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Diagnostic Imaging in Equine Lameness Diagnosis—Where Are We in 2024?
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Diagnostic Imaging in Equine Lameness Diagnosis—Where Are We in 2024?

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2024 | Viewed by 6330

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Annamaria Nagy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Equine Department and Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, Dóramajor, 2221 Üllő, Hungary
Interests: lameness; poor performance; imaging; magnetic resonance imaging; computed tomography; diagnostic anaesthesia
Dr. Myra F. Barrett

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Science, Gail Holmes Orthopedic Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Interests: musculoskeletal diagnostic imaging; equine; sports medicine; MRI; ultrasound

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced—particularly three-dimensional—diagnostic imaging has changed the concept of many equine orthopaedic conditions. New techniques are emerging or are becoming adaptable for use in horses. We can describe diagnostic imaging details of diseases, yet determining their clinical significance often remains a challenge. With new information gained, it is imperative that we thrive to establish what we can consider normal or expected for a particular animal (considering age, discipline, stage of training, etc.), and to relate advanced diagnostic imaging findings to the results of clinical examination and traditional diagnostic imaging.

This Special Issue aims to provide an update on what is currently available and achievable when using various diagnostic imaging techniques in equine lameness and poor performance investigations. Original research articles and critical reviews are welcome. Review articles may include (but are not limited to) the following topics: comparative imaging of a specific region and updates on the value and limitations of diagnostic imaging techniques. We are particularly interested in research articles regarding comparative imaging, longitudinal studies, and in ones that describe a new diagnostic imaging technique or contain novel information relating to previously described diseases.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Annamaria Nagy
Dr. Myra F. Barrett
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ultrasound
  • radiography
  • comparative imaging
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • computed tomography
  • scintigraphy
  • positron emission tomography

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 3312 KiB  
Article
Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses
by Josephine E. Faulkner, Zoë Joostens, Bart J. G. Broeckx, Stijn Hauspie, Tom Mariën and Katrien Vanderperren
Animals 2024, 14(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010034 - 21 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 757
Abstract
Evolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in horses with sagittal groove disease (SGD) of the proximal phalanx is relatively sparsely described. This retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study describes the findings of sequential low-field MRI fetlock examinations in horses with SGD of the proximal [...] Read more.
Evolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in horses with sagittal groove disease (SGD) of the proximal phalanx is relatively sparsely described. This retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study describes the findings of sequential low-field MRI fetlock examinations in horses with SGD of the proximal phalanx using a classification system. Twenty-nine horses were included, predominantly warmbloods used for show jumping (79%). For 29 limbs re-examined during the initial rehabilitation period, classification remained constant (n = 18), increased (n = 2), decreased (n = 7), and fluctuated (n = 2). Notably, two limbs with initial classification 4b (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral microfissure) and one with 4c (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral demineralisation) progressed to classification 5 (incomplete macrofissure/fracture), highlighting their potential as prodromal or imminent fissure pathology. Following conservative (n = 28) and surgical (n = 1) treatment, 86% of the horses re-entered full training and competition with a mean ± sd recovery time of 9.4 ± 4.4 months. In total, 20% of horses in the study subsequently presented for repeat MRI due to recurrent lameness after resuming full work, with classification that was the same (n = 2), increased (n = 2), or decreased (n = 2) compared with the last scan. This study underscores the variability in progression of SGD MRI findings, emphasising the need for further larger-scale research into patterns of progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Imaging in Equine Lameness Diagnosis—Where Are We in 2024?)
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16 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Imaging and Histopathological Features of Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove Fissures in Thoroughbred Horses
by Szu-Ting Lin, Alastair K. Foote, Nicholas M. Bolas, Vanessa G. Peter, Rachel Pokora, Hayley Patrick, David R. Sargan and Rachel C. Murray
Animals 2023, 13(18), 2912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182912 - 14 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1022
Abstract
Fissure in the third metacarpal/tarsal parasagittal groove and proximal phalanx sagittal groove is a potential prodromal pathology of fracture; therefore, early identification and characterisation of fissures using non-invasive imaging could be of clinical value. Thirty-three equine cadaver limbs underwent standing cone-beam (CB) computed [...] Read more.
Fissure in the third metacarpal/tarsal parasagittal groove and proximal phalanx sagittal groove is a potential prodromal pathology of fracture; therefore, early identification and characterisation of fissures using non-invasive imaging could be of clinical value. Thirty-three equine cadaver limbs underwent standing cone-beam (CB) computed tomography (CT), fan-beam (FB) CT, low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and macro/histo-pathological examination. Imaging diagnoses of fissures were compared to microscopic examination. Imaging features of fissures were described. Histopathological findings were scored and compared between locations with and without fissures on CT. Microscopic examination identified 114/291 locations with fissures. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 88.5% and 61.3% for CBCT, 84.1% and 72.3% for FBCT, and 43.6% and 85.2% for MRI. Four types of imaging features of fissures were characterised on CT: (1) CBCT/FBCT hypoattenuating linear defects, (2) CBCT/FBCT striated hypoattenuated lines, (3) CBCT/FBCT subchondral irregularity, and (4) CBCT striated hypoattenuating lines and FBCT subchondral irregularity. Fissures on MRI appeared as subchondral bone hypo-/hyperintense defects. Microscopic scores of subchondral bone sclerosis, microcracks, and collapse were significantly higher in locations with CT-identified fissures. All imaging modalities were able to identify fissures. Fissures identified on CT were associated with histopathology of fatigue injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Imaging in Equine Lameness Diagnosis—Where Are We in 2024?)
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12 pages, 1752 KiB  
Article
Relationship between CT-Derived Bone Mineral Density and UTE-MR-Derived Porosity Index in Equine Third Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones
by Carola Riccarda Daniel, Sarah Elizabeth Taylor, Samuel McPhee, Uwe Wolfram, Tobias Schwarz, Stefan Sommer and Lucy E. Kershaw
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2780; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172780 - 31 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1092
Abstract
Fatigue-related subchondral bone injuries of the third metacarpal/metatarsal (McIII/MtIII) bones are common causes of wastage, and they are welfare concerns in racehorses. A better understanding of bone health and strength would improve animal welfare and be of benefit for the racing industry. The [...] Read more.
Fatigue-related subchondral bone injuries of the third metacarpal/metatarsal (McIII/MtIII) bones are common causes of wastage, and they are welfare concerns in racehorses. A better understanding of bone health and strength would improve animal welfare and be of benefit for the racing industry. The porosity index (PI) is an indirect measure of osseous pore size and number in bones, and it is therefore an interesting indicator of bone strength. MRI of compact bone using traditional methods, even with short echo times, fail to generate enough signal to assess bone architecture as water protons are tightly bound. Ultra-short echo time (UTE) sequences aim to increase the amount of signal detected in equine McIII/MtIII condyles. Cadaver specimens were imaged using a novel dual-echo UTE MRI technique, and PI was calculated and validated against quantitative CT-derived bone mineral density (BMD) measures. BMD and PI are inversely correlated in equine distal Mc/MtIII bone, with a weak mean r value of −0.29. There is a statistically significant difference in r values between the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Further work is needed to assess how correlation patterns behave in different areas of bone and to evaluate PI in horses with and without clinically relevant stress injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Imaging in Equine Lameness Diagnosis—Where Are We in 2024?)
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11 pages, 1849 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identifying Soft Tissue Abnormalities in the Palmar Aspect of the Equine Digit
by Myra F. Barrett, Georgette E. Goorchenko and David D. Frisbie
Animals 2023, 13(14), 2328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142328 - 17 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1159
Abstract
Damage to the soft tissue structures of the digit is a common source of equine lameness. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the most complete diagnostic imaging of the equine digit, ultrasound is more readily available and less expensive. This prospective diagnostic [...] Read more.
Damage to the soft tissue structures of the digit is a common source of equine lameness. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the most complete diagnostic imaging of the equine digit, ultrasound is more readily available and less expensive. This prospective diagnostic accuracy study compares ultrasound to MRI for the diagnosis of injuries visible with ultrasound within the digit, including the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL), and navicular bursa. Clinical patients underwent an MRI of the digit and a blinded ultrasound of the digit between the heel bulbs, and results of the two modalities were compared. A total of 70 ultrasound and MRI exams of 45 horses were included. Ultrasound had good sensitivity (85%), moderate specificity (60%), and accuracy of 70% for evaluating the dorsal tearing of the DDFT. Accuracy was lower for navicular bursa effusion (67%), navicular bursa proliferation (61%), and CSL enlargement (61%). Tearing of the DDFT distal to the navicular bone was identified with MRI in 27 limbs, 20 of which also had dorsal damage proximal to the navicular bone identified with ultrasound. Ultrasound evaluation remains a useful screening tool, particularly for the assessment of DDFT tearing proximal to the navicular bone but risks under-diagnosing pathology to the navicular bursa and CSL. Clinically significant concurrent damage to the distal DDFT and other osseous and soft tissues in the hoof capsule is unlikely to be identified without MRI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Imaging in Equine Lameness Diagnosis—Where Are We in 2024?)
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12 pages, 1950 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements of the Proximal Palmar Cortex of the Third Metacarpal Bone and the Suspensory Ligament in Non-Lame Endurance Horses before and after Six Months of Training
by Ines Likon, Sue Dyson and Annamaria Nagy
Animals 2023, 13(6), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061106 - 20 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1561
Abstract
Proximal metacarpal injury is common in endurance horses, yet exercise-induced changes in this region have not been described. This study aimed to document objective exercise-induced changes in the proximal palmar cortex of the third metacarpal bone (PcMcIII) and the suspensory ligament (SL). Low-field [...] Read more.
Proximal metacarpal injury is common in endurance horses, yet exercise-induced changes in this region have not been described. This study aimed to document objective exercise-induced changes in the proximal palmar cortex of the third metacarpal bone (PcMcIII) and the suspensory ligament (SL). Low-field magnetic resonance (MR) images of both proximal metacarpal regions were obtained from six novice and six experienced horses, before and after six months of endurance training. Measurements were acquired in T1-weighted transverse MR images at four levels and included the thickness of the PcMcIII, the mediolateral width, and the dorsopalmar depth of the entire SL and its lobes. We used t-tests or their nonparametric equivalents to compare the measurements from the two examinations and both novice and experienced horses. The medial aspect of PcMcIII was significantly thicker in experienced horses than in novice horses at 2 and 3 cm distal to the carpometacarpal joint. This likely reflects the cumulative effect of long-term exercise and possibly age. The PcMcIII was significantly thicker medially than laterally. There was no significant difference between pre- and post-season measurements. Six months of endurance training were not sufficient to induce changes in the thickness of PcMcIII or the SL that are detectable in low-field MR images. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Imaging in Equine Lameness Diagnosis—Where Are We in 2024?)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

1. Tentative paper title: Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic and radiographic findings in the front fetlocks of 31 non-lame showjumpers in full work and competition

Submitting author: Nagy Annamária

2. Tentative paper title: How is bone mineral density related to ultra-short echo time MRI-derived bone porosity index in the Thoroughbred metacarpal condyle?

Submitting author: CR Daniel, LE Kershaw, T Schwarz, C Hewitt-Dedman, ME Baker, S McPhee, U Wolfram, S Sommer, SE Taylor

3. Tentative paper title: Evolution of sagittal groove disease of the proximal phalanx on sequential MRI examinations

Submitting author: Josephine E Faulkner, Zoë Joostens, Bart J G Broeckx, Stijn Hauspie, Tom Mariën, Katrien Vanderperren
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