MRI features of multiple phalangeal disorders in a draft horse – a case report

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is fast becoming the gold standard diagnostic tool for lameness in equines. This case report describes the MRI features of multiple phalangeal disorders in a 9-year-old horse with chronic unilateral forelimb lameness due to severe trauma. A complete case history was taken, and a thorough clinical examination, radiography, ultrasonography and MRI were performed. Radiography and ultrasonography showed limited value. MRI revealed edema of the navicular bursa (NB), distal sesamoidean impar desmitis, DDFT injury at navicular and post-navicular levels, cartilage erosion of the pastern and coffin joints, medial collateral desmitis of the fetlock joint, medial collateral sesamoidean desmitis, and lateral collateral desmitis of the coffin joint. In conclusion, severe trauma may induce multiple phalangeal disorders with severe pain in draft horses, and MRI is superior to other diagnostic imaging modalities, such as radiography and ultrasonography, for diagnosing such cases.