title: Magnetic resonance imaging findings of desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint.
abstract: We report the use of a low-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system for the detection of desmopathy of the collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint and the long-term outcome. Twenty horses were studied and their medical records and MR images were reviewed retrospectively. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephonic questionnaires of owners, trainers, or referring veterinarians. Desmopathy of the medial collateral ligament (80%) and enthesopathy of the affected collateral ligament (80%) were common MR imaging features. Treatment consisted of stall rest followed by a rehabilitation period. Additional treatments included shoeing, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, application of a half limb or foot cast, and medication of the distal interphalangeal joint. Twelve (60%) horses returned to their previous level of exercise and maintained their previous level, whereas eight horses had a poor outcome. Low-field MR imaging in the standing patient can be used to detect collateral ligament desmopathy of the distal interphalangeal joint without a need for general anesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 1938, Leesburg, VA 20177, USA. gutierre@vt.edu
authors.forename: Santiago D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Gutierrez-Nibeyro
authors.forename: Nathaniel A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Natasha M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Werpy
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tyrrell
authors.forename: Kent A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Kenneth E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Sullins
authors.forename: Richard D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006736:Horses; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012146:Rest; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014033:Toe Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome