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 suffering from tarsal disorders a comprehensive diagnosis could be achieved due to the easy and rapid ultrasonographic differentiation of the incriminated soft tissues.