[Retrospective study of radiography in diagnosis of diseases and disorders in equidae]

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of diagnosed disorders or anomalies in different organs and systems and also effects of breed, age and sex on their incidence rate.Retrospective study.32 horses, 7 donkeys and 5 mules referred to the radiology division.Data were collected from 107 equidae radiographs which had been taken in the Department of Radiology University of Tehran during 4- years [1998-2001]. Radiographs were evaluated for finding injuries and showing relation of disease with breed, sex, age and site of injuries. Information was gathered in the specific charts for determining of frequency of each condition. Diseases and disorders were fractures, exostosis, osteomylitis, osteoarthrosis, arthritis, navicular syndrome, pneumonia, pulmonary hypervascularization, soft tissue swelling, laminitis, guttural pouches disease, abscess and calcification. Fractures [18.18%] and exostosis [18.18%] had the highest frequency in horses. The most frequent disorders were diagnosed in phalangeal area of horse [31.25%]. Furthermore, the first and second most frequent bone disorders in horses were exostosis [25%] and comminuted fracture [18.75%]. Fractures and guttural pouches disease were seen with equal frequency [25%]. In mule, fractures [60%], exostosis [20%] and soft tissue swelling [20%] were diagnosed.This study showed that radiography is a valuable method for diagnosing of equidae disordered organs and systems [in relation with factors such as sex, breed, ageandsite] andalsotheirfrequency