Ultrasonographic findings in the superficial digital flexor tendon of the metacarpus in 40 polo horses

Ultrasonographic examination was used to define changes in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the palmar region of the metacarpus in both fore limbs of 40 horses at the Polo Club Mahuida, in the Metropolitan Region (Chile). The ultrasonographic examination was carried out about 30 days prior to the polo season using a Medical Foot Scanner model 100 LC VET with a transducer linear of 7,5 MHz of frequency. From the analysis of the images the presence or absence of ultrasonographic alterations was determined. The results of this study indicate that 48% of the horses presented lesions, mainly located in the ecographic zones 4 and 5, and in a lesser extent in zones 7 and 1, in both fore limbs. It was concluded that ultrasonography should be routinely used as a method of diagnosis of tendineous alternations when handling polo horses.