Use of standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging to assess oblique distal sesamoidean ligament desmitis in three Thoroughbred racehorses.
Desmitis of the oblique distal sesamoidean ligaments (ODSL) is caused by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint and has been described as a significant cause of lameness in racehorses. In this study, three Thoroughbred racehorses (age range: 3-6 years) were diagnosed with desmitis of the forelimb ODSL using standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). Radiography and ultrasonography were inconclusive with regard to a definitive diagnosis. For all horses, the sMRI characteristics included increased signal intensity within the medial ODSL on T1-weighted gradient echo, T2-weighted fast spin echo and short tau inversion recovery fast spin echo images, which use a fat suppression technique. Effusion of the digital flexor tendon sheath was also clearly visible on sMRI. Following rest and controlled exercise for roughly 3 months, two horses successfully returned to racing within 5 months. Our findings support the use of sMRI for diagnosing ODSL injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.
Racehorse Hospital, Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, 1028, Misono, Ritto, Shiga 520-3085, Japan.
Fumiaki
F
Mizobe
Jun
J
Okada
Yuta
Y
Shinzaki
Motoi
M
Nomura
Tomohiro
T
Kato
Kazutaka
K
Yamada
Mathieu
M
Spriet
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006736:Horses; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008022:Ligaments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography / Q000662:veterinary; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000662:veterinary