Ultrasonographic characteristics (cross-sectional area and relative echogenicity) of the digital flexor tendons and ligaments of the metacarpal region in Purebred Spanish horses

The objectives of this study were to establish normal values for relative echogenicity (RE) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the flexor tendons and ligaments of the metacarpal region of Purebred Spanish horses (PBSH), and to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI), age, sex and forelimb on these variables. Transverse ultrasonographic images were obtained using 20 normal PBSH (10 females, 10 males; 2-25 years of age; BMI 132.04-152.25; not in training). The images were digitised and values for CSA and RE were determined for each structure. The suspensory ligament was the most echogenic and the largest structure, and the superficial digital flexor tendon was the least echogenic and smallest of the tissues examined. The tendons and ligaments of the metacarpal region in PBSH showed similar RE but smaller CSAs when compared to other breeds. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.