Cranial tibial artery contrast injection for tarsal CT in horses

VRU 2023 64(5): 904-912

Author

Ryan Appleby
February 23, 2024

Background: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is a useful imaging modality for evaluating soft tissue structures in horses, but it requires arterial catheterization, which can be challenging and time-consuming.

Study: The authors investigated the feasibility and efficacy of contrast administration via ultrasound-guided injection of the cranial tibial artery (CTA) for CECT of the metatarsus in horses.

Methods: Six healthy horses underwent CECT of both hind limbs using two different injection sites: the CTA and the common carotid artery (CCA). The contrast enhancement of the soft tissues of the metatarsus was measured and compared between the two injection sites.

Results: The CTA injection site was successfully accessed in all horses, and no complications were observed. The contrast enhancement of the soft tissues of the metatarsus was similar between the CTA and the CCA injection sites, except for the deep digital flexor tendon, which showed higher enhancement with the CTA injection.

Limitations: The study was performed on a small number of healthy horses, and the CTA injection site may not be suitable for horses with vascular abnormalities or poor perfusion of the hind limbs.

Conclusions: The CTA injection site is a feasible and effective alternative to the CCA injection site for CECT of the metatarsus in horses, and it may offer some advantages such as shorter procedure time and lower risk of complications.

Catheterization of the cranial tibial artery. A, Photograph of ultrasound-guided cranial tibial artery catheterization procedure. B, Photograph of catheter in situ within the cranial tibial artery. C, Longitudinal ultrasound image of catheter in place within the cranial tibial artery. Proximal is to the left in all images. Ultrasound images were acquired using a NextGen LOGIQ™ e ultrasound machine (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). Alcohol was used as a coupling medium and B-mode ultrasound was performed using a linear 7–12 MHz electronic transducer without an accompanying standoff pad. Horses were positioned in lateral recumbency.

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