Ultrasound is used for the evaluation of the soft tissue structures of the horse. Tendons and ligaments cannot be examined via radiographs. However, they can be imaged using a diagnostic ultrasound technique. An ultrasound image is formed by transmitting high-frequency sound waves and reflecting these waves off of different tissue interfaces.
Some Indications for Ultrasonographic Evaluation in the horse Include:
1. Diagnosis of soft tissue injuries including muscular, vascular, tendon, tendon sheaths, ligament, joint capsule, or bursal defects
2. Evaluation of joint and bony surfaces
3. Monitoring the healing progress in tendon and ligament injuries
4. Imaging the ovaries and uterus in broodmares