•  
  •  
 

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

ultrasonic study, tendons, ligaments, American Quarter Horse

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

The palmar metacarpal aspect of 27 purebred (n=24) and appendix (n=3) American Quarter Horses were divided into sections and ultrasonically viewed to determine the circumference and cross-sectional area of the four principle tendons and ligaments in this region: superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, inferior check ligament, and suspensory ligament. This study was conducted using Brigham Young University Equitation schooling horses between May 1997 and February 1998. The structure measurements were analyzed for relationships to weight, age, sex and size of the horses (n=27). No correlation between weight, age, and sex of the horse and dimensions of any of the structures was found at any zone. No significant difference was found between measurements of the tendons and ligaments of left and right forelegs. These findings offer veterinarians a reference point to aid in diagnosis of forelimb injuries, such as tendon and ligament strains or tears. Hence, practitioners can more objectively evaluate the treatment response of an injured Quarter Horses by comparing the measurements of the injured leg to that of the normal leg.

Download

Share

COinS