THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND FOR INDUCED TENDINITIS IN THE
HORSE: CLINICAL AND ULTRASONOGRAFIC EVALUATION
Ana Guiomar M. S. Reis, Katherine P. Colomba, Paulo R. Frazão, Raquel Y. A.
Baccarin.
Introduction. Tendinitis is a common problem that affects a substantial proportion of
racing horses. Basic clinical examination and ultrasonography hold a great practical value
for the diagnosis of tendinitis. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
effects of therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) throughout the healing process in equine induced
tendinitis. Methods. Twenty thoroughbred racing horses were divided into three groups
(G1, G2 and G3). The G1 (n=8) was the control group without tendinitis and treatment.
The superficial digital flexor tendon of both G2 (n=6) and G3 (n=6) forelimbs was
injured with 1.0 ml of collagenase (2.5 mg/ml). The treatment began when the lesion
reached 25% of tendon cross-sectional area by sonographic evaluation. One forelimb
from each horse of G2 and G3 was randomly treated with TUS performed at a frequency
of 1 MHz on pulsed mode, at an intensity of 0.5 W/cm2 (SATA), for 5 min, over a
period of 10 consecutive days, 3 times a week, until completing 15 days of treatment for
G2, and 60 days for G3. Healing process was monitored by clinical and sonographic
evaluations during the period of the treatment. Results. Results showed no statistical
difference for clinical examination on G2 and G3. Sonographic evaluation parameters
such as isoechogenicity of the tendon, good axial alignment of collagen fibers, diminution
of lesion cross-sectional area, and longitudinal length were demonstrated by G3 treated
limbs, compared with the normal tendon (P•0,05). Although, it was not observed to be
statistically different (P•0.05) for sonographic evaluation between the normal and treated
tendons of G2. Discussion and Conclusions. Clinical examination discerned no
difference between treated and control limbs; on the other hand, ultrasonography has
provided an accurate and reliable means to assess tendon disease. Our results suggest
that G2 TUS treatment time was insufficient to improve the process of tendon repair.
However, G3 protocol was beneficial and supports the hypothesis that TUS enhances
Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia – USP- São Paulo – Brasil
Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87. SP. [email protected]
Ethical committee of FMVZ-USP (protocol No 957/2006).
Acknowledgements – The support of Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
(FAPESP).
tendon healing.
Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia – USP- São Paulo – Brasil
Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87. SP. [email protected]
Ethical committee of FMVZ-USP (protocol No 957/2006).
Acknowledgements – The support of Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
(FAPESP).