Assessment of ultrasonographic morphometric measurements of digital flexor tendons and ligaments of the palmar metacarpal region in Icelandic Horses.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain morphometric values for the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle, and suspensory ligament in the palmar metacarpal region of Icelandic Horses.


METHODS
50 nonlame Icelandic Horses in training.


METHODS
Horses included 2 stallions, 30 geldings, and 18 mares from 4 to 20 years of age with a body mass index from 149.1 to 250.11 kg/m2. Transverse ultrasonographic images were obtained with an 8- to 10-MHz linear transducer and a standoff pad. In both forelimbs, the cross-sectional area, circumference, dorsopalmar width, and lateromedial width were measured 3 times at 5 regions of interest (ROIs).


RESULTS
The coefficient of variation for all measurements of each ROI was <5%. Comparisons were performed among and within structures and for each variable at all ROIs. Comparisons among horses revealed homogeneity because no significant influences of age, sex, height at the withers, or body mass index were found. Additionally, a characteristic skin condition interfering with ultrasonographic examination was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The morphometric values of the structures examined were consistent with those reported for other breeds, although some differences were observed.
Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Sara
S
Boehart
Gisela
G
Arndt
Georg
G
Rindermann
Maria
M
Gmachl
Bianca
B
Carstanjen
D000818:Animals; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D007055:Iceland; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009929:Organ Size; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*