Estudo diagnostico da desmopatia degenerativa do suspensório da articulação metatarso falangeana em equinos

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the clinical signs and the histological findings compatible with theDegenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmopaty (DSLD), as reduction of the angles ofmetatarsophalangeal joints (MPJ) and the presence of proteoglycan accumulation in suspensory(SL) and nucal (NL) ligament of suspected animals. 108 animals (64 males and 44 females), mixedbreedand pure Brasileiro de Hipismo, from the Military Police of Minas Gerais (MPMG), had theirMPJ angles measured. They were separated in tree groups, according to their age, that didnt showsignificant differences between their averages of MPJ angle values. Only tree animals (one from the8 to twelve years and two from the > 13 years), detached from the rest, presented MPJ angles lowerthan 1460. Such a reduced prevalence tax may be explained by the accurate selection of animalsdestined to reproduction. In addition, the presence of proteoglycans (PG) accumulation wasevaluated in samples of suspensory ligaments (SL) (n=28) from animals of abattoir, consideredsuspicious, all mixed-breed Mangalarga Marchador. Although there were observed no significantdifference between the groups, PG accumulation was predominant in the samples of SL, derivedfrom animals of the 13 years group, demonstrating a relation between the presence of PGaccumulation and advancing of age. In the same way, the NL (n=15) from the animals owned byMPMG, considered suspicious of DSLD, that were divided in two groups by age, didnt present adifference among the groups, beside the predominance in the group with more than 15 years. Therewas positive correlation between the PG presence in NL samples and the clinical signs of dorsalMPA angle reduction, proving the systemic nature of DSLD, as observed by Halper et al. (2006).The histological exam of the suspensory and the nuchal ligaments can be considered acomplementary method of DSLD diagnosis