Radiology of the equine hock and proximal cannon

Abstract

Lameness associated with the hock (tarsus) and proximal cannon (metatarsus) is not uncommon in both performance and leisure horses, and radiographic evaluation is frequently indicated. In the hock, developmental orthopaedic disease predominates in juveniles, while mature animals more commonly present with degenerative or traumatic lesions. Radiographic pathology of the proximal metatarsus consists largely of traumatic injuries to the vestigial metatarsal bones and entheseous changes associated with the origin of a diseased suspensory ligament. Irrespective of the presenting complaint, a standardised, complete and accurate radiographic assessment should be undertaken where indicated. This article describes how this is best achieved and gives examples of some of the more common abnormalities encountered.

Descripción radiológica de lesiones en el Tarso de caballos criollos colombianos

“…Una de las patologías que más se encuentra a nivel del tarso es la osteoartritis, según Jacklin Ben (13) en el 2016, la articulación tarsometatarsiana y las intertarsianas distales son las más afectadas y son un motivo común de cojera en el paciente equino (13). Lo cual esta relacionado con lo encontrado en este estudio, ya que la mayor evidencia de hallazgos radiológicos y lesiones se encontraron a nivel de la articulación intertarsiana distal, así mismo, el tarso central y el tarso 3 fueron los más afectados.…”

Radiation safety in equine practice

“…IN a recent article in In Practice on radiology of the equine hock and proximal cannon (Jacklin 2016) there are two photographs (Figs 14 and 16) in which there is someone holding the x‐ray unit with an ungloved hand. This is of concern for radiation safety principles.…”