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EQUINE
Occupation: Show Horse
Species: Equine
Breed: Quarter Horse
Age: 8
Sex: Gelding

History: Chronic lameness in left fore leg. 60% improvement with posterior digital anesthesia, 80% with abaxial nerve block. Digital radiographs revealed no obvious pathology. Referring DVM requested MRI.

Findings: Linear region in the central eminence of the navicular bone that is devoid of signal. Increased intensity of signal within the navicular bone at the region of the central eminence consistent with fluid accumulation from suspected inflammation. Fracture fragement involving the navicular bone at the central eminence that is mild palmar displacement. The second fracture line that extends transbersely across the navicular bone from the distal interphalageal joint surface to the flexor surface.

Impressions & Recommendations: Findings are consistent with two fractures involving the navicular bone. The area devoid of signal is indicative of bane lysis/necrosis. The increased signal on STIR sequences is indicative of fluid accumulation associated with active inflammation.

Occupation: Show Horse
Species: Equine
Breed: Palamino
Age: 2
Sex: Filly

History: Chronic right fore lameness first noticed as a yearling. Posterior digital anesthesia alleviates the lameness. Suspect lytic lesions on radiographs.

Findings: Region devoid of signal on the lateral aspect of the flexor surface of the navicular bone. Increased intensity of signal within the spongiosa of the navicular bone. Roughening of the flexor surface of the navicular bone. Increased intensity of signal in an irregular pattern within navicular bone and increased signal in the region of the central eminence.

Impressions & Recommendations: Findings are indicative of severe damage to the right fore navicular bone. The areas devoid of signal are consistent with bone lysis and necrosis. The intensity of signal on the STIR sequences indicates the presence of fluid within the navicular bone and is reflective of active inflammatory changes. The changes are considered severe for a young horse and suggestive of unusual trauma to the right navicular bone. With the degree of bone inflammation and lysis, prognosis for return is considered guarded.

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