Outcomes of Medical Treatment for Pathologies of the Equine Foot Diagnosed with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Type of Document Master's Thesis
Author Gutierrez-Nibeyro, Santiago Daniel
Author's Email Address santiagutierrez@yahoo.com
URN etd-08102008-123258
Title Outcomes of Medical Treatment for Pathologies of the Equine Foot Diagnosed with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Degree Master of Science
Department Veterinary Medical Sciences
Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title
Nathaniel A. White Committee Chair
Jill McCutcheon Committee Member
Kenneth E. Sullins Committee Member
Natasha Werpy Committee Member
Keywords

* Low-field MR imaging
* foot pathologies
* medical treatment
* and horse

Date of Defense 2008-07-15
Availability unrestricted
Abstract

A retrospective study was performed to determine the prevalence of foot pathologies of horses subjected to magnetic resonance imaging for foot lameness and to determine the long-term outcome of horses after medical treatment. The MR studies of 95 horses were interpreted retrospectively by a boarded certified radiologist. Follow-up information was obtained from medical records, owners and referring veterinarians via telephone questionnaires. Long term response to treatment (minimum of 12 months) was recorded. Horses were divided in two different groups based on the diagnosis and on the treatment using intrasynovial antiinflammatory drugs or not. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the outcome between the two groups.

The null hypothesis was that the proportion of horses treated successfully between treatment protocols was similar.

A diagnosis based on magnetic resonance imaging was made in all horses. Approximately 30% of horses had = 4 lesions, which were determined to be responsible for the lameness and 70% of horses had navicular bone abnormalities. Treatment was determined by individual clinician judgment. No significant difference was found in the long-term outcome between treatment groups. This result suggests that intrasynovial antiinflammatory drugs may not provide additional benefit over corrective shoeing, rest followed by controlled exercise in horses with lesions of structures associated with the navicular apparatus or the distal interphalangeal joint.

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