaluation of equine cervical facet joints, vertebrae and paravertebral structures. The findings and variations found are considered to reflect the naturally occurring variations in horses.
Berg
L C
LC
Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University of Copenhagen, Bülowsvej 17, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Nielsen
J V
JV
Thoefner
M B
MB
Thomsen
P D
PD
D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012016:Reference Values; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography