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EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION / AE / FEBRUARY 2018


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Fig 3: Eight sequential reformatted transverse CT images. Left is to the right of the images, 1 is the most caudal slice, 8 is the most cranial. The SS and NL are well defined in the first two images but are less well defined more cranially.


the right SS tendon and 3 cm from their insertions both SS tendons had within their body 2 cm long linear arrangements of coalescing hyperechoic regions which caused acoustic shadow artefact (Supplementary Item 2). These were likely avulsed fragments of bone within the body of the tendons. The longitudinal fibre pattern of both SS tendons was disrupted ventrally though the changes of the right SS tendon were more severe. The ultrasound examination was hindered by the presence of air within the soft tissues. However, identification of complete avulsion of the NL and partial avulsions of the tendons of the SS muscles was possible (Fig 4). Following a gradual improvement in all clinical signs except


for the head carriage, the foal was discharged from the hospital three days after admission. The skin wound was healing well without intervention and was not a concern. Following discharge the foal received oral doxycycline (10 mg/kg bwt twice a day), meloxicam (Metacam 40 mg/ml)9 (0.6 mg/kg bwt once a day) and omeprazole (GastroGard)10 (4 mg/kg bwt once a day) for a further 7 days.


© 2016 EVJ Ltd


Follow-up examination The foal was re-examined 34 days after initial injury and was bright and in good body condition. The filly had normal head carriage and was ambulating normally. There was marked asymmetry of the musculature at the poll. Ultrasonography revealed an improvement in the


definition of the borders of the NL but it was nondiscernable near its insertion on the occipital bone. Cranial to the avulsed fragments the ligament was more hyperechoic and organised compared with the initial ultrasound scan. The SS


tendons also showed improvement to their architecture and fibre pattern.


Outcome Six months after initial injury the foal was making good progress with a normal head carriage and signs of improved musculature over the poll region. The filly was sold at sales as a yearling 16 months after initial injury and was reported by


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