Radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging of a dystrophic mineralization on the oblique sesamoidean ligament in a jumping horse. Twenty months follow-up

Abstract

Mineralization of the anatomical structures involved in the limb movement of horses has been reported to induce lameness and interfere with athletic performance. A 4-year-old jumping horse in sport activity was reported at Veterinary Hospital of University of São Paulo, with mild lameness and a mineralized oblique distal sesamoidean ligament (ODSL) of the left forelimb, revealed by a purchase radiographic and ultrasound examination. Mineralization is more common in tendons than ligaments. This report calls for attention to these structures when performing image exams, even in mild lameness. Long-term favorable follow-up by ultrasonographic and radiographic examination showed that the severe ligament injury in this case did not decrease the athletic activity until the present day.

Keywords

• Calcification
• Purchase examination
• Fetlock
• Desmopathy
• Horse lameness