Oblique Views in Radiographic Examination of Discrete Changes in Selected Diseases of the Digit in the Horse

Abstract

·terc J., T. Crhakova: Oblique Views in Radiographic Examination of Discrete Changes in Selected Diseases of the Digit in the Horse. Acta Vet Brno 2005, 74: 243-248. In the present study, implication of oblique projections for examination of distal and proximal interphalangeal joints of forelimbs in a group of 43 randomly selected horses was demonstrated. Radiographic examinations of a total of 86 forelimbs were performed. The forelimbs were examined by radiography on lateromedial, dorsoproximal-palmarodistal views and also on dorsolateral-palmaromedial oblique and dorsomedial-palmarolateral oblique viewes of the limbs placed on a navicular block. Evaluation of the radiographs obtained allowed diagnosis of the signs of degenerative joint disease (DJD) on distal interphalangeal joints of 27 limbs, signs of DJD on proximal interphalangeal joints of 17 limbs and signs of new formed bone on phalanges (not associated with a disease of distal or proximal interphalangeal joints) of 22 limbs. A total of 66 positive radiographic findings of the above mentioned disorders were diagnosed. Among those, positive radiographic findings of all the above mentioned disorders based on signs visible only on oblique views have been identified in 32 cases. In contrast, these radiographic changes based on signs visible either on lateromedial and/or dorsoproximal-palmarodistal view or both on lateromedial and/or dorsoproximal-palmarodistal and dorsolateral-palmaromedial and dorsomedialpalmarolateral viewes were identified in 34 cases. Difference in frequencies of detection of these disorders was not significant (p ≥ 0.05). It follows that as oblique as lateromedial and dorsoproximal-palmarodistal views were equally significant for identification of all the disorders mentioned above. Difference in frequencies of detection in cases with DJD of distal interphalangeal joint was highly significant (p < 0.01) and radiographic changes revealed on lateromedial and/or dorsoproximal-palmarodistal views were statistically more significant for identification of this disease. This difference in cases with DJD of proximal interphalangeal joint was not significant (p≥ 0.05). This difference in cases with new bone formations on phalanges was highly significant (p < 0.01) and radiographic changes revealed on oblique viewes were statistically more significant for identification of this disorder. Therefore, we consider oblique views as necessary to be performed within radiographic examination of distal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Pre-purchase examination, degenerative joint disease, new bone formation, coffin jonint, pastern joint Radiographic examination plays a significant role in the examination of distal and proximal interphalangeal joints within pre-purchase examination as it can reveal discrete osteoarthritic changes without apparent clinical signs; they may induce lameness in a horse in the future and result in property-legal dispute between the seller and the buyer ( Lauk 2002).