• To Provide You With Knowledge to Make Choices
• To Help Your Horse With Quality Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services
• To Practice Competency By Combining Current Technology with A Solid Foundation of Experience

The combination of ultrasound and x-rays is used frequently to provide more information in many areas. For example the following case shows an x-ray of a calcified mass above the sesamoid bone.

Ultrasound confirmed calcification around and inside the suspensory branch secondary to a snake bite!

What is diagnostic Ultrasound?

Ultrasound of this shoulder revealed a traumatic bicipital bursitis. Drainage and injection led to a successful outcome.

Diagnostic ultrasound is equivalent to a sophisticated fish finder. Sound waves project through a liquid interface and either rebound or penetrate through various structures depending in there density. The waves are portrayed on a screen with dark areas generally indicating fluid or torn tissue and light areas indicating dense structures such as bone and tendon or ligament. Ultrasound waves do not penetrate through air therefore ultrasound gel or alcohol must be used to provide contact between the scan head and the tissue being examined.

Unlike radiology which is useful only for bone, ultrasonography is primarily concerned with soft tissue structures. It is also useful for assessing the surface of bone and cartilage in joints which x-rays cannot detect. Ultrasounds studies of tendons, ligaments and joints are done on a daily basis at Kleider Vet Services. Ultrasound studies tell us a number of things;

1. Which structure is involved - this is frequently accomplished by comparing with the other limb and by a careful physical exam.
2. The severity of the injury - ultrasounds shows swelling and disruption of tendon and ligament fibers
3. The extent of the injury -ultrasounds usually confirms the injury in two planes and follows the injury from stem to stern. This allowes the owner to better visualize the extent of the problem.

The procedure requires mild sedation to inhibit movement and possible clipping the area if the horses' hair is too long. Examination times vary depending on area involved. For example, the stifle area has 6 ligaments, 2 menisci, 3 joints and their corresponding articular surfaces which all have to be examined independently and is therefore considered a lengthy procedure. A bowed tendon usually indicates a superficial flexor tendon injury, so identifying the structure is not so much the issue as is quantifying the extent of injury and providing appropriate therapy.

Common Areas for Ultrasound studies:

• Puncture wounds
• Tendon sheaths
• Joints
• Navicular region
• Pastern region
• High suspensory region
• Flexor and extensor tendons
• Abscesses
• Carpal and tarsal sheath
• Chest for respiratory disease
• Foal umbilical exam
• Mare reproductive evaluation