Assessment of ultrasonographic morphometric measurements of digital flexor tendons and ligaments of the palmar metacarpal region in Icelandic Horses

摘要

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 HorsesAnimals-50 nonlame Icelandic Horses in trainingProcedures-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/m(2) 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 observedConclusions and Clinical Relevance-The morphometric values of the structures examined were consistent with those reported for other breeds although some differences were observed (Am J Vet Res 2010 71 1425-1431)