Ruth-Anne Richter, BSc (Hon), DVM, MS
Surgeon
Brandon Equine
Jenifer Garber, VMD
Ocala Equine Hospital
Amy Polkes, DVM, DACVIM
Hudson Valley Equine Internal Medicine/ Antech Diagnostics
Sally DeNotta, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
University of Florida
Jessica Morgan, DVM
Co-Owner
Morgan Equine
Registration required - click here to register now
Wet Lab with Conference Registration: $695
Wet Lab Only: $895
Wet lab fees include lunch and transportation between Hilton Ocala and Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital
Wet Lab Venue:
Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital
4747 Southwest 60th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34474
Transportation will depart from Hilton Ocala at 7:15 AM; departure from Peterson & Smith will be at 4:30 PM.
Comprehensive Equine Ultrasound Wet Lab
Station 1: Pastern and Foot
Ruth Ann Richter, BSc (Hon), DVM, MS
With the wide spread use of MRI for the diagnosis of soft tissue injuries in horses, some equine lameness diagnosticians have forgotten the value of ultrasonographic examination of the pastern and foot. Although the complex anatomy of this region can be intimidating when interpreting ultrasonographic abnormalities, a well-trained ultrasonographer can gather a vast amount of information regarding the soft tissue structures in the pastern and, to a lesser degree, in the foot. In this wet lab, we will review pertinent anatomy of the pastern and foot. You will get hands on experience performing a structured, detailed examination of the pastern and foot. Emphasis will be placed on the visualization of anatomic structures that are most commonly injured and the ability to discern artifact
Station 2: Forelimb Suspensory Ligament
Jenifer Garber, VMD
Equine forelimb suspensory ligament desmitis is one of the most common causes for lameness in all disciplines. Ultrasonographic examination of the ligament is important diagnostically, for targeted treatment, and to follow healing and design a rehabilitation program for the affected horse. The proximal suspensory ligament can be challenging to image due to its distance from the skin, interference of other structures, and heterogeneity of composition at the origin. Participants in this wet lab will examine the forelimb proximal suspensory ligament, suspensory body and branches, and learn tips to produce the best images possible.
Station 3: Thorax/Abdomen
Amy Polkes, DVM, DACVIM
This station will cover the approach to ultrasound evaluation of the equine thorax and abdomen. Relevant landmarks will be reviewed, as well as probe handling and image refinement. A general overview of the FLASH technique for evaluation of the acute abdomen will be included. Participants will master the following skills:
Thorax: Performing examination using intercostal technique; Identify the pleural surface; Identify the diaphragm
Abdomen: Performing examination in systematic fashion; Identify the nephrosplenic space; Identify the stomach; Identify small intestine; Distinguish liver from spleen; Identify the diaphragm; Identify the right kidney; Follow the duodenum
Station 4: Standing C1-C2 CSF Collection and Cervical Facet Injection Techniques
Sally DeNotta, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Ultrasound-guided injections of the cervical spine provide valuable diagnostic and therapeutic options for equine field practitioners. Cerebrospinal fluid is a crucial diagnostic sample for the diagnosis of neurologic conditions in horses, including the viral encephalitides common to central Florida. Similarly, cervical facet injections are a common therapeutic for horses with cervical arthritis, and this too can be performed in the field with relative ease. Techniques for both CSF collection from the proximal cervical spine of standing sedated horses as well as basic cervical facet injection techniques will be demonstrated, along with practical tips for success.
Station 5: Forelimb Superficial and Deep Flexor Tendons
Jessica Morgan, DVM
During this wet lab station emphasis will be placed on looking above the routinely scanned metacarpus to the knee where the musculotendinous junctions in the carpal canal can be confusing, developing better probe control and scanning techniques through the metacarpus and then venturing below the fetlock into the pastern region where fluid and small tears are frustrating findings. This will be an absolute hands on experience that will translate into confidence and proficiency the very next time you scan this region.