Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses

Josephine E. Faulkner; Zoe Joostens; Bart J. G. Broeckx; Stijn Hauspie; Tom Marien; Katrien Vanderperren

doi:10.3390/ani14010034

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Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses

Josephine E. Faulkner, Zoe Joostens, Bart J. G. Broeckx, Stijn Hauspie, Tom Marien and Katrien Vanderperren

Animals (Basel), Vol.14(1), 34

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010034

PMID: 38200766

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Abstract

Agriculture

Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Science & Technology

Veterinary Sciences

Zoology

Evolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in horses with sagittal groove disease (SGD) of the proximal phalanx is relatively sparsely described. This retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study describes the findings of sequential low-field MRI fetlock examinations in horses with SGD of the proximal phalanx using a classification system. Twenty-nine horses were included, predominantly warmbloods used for show jumping (79%). For 29 limbs re-examined during the initial rehabilitation period, classification remained constant (n = 18), increased (n = 2), decreased (n = 7), and fluctuated (n = 2). Notably, two limbs with initial classification 4b (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral microfissure) and one with 4c (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral demineralisation) progressed to classification 5 (incomplete macrofissure/fracture), highlighting their potential as prodromal or imminent fissure pathology. Following conservative (n = 28) and surgical (n = 1) treatment, 86% of the horses re-entered full training and competition with a mean +/- sd recovery time of 9.4 +/- 4.4 months. In total, 20% of horses in the study subsequently presented for repeat MRI due to recurrent lameness after resuming full work, with classification that was the same (n = 2), increased (n = 2), or decreased (n = 2) compared with the last scan. This study underscores the variability in progression of SGD MRI findings, emphasising the need for further larger-scale research into patterns of progression.

Details

Title: Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses
Authors/Creators: Josephine E. Faulkner - Ghent University
Zoe Joostens - Equitom Equine Clin, Paalstr 8, B-3560 Lummen, Belgium
Bart J. G. Broeckx - Ghent University
Stijn Hauspie - Equitom Equine Clin, Paalstr 8, B-3560 Lummen, Belgium
Tom Marien - Equitom Equine Clin, Paalstr 8, B-3560 Lummen, Belgium
Katrien Vanderperren - Ghent University
Publication Details: Animals (Basel), Vol.14(1), 34
Publisher: MDPI
Number of pages: 17
Identifiers: 991005705537607891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.232 Veterinary Sciences; 3.232.1304 Equine Orthopedics
Web Of Science research areas: Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science; Veterinary Sciences; Zoology
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science