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RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK
however the soft tissue detail is very Rose鈥檚 case Second, a synovial mass affecting the
good with our new system. Conditions This case highlights the usefulness of CT dorsal border of the deep digital flexor
such as tendon and ligament injuries are for orthopaedic issues in horses. Rose had tendon within the proximal recess of
well visualised. Therefore, we envisage a CT scan of her lower limb which, thanks the navicular bursa (blue arrows), likely
more and more horses will undergo CT to the new scanner, could be done with her representing either torn tendon fibres or
examination for suspected soft tissue standing up and using sedation only. a granuloma.
injuries as well. This information enabled the imaging
and surgery teams to work together to
Welfare issues provide a specific tailored rehabilitation
Getting an accurate, prompt diagnosis can regimen for Rose, incorporating class
allow for precise, swift treatment, and by IV laser therapy, and provide the best
catching the disease early we can improve chance of a recovery.
outcomes for our patients. An example This is a good demonstration of the
would be the diagnosis of cartilage defects use of CT for complex cases where
as part of osteoarthritis. Diagnosticians other imaging techniques have not
were previously limited to radiographs, provided a definitive answer. It also
standing MRI and ultrasound, which all have highlights the ability of CT to detect soft
their limitations. However, now using CT in tissue injuries and its power to image a
combination with a radio-dense dye in the large area of anatomy quickly.
joint we can diagnose these changes earlier
and with greater accuracy.
With our new CT scanner we are able
to do these examinations in a standing Rose at the RVC
fashion without general anaesthesia
(GA), which is a significant development. Rose is a 15-year-old Warmblood
The biggest problem in horses we still mare that presented to RVC Equine
face, even with the best anaesthesia with the history of an acute onset left
teams available, is the increased risk to forelimb lameness. This occurred
horses during the recovery period after following landing from a jump
GA. Owners are consequently reluctant approximately three weeks prior. The Rose's scan images
to let horses have GA for just diagnostic lameness had improved with strict rest,
purposes. The new CT allows us to but not resolved.
diagnose disease earlier and without Once at the hospital, Rose was trotted
horses requiring GA to be CT scanned. in a straight line on a hard surface and
found to have a grade 2/10 left forelimb
Veterinary education, advanced training lameness. She was reactive to palpation
and research over the deep digital flexor tendon
Our new CT system has massive benefits and straight sesamoidean ligament in
for students, residents and interns in giving the proximal pastern area. Regional The new CT scanner was funded
them a better understanding of certain anaesthesia of her foot had no effect, thanks to donations from trusts and
disease processes, as well as improving but when the pastern was included with legacies facilitated by the RVC鈥檚
options for visualising the anatomy of the an abaxial sesamoid nerve block, the charity, the Animal Care Trust, which
distal limbs. Limb CTs historically were lameness was abolished. raises funds with the aim of improving
not that common, apart from for surgical Radiographic examination was animal health and care through clinical
planning. However, now that we can do normal, and ultrasound revealed no practice, education, and pioneering
these examinations in standing sedated findings that could convincingly explain research.
horses we will, as a profession, gain more the lameness. Therefore, advanced
knowledge about disease processes in this imaging was recommended and, in
area. this instance, CT with positive contrast
Residents will be working on many venography was performed.
more CT cases, which enables them This revealed two main findings. First,
to greatly improve their knowledge and an active desmopathy of the straight
experience with this modality. The 3D sesamoidean ligament, demonstrated
image also helps veterinary students by a contrast enhancing core lesion
better understand anatomy and gives within the substance of this structure
them a better appreciation of disease (green arrows) and contrast leakage
processes. into the digital flexor tendon sheath. For equine referrals, please call: 01707
666297
Email:
equinehospital@rvc.ac.uk
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2 Spring 2025
