Static posturography and pedobarography are based on the detection of postural imbalance and, consequently, the pressure redistribution between limbs in lame subjects. These techniques have proven to be useful for the detection of lameness in humans and dogs. The main objective of this study was to test the suitability of static posturography and pedobarography in diagnosing lameness in ponies. A pressure platform was used to obtain postural data (statokinesiograms, mean X and Y, length, LFS ratio, and mean velocity) from 10 sound ponies and 7 ponies with unilateral forelimb lameness. Static pedobarographic data (pressure distribution, mean pressure, and peak pressure) were also collected and compared with force plate data (peak vertical force and vertical impulse) obtained from the same animals at the walk. Significant differences were seen between lame and sound ponies for almost all evaluated parameters. With this sample size, differences between lame and sound limbs/groups were detected with a statistical power of 90%, except for mean X and Y. Static posturography and pedobarography provide a complementary approach for lameness detection in equids.

The purpose of this study was to correlate the anatomic features of the normal thorax of neonatal foals identified by CTA, with anatomical sections and gross dissections. Contrast-enhanced transverse CTA images were obtained in three neonatal foals using a helical CT scanner. All sections were imaged with a bone, mediastinal, and lung windows setting. Moreover, cardiac volume-rendered reconstructed images were obtained. After CT imaging, the cadaver foals were sectioned and dissected to facilitate the interpretation of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures to the corresponding CTA images. Anatomic details of the thorax of neonatal foals were identified according to the characteristics of CT density of the different organic tissues and compared with the corresponding anatomical sections and gross dissections. The information obtained provided a valid anatomic pattern of the thorax of foals, and useful information for CTA studies of this region.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the normal anatomy of the Shetland pony heart through an integrative approach combining two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and anatomical dissection. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were performed in 19 clinically healthy Shetland ponies, obtaining standardized longitudinal and cross-sectional two-dimensional views of the heart. These images were used to describe the main echocardiographic windows and to document the visualization of relevant cardiac structures. In parallel, four Shetland pony hearts were dissected and sectioned, allowing an illustrative correspondence between anatomical landmarks and representative echocardiographic views, thereby facilitating a more precise interpretation of the observed structures. Furthermore, basic two-dimensional echocardiographic measurements were determined, including diameters of key cardiovascular chambers and vessels. Results: Nineteen Shetland ponies (median age 6.8 years; median body weight 136.9 kg) were evaluated. Anatomical analysis allowed identification of the main cardiac structures and their topographic relationships, which showed illustrative correspondence with the two-dimensional echocardiographic views. The largest measurements were the left ventricular diastolic diameter (5.4 cm) and the left atrial diastolic diameter (4.2 cm), while the smallest was the right ventricular free wall in diastole (1.2 cm). Intra-observer variability was low (ICC = 0.94; CV = 3.2%), confirming high measurement repeatability. Conclusion: Overall, the data obtained provide an adequate anatomical reference and offer relevant insights to support the interpretation of transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiographic studies in Shetland ponies.

This study aimed to characterize the computed tomographic (CT) dimensions and contrast attenuation properties of the equine eye. CT scans from 21 horses without ocular abnormalities were analyzed to obtain detailed ocular measurements and attenuation values. In addition, cranial measurements, such as nasal–occipital length and zygomatic width, were incorporated to explore potential anatomical relationships between the skull and intraocular structures. Although most correlations between cranial and ocular parameters were weak, statistically significant associations—particularly those involving lens dimensions and anterior chamber measurements—suggest that skull morphology may exert a subtle influence on ocular anatomy.

This study aimed to describe the computed tomographic (CT) dimensions and contrast attenuation characteristics of the eye in cross-breed horses. CT images from 20 horses without ocular abnormalities were analyzed to assess ocular measurements and attenuation values. The incorporation of cranial measurements, such as nasal-occipital length and zygomatic width, provided a novel insight into the anatomical relationship between the skull and intraocular structures. While most correlations between cranial and ocular parameters were weak, statistically significant associations—particularly involving lens dimensions and anterior chamber measurements—suggest that skull morphology may exert a subtle influence on ocular anatomy.