Comparative Ultrasonographic Measurements of Fetlock Joint Tendons and Ligaments Thickness in Front and Hind Limbs of Sound Dareh-Shori Horses

The tendons and ligaments in palmar/plantar aspect of fetlock joints of the horse are important in weight bearing and stay apparatus. These structures are always subject to damage caused by diseases and injuries. Ultrasound is one of the most useful methods for diagnosing soft tissue injuries including tendons and ligaments in horses. The aim of this study was to measure and to compares the thickness of fetlock joint tendons and ligaments in both front and hind limbs of sound Dareh-Shori horses.

This study consisted of 10 healthy Dareh-Shori horses that mean age and height of them were 11.2±3.5 years and 151.6±10.2 cm, respectively. After clipping and washing, the area between 4cm above the proximal sesamoid bones and distal to the level of the proximal sesamoid bones was divided into 1 level in sagittal and 3 levels in transverse view. An ultrasonography was performed with a linear transducer 12 MHZ Frequency on both front and hind limbs in full weight bearing. The thickness of tendons and ligaments such as superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament were measured both in sagittal and transverse views. Echogenicity and fibrillary pattern of tendons and ligaments were assessed in longitudinal images.

The greatest measured thickness of the digital flexor tendons and suspensory ligament was related to the deep digital flexor tendon while the Minimum thickness was related to the suspensory ligament in the left front joints. The results obtained from the present study did not show any significant changes between the right and left side of front and hind limbs of sound Dareh-Shori horses.

This study provides a thorough, in-depth knowledge on the normal ultrasound measurements of the tendon and ligaments thickness in the fetlock joints. Therefore, these values can reliably be used for diagnosis of fetlock joint soft tissue injuries.