Page 351 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

326 CHAPTER 1

VetBooks.ir 1.630

Fig. 1.630 Transverse sonogram from a
medial approach, showing detail of the diffuse,
heterogeneous echogenicity in the SL body
with both hyper- and hypoechogenic foci.
Note the marked periligamentous thickening
due to chronic fibrosis (red arrows).

1.631 1.632

Figs. 1.631, 1.632
Transverse (1.631) and
longitudinal (1.632)
sonograms showing
chronic desmopathy of
the SL body (level IIA).
The SL body is markedly
enlarged (yellow arrows)
and heterogeneous,
with a hyperechogenic
interface casting
acoustic shadowing
(red arrows).

is more common in the SL than in the SDFT This is performed by gently pushing the SL away
(Figs. 1.631, 1.632). Interference with the splint from the bone and/or by flexing and extending the
bones is visible as an area of encroachment between fetlock while scanning this region.
the bone surface of the affected splint bone and the
ligament (Figs. 1.633, 1.634). There may be tre- Magnetic resonance imaging
mendous periligamentous thickening, especially in Useful to detect adhesions between the small meta-
fractures, but not necessarily associated with desmi- carpal/metatarsal bones and the SL body.
tis (Fig. 1.635). The presence of diffuse fibrous tis-
sue around the splint may make assessment of the SL Management
body more difficult. Adhesions (Fig. 1.636) should Conservative and medical management is similar
be looked for by examining the limb non-weight to SDF tendonitis. Convalescence is based on con-
bearing and assessing relative movement of the SL trolled exercise with serial follow-up ultrasono-
in relation to the surrounding tissues and bone. graphic examinations (every 8 weeks). Exercise can