Determination of Doppler velocimetric measurements of the median artery in horses

Abstract

Considering the importance of equine culture for the northeast region, the objective was to determine the median artery Doppler velocimetry measurements in horses through Doppler ultrasonography and to correlate changes in these measurements with possible risk factors for laminitis and / or other foot diseases. The project was approved for its execution through protocol N°. 3769100419 granted by the UFPB Ethics Committee. The analyzes were performed at Horse Training Centers and at the Veterinary Hospital - CCA / UFPB, in Areia, Paraíba State. Fourteen animals were used, which were trichotomized at the time of the third metacarpal bone, medial face of both thoracic limbs. The sonoscape S2V ultrasound device with color Doppler coupled to a 7 MHz linear probe was placed at the height of the median artery, in which B was measured. Then, the color Doppler mode was used to determine the doppler velocimeter measurements. Thus, with a 95% confidence interval in mode B 0,509 ± 0,133 of the median artery diameter was determined and in Doppler mode 2,198 ± 1,451 of the pulsatility index and 0,734 ± 0,906 of the resistivity index (non-parametric data). as reference values ​​for normality of median artery vascularization. It is concluded that more studies need to be developed to attest to the reliability of these values. Moreover, they may help in the early diagnosis, improving the prognosis of these animals prone to laminitis and other foot diseases.