The carpus is a complex articulation, which is often involved in injuries in equine athletes. The objective of this study was to suggest a didactic approach for ultrasonography training for the examination of the carpal joint in horses. Ultrasonograhy examination was performed in a healthy 14-year-old horse. The images were compared with those of a dissected anatomic specimen of the carpal region of a senior horse and with those reported in the literature. Identifiable structures were as follows: (dorsal) tendon of the muscle extensor carpi radialis, tendon of the muscle extensor carpi obliquus, tendon of the muscle commom digital extensor, dorsal synovial outpouchings, joint capsule and fat cushion, (lateral) tendon of the muscle lateral digital extensor, lateral collateral ligament (deep and superficial components), (medial) medial collateral ligament (deep and superficial components) and (palmar) palmar intercarpal ligament, carpal sheath, carpal tunnel, superficial digital flexor tendon, proximal origin of the deep digital flexor tendon, and palmar carpal ligament. Prior knowledge of the anatomy in combination with the study of anatomical specimens is essential for recognizing musculoskeletal structures during ultrasound examination, contributing to the training and learning processes.

Changes in the spine of dogs are usually detected in clinical and in surgical practice. Few studies exist on musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy of the thoracolumbar and lumbar segments of the normal spine of dogs. This study aimed to compare the normal musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy of the T10-S1 vertebral segments with images obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and anatomical structures, and to establish the ability to identify structures using these modalities. Ultrasound scans allowed visualization of the muscles of the region, articular processes, spinous process, interspinous ligament, and yellow ligament in the lumbosacral window. Computed tomography images provided better bone details, compared to ultrasound images. Low-field MRI allowed the identification of the same structures identified with ultrasound imaging, and allowed the identification of cerebrospinal fluid, transverse processes, and provided improved detail of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord. Knowledge of ultrasound anatomy of the region may allow the the identification of muscle and ligament injuries. Thus, in cities where CT and MRI are inaccessible, ultrasonography of the region could be a good alternative to identify possible changes not observable with radiographic examination or to complement radiographic examination.

The elbow is a complex joint and has great clinical relevance in small animal medicine. Previous research in this area has been performed using radiographic and tomographic methods; however, there are limited studies on ultrasonography. The aims of this study was suggesting an evaluation protocol for elbow scan and describe the ultrasonographic anatomy of the elbow joint in dogs. Ten cross-breed dogs weighing 5-15kg underwent radiography and were selected for this ultrasonographic study. The protocol was established for the ultrasonographic description dividing the articular areas in the proximal, middle, and distal, lateral, cranial, medial, and caudal faces. The approach was performed in the longitudinal, transverse and oblique planes and the musculoskeletal structures were described according to the architecture, echogenicity and echotexture. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained for one animal for comparison. Ultrasonography was effective in visualizing and analyzing muscles, tendons and ligaments. Bone contours and regions that have clinical significance such as the medial coronoid process and anconeus process were identified, but with limited access. Prior knowledge of the normal sonographic anatomy of the elbow joint, as well as its technical advantages and limitations will allow further studies related to the identification of musculoskeletal disorders.

Dedico este trabalho ao meu pai, que sempre acreditou em mim. Meu grande incentivador durante toda a minha formação, meu conselheiro, mentor, meu maior exemplo de profissionalismo. AGRADECIMENTOS Agradeço primeiramente à minha família pelo apoio. Ao meu marido Leonardo, pela paciência, cumplicidade e por me passar confiança em cada desafio. Aos meus pais, Luiz Mário e Márcia, pela a minha educação, por estarem ao meu lado a todo tempo, me dando força e segurança para seguir em frente. À minha irmã Juliana por estar sempre disponível para me ajudar em todas as horas. Aos meus avós pelo carinho e incentivo. À minha orientadora Prof. Dra. Maria Cristina, pela oportunidade e confiança em realizar este trabalho. À minha ex-orientadora Profa. Dra. Luciana Del Rio Pinoti por quem tenho grande consideração e me ensinou a trabalhar na área de Diagnóstico por Imagem. À pós graduanda Érika pela parceria e companheirismo durante a execução deste projeto. Aos pós-graduandos Fábio e Shayne por sempre estarem disponíveis para nos auxiliarem durante o experimento. À Juliana Casals, Fábia e Gustavo Morandini, que se envolveram no projeto disponibilizando seus animais para os exames. À Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos pela oportunidade de realizar meu trabalho na instituição, dando assistência na aprendizagem e no desenvolvimento da pesquisa durante a pós graduação. Aos Prof. Dr, Luiz Carlos Vulcano (UNESP-Botucatu) e M.V. Felipe Suarez (PROVET) por disponibilizarem os equipamentos de Tomografia computadorizada e Ressonância magnética, respectivamente, para a realização do projeto. "A verdadeira viagem do descobrimento não consiste em procurar novas paisagens, e sim em ter novos olhos." Marcel Proust RESUMO BELLEGARD, G. M. C. Aplicabilidade da ultrassonografia musculoesquelética na articulação do cotovelo de cães hígidos. 2016. 63 f. Dissertação (Mestrado)