Ultrasonographic findings of disorders of the tarsal region in 97 cattle - arthritis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, periarticular abscess and vein thrombosis

The clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic and centesis findings of 97 cattle with disorders of the tarsal region (arthritis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, abscess, vein thrombosis) were reviewed < 1994-2006 >, and the typical ultrasonographic findings of different tarsal disorders in cattle are presented. The following criteria were assessed: echogenicity, echopattern, size, shape, appearance of the borders of synovial or other cavities. Ultrasonographic findings were compared with the clinical, radiographic and arthrocentesis results and with intraoperative and/or necropsy findings. 50 cattle suffered from one tarsal disease only, in 47 cattle - up to three different - concurrent disorders in one tarsal region were identified. The afflicted synovial cavities and abscesses were definitely differentiated ultrasonographically in all cattle. Effusion could be detected almost in early stages of synovitis. Thrombus formation in the lateral and medial vena saphena and their distal branches appeared as hypoechoic mass within the markedly distended and incompressible venous lumen. In all cattle suffering from tarsal disorders a comprehensive diagnosis could be achieved due to the easy and rapid ultrasonographic differentiation of the incriminated soft tissues.