The normal ultrasonographic appearance of ovine joints, and the uses of arthrosonography in the evaluation of chronic ovine joint disease

The ultrasonographic anatomy of the elbow, carpal, fetlock and stifle joint s of six clinically normal sheep was determined using a 7.5 MHz linear tran sducer with stand-off pad. Examination of the joints was performed both pri or to and after experimental distension of the joint capsule in four cadave rs with up to 10 mL isotonic saline. This distension enabled the joint caps ule to be imaged ultrasonographically as a 2 mm thick echogenic line. Isola tion of the joint at necropsy enabled definitive identification of the stru ctures seen ultrasonographically. Arthrosonography of five sheep with chron ic arthritis/synovitis affecting one or more joints was performed, and the gross pathological changes examined at necropsy. The gross thickening of th e joint capsule was visible ultrasonographically as a hyperechoic band up t o 20 mm thick. Ultrasonography tvas a valuable diagnostic aid in the evalua tion of chronic ovine joint disease, and has potential Value in the prognos is for chronic ovine arthritis/synovitis. (C) 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.