The normal ultrasonographic appearance of ovine joints, and the uses of arthrosonography in the evaluation of chronic ovine joint disease. |
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| Authors: | A I Macrae P R Scott |
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| Institution: | Department of Veterinary Pathology, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1QH, UK. |
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| Abstract: | The ultrasonographic anatomy of the elbow, carpal, fetlock and stifle joints of six clinically normal sheep was determined using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer with stand-off pad. Examination of the joints was performed both prior to and after experimental distension of the joint capsule in four cadavers with up to 10 mL isotonic saline. This distension enabled the joint capsule to be imaged ultrasonographically as a 2 mm thick echogenic line. Isolation of the joint at necropsy enabled definitive identification of the structures seen ultrasonographically. Arthrosonography of five sheep with chronic arthritis/synovitis affecting one or more joints was performed, and the gross pathological changes examined at necropsy. The gross thickening of the joint capsule was visible ultrasonographically as a hyperechoic band up to 20 mm thick. Ultrasonography was a valuable diagnostic aid in the evaluation of chronic ovine joint disease, and has potential value in the prognosis for chronic ovine arthritis/synovitis. |
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