title: [Low-field magnetic resonance imaging of penetrating hoof injuries in 10 horses].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to verify the diagnostic validity of low-field magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) findings in septic diseases of the foot region following penetrating sole injuries caused by nails.
  
  
  METHODS
  MRI examinations were performed in 10 horses with injuries in the foot region. The diagnostic findings were validated by conventional methods (clinical, surgical, radiological, sonographic, and computed tomographic findings and/or post-mortem histological examination).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Navicular bone involvement was revealed most accurately, with a high degree of predictability, and was best detected by fat-suppressed T2 or short-TI inversion recovery (STIR) sequences. MRI examinations of defects in the deep digital flexor tendon showed a high level of sensitivity, but these findings were less specific than changes to the navicular bone. They could be best reproduced in transverse T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences (T2w FSE). The penetration tract was recognisable in all cases and in all planes, and the T2w FSE proved to be very suitable for diagnosis. Septic bursitis was revealed least accurately by MRI. Bursal disease was best recognised in the sagittal plane.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRI is a reliable method for confirming the diagnosis of diseases in the foot region after injuries caused by foreign bodies, particularly nails. A transverse T2w FSE is best suited for demonstrating a penetration tract and tendon damage. Visualisation of the penetration tract and secondary reactions of the navicular bone are crucial for diagnosing bursitis. Fat-suppressed sequences can clearly show bone involvement when the penetration tract has not reached the bone. The cases described illustrate that MRI is an appropriate method for evaluating puncture wounds in the foot region. Only MRI allows for intravital assessment of various structures within the hoof capsule. This information is essential for deciding upon targeted therapy while avoiding unnecessary therapies.
authors.affiliation: PD Dr. Kerstin Gerlach, Chirurgische Tierklinik der Universität Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 21, 04103 Leipzig, E-Mail: gerlach@vetmed.uni-leipzig.de.
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gerlach
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mader
authors.forename: Uta
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Delling
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Theuß
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Offhaus
authors.forename: Dagmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D013639:Tarsal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries
keywords: MRI; hoof; penetrating injury; pododermatitis