Ultrasonographic Examination of the Equine Foot

Basics
Ultrasonographic (US) examination of the dorsal and abaxial aspects of the equine foot is performed with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. A stand-off pad should be used to better visualize the superficial structures, but it is impractical to use for the examination of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint. Clipping or shaving of the areas of skin contact is essential in order to obtain reliable images. The palmar aspect of the foot can be partially explored by an approach through the distal pastern and using a sector/microconvex probe with a relatively small head. The solar approach to the foot uses the frog as an acoustic window. Careful preparation of the foot is necessary to obtain good quality images. The frog has to be trimmed flat and has to soak in warm water for at least 15 minutes before ultrasonography. 7.5MHz linear and microconvex probes are used in this case. […]