Summary Ultrasonography of the proximal third interosseus muscle (PTIOM, suspensory ligament) is routinely performed for the diagnosis of the cause of proximal metacarpal/tarsal pain. As a result of the complex architecture and deep localisation of this ligament, performing and interpreting ultrasonographic images of this structure can be difficult. This paper describes an ultrasonographic procedure that allows complete imaging of the PTIOM in the forelimbs using a combination of approaches including sagittal and palmarocollateral approaches on the weightbearing limb with linear and convex probes. Moreover, the procedure includes images made on the flexed limb, thereby allowing a better contact and a more complete representation of the PTIOM and palmar aspect of the metacarpal bones.

Objective—To determine history; clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic features; management; and outcome associated with third trochanter fractures in horses. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—8 horses. Procedures—Records from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed, and signalment, case history, severity and duration of lameness, results of physical and lameness examinations, imaging findings, management, and outcome were evaluated. Results—All horses had a history of acute onset of severe lameness. Four of the 8 horses had localizing physical signs of fracture. No specific gait characteristics were identified. Ultrasonographically, there was a single bony fragment displaced cranially in 7 of 8 horses and multiple bony fragments in 1. Concurrent gluteus superficialis muscle enthesopathy was identified in 7 horses. A standing craniolateral-caudomedial 25° oblique radiographic view was obtained in 3 horses to document the lesion and revealed in all 3 horses a simple complete longitudinal fracture between the midlevel and the base of the third trochanter. Nuclear scintigraphy was used to identify the affected area of the limb for further examination in 2 horses. Follow-up revealed that fractures healed with a fibrous union, with persistence of cranial displacement of the fragment. Lameness resolved after nonsurgical management for all horses. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Fracture of the third trochanter should be considered as a cause of hind limb lameness in horses when the proximal portion of the limb is affected. Diagnosis can easily be made with ultrasonography, but nuclear scintigraphy may help in identifying the lesion. Prognosis for return to athletic activity is good after an appropriate period of rest and restricted exercise.

Summary The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive ultrasonographic technique to image the palmar/plantar aspect of the fetlock in the horse, from the manica flexoria (MF) down to the base of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) and to describe the normal images. Ultrasonography, in combination with radiography, is the technique of choice to identify and document tendon and ligament injuries in routine practice and has been shown adequate for evaluating the palmar/plantar aspect of the fetlock. Detailed descriptions of transverse and longitudinal sections performed on the weightbearing or flexed limb are provided, as well as the technique for dynamic examination of the area. A thorough knowledge of detailed ultrasonographic anatomy is critical to identify abnormal images and establish an accurate diagnosis of palmar/plantar fetlock injuries.

Tiludronate had efficacy in the treatment of horses with signs of pain induced by osteoarticular lesions of the thoracolumbar vertebral column, causing a significant improvement in dorsal flexibility. Tiludronate may offer a treatment option for the management of horses with intervertebral lesions and the associated pain.

Objective The aim of this study was to analyse the pelvic fracture distribution and location in a referral centre caseload. Materials and Methods Medical records of 6,717 horses examined in a referral centre over a 7-year period were reviewed to identify all horses diagnosed with a pelvic fracture. Eighty-six horses were identified and divided into three disciplines, namely Thoroughbred racehorses (TBR), Standardbred trotter racehorses (STR) and non-racing sport horses (NRSH). Results A pelvic fracture was diagnosed in 1.3% of the cases examined during the study period. Prevalence was significantly higher in TBR (4.2%) and, regardless of the discipline, in horses under the age of 6 years (2.2%) (p < 0.01). STR were significantly younger than TBR and NRSH at the time of fracture (median ages = 1, 3 and 4 years old, respectively; p < 0.01). The fractures occurred most frequently in the ilium (44/86). No ilial wing fractures were diagnosed in STR and isolated acetabular fractures were only diagnosed in foals and yearlings. Fatigue fractures were diagnosed in TBR alone, affecting 9/22 TBR (foals and yearlings excluded) and most often located in the ilial wing (7 fatigue fractures out of the 12 ilial wing fractures) (p < 0.01). The median age of horses suffering from a pelvic fatigue fracture was 4 years. Clinical Significance This study confirms that young horses (under the age of 6 years) as well as TBR are likely to be at higher risk of a pelvic fracture. Fatigue fractures of the ilial wing seem to be a rare condition in STR while they are more frequent in young TBR in training.