Lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon were monitored using diagnostic ultrasound (B-mode) and subsequently compared with the clinical findings. 13 donkeys between 3-7 years of age were examined. This study was limited to the soft tissues of the palmar or planter surface of the limb just proximal to the fetlock joint and below the carpal or tarsal joints. The injured tendons were graded sonographically according to their degree of echogenicity on a scale of 1-3 types, in which type-3 lesion represent the most pathologic state and appeared completely black on the sonogram. Ultrasonographic examination of the injured tendons showed that the echoic intensity decreased and structural defects were increased according to the severity of the trauma.
Diagnostic ultrasound is useful in evaluating injury of soft-tissue struct ures of the distal part of the donkey limb, quantifying the size, location, severity of these lesions and their recovery overtime