Ultrasonographic diagnosis of equine thoracolumbar articular process joint lesions

Thoracolumbar lesions are common in horses, but their identification and location remain a challenge in field practice. A precise diagnostis improves therapeutic strategy and, thus, the prognosis of affected horses. Although radiography remains the preferred diagnostic imaging modality used for the back, ultrasound is a useful complementary technique that offers valuable information and can be performed as a stand-alone procedure when high-output radiographic equipment is not available. The aim of this paper is to describe thoracolumbar articular process joint pathology that can be visualised with ultrasound.