Abstract
This study aimed at describing anatomo-histopathological and imaging features, using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on six ex vivo forelimbs of Tbourida horses, that presented a particular bone exostosis on the dorsal and proximal part of the first phalanx, diagnosed by X-ray. Gross anatomy of the bone exostosis revealed an irregular surface with poly-lobulated tissue masses showing a cauliflower shape. The diameter/depth varied from 0.5 to 5.1 cm with a mean of 3.9 ± 0.9 cm. The capsule of the metacarpophalangeal joint was hypertrophic and showed many invaginations in the inner part, in contact with the bone exostosis. Computed tomography revealed cortical and medullary continuity of the bone exostosis, with the underlying bone, and remodeling of the cortical surface of the dorsal and proximal part of the first phalanx. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an increased signal intensity of the bone exostosis on the T1- and T2*-weighted gradient fast echo. Histological examination of the bone exostosis revealed a cap of hyaline cartilage, including large foci of endochondral ossification with a base of cancellous bone surrounding marrow spaces, which confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondroma. The capsule of the metacarpophalangeal joint showed a large amount of recently formed connective tissue fibers in its inner part, interspersed with mature connective tissue. The hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint during a Tbourida show, which occurs on a hard ground surface, and the use of hobbles in horse stabling are most likely responsible for the outgrowth of an osteochondroma of different shapes and sizes, and fracture complications in some cases.
Highlights
Horse sporting competitions have increased in popularity around the world
This study revealed the presence of osteochondroma of the P1 in Tbourida horses
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an osteochondroma in the P1 of horses
Summary
Horse sporting competitions have increased in popularity around the world. The horse industry underwent enormous progress over the last few last decades. There has been a rise in the frequency of horse injuries [1]. This in turn has resulted in a high demand for veterinary assistance, to maintain the healthy state of athletic horses. It is well known that specific injuries are related to the category of sporting competitions and the performance levels of horses [2, 3]. Some anatomical sites are more predisposed to the risk of specific injuries, depending on the sporting category horses take part in. It is known that flat race horses are more predisposed to the injury of the Osteochondroma First Phalanx in Tbourida Horses navicular region, while elite show jumping horses show a high risk of forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon and distal deep digital flexor tendon injuries [3]
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