Anatomic variations and degenerative changes in the collateral cartilages and middle and distal phalanges of the forelimb in Ardenner colts

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 102 - 112
• Main Authors: Lejeune, Jean-Philippe, Audigie, Fabrice, Schneider, Nicole, Duvivier, Dominique, Tapprest, Jackie, Denoix, Jean-Marie, Serteyn, Didier
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.03.2006; WB Saunders; Elsevier Science Inc
• Subjects: anatomy; Ardenner (horse breed); bone formation; cartilage; diagnostic techniques; disease course; disease detection; draft animals; forelimbs; horse; horse breeds; horse diseases; horses; image analysis; joint diseases; lameness; Life Sciences; limb bones; magnetic resonance imaging; MRI; Médecine vétérinaire & santé animale; phalanges; radiography; Sciences du vivant; scintigraphy; tissue degeneration; Veterinary medicine & animal health; young animals; horse; radiography; MRI; anatomy; scintigraphy; CINTIGRAPHY; ANATOMY; HORSE; RADIOGRAPHY
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2006.01.005

The anatomic variations and the degenerative changes in the collateral cartilages and middle and distal phalanges in 6 Ardenner colts were characterized by radiography, scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The radiographic changes were assessed between the ages of 16.5 and 25 months. An anatomic variation of the middle and distal phalanges was demonstrated in some of the colts. MRI examination of the 6 colts revealed an association between the deep digital flexor tendon cross-sectional area and body weight as well as foot circumference. Also, a thin collateral sesamoidean (suspensory navicular) ligament was observed subjectively. The presence of an extensive ossification of the collateral cartilages of the foot was found in these young horses. The ossification was characterized by the existence of 2 separate ossification centers, which had a tendency to unite. The radiographic interphalangeal degenerative lesions seen appear as bone remodeling of the dorsal edges of the middle and distal phalanx, on the insertion sites of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint, the digital extensor tendon, and the distal interphalangeal joint capsule.