SportHorses.vet is an independent equine veterinary service based in Bocholt (3950), Belgium.
Specialized in equine orthopedics, sport horse medicine and performance-oriented veterinary care across Europe.
Ultrasound for Sport Horses – Advanced Equine Diagnostic Imaging in Belgium
Ultrasound is one of the most essential diagnostic tools in equine orthopedics and equine sports medicine, allowing us to obtain detailed and real-time images of soft tissues, joints and internal organs. As an equine orthopedic veterinarian (PhD) based in Belgium, I use high-resolution ultrasound to diagnose injuries early, monitor healing, and support decision-making for sport horses competing across Europe.
We perform specialized ultrasound evaluations in the following areas:
- Abdominal ultrasound: liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract
- Thoracic ultrasound: echocardiography (heart), lungs
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound: tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints
Equine Musculoskeletal Ultrasound – Essential for Sport Horses
Musculoskeletal injuries—especially in tendons and ligaments—are among the most common problems in sport horses, particularly those exposed to high-intensity training. Ultrasound is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring these injuries.
The regions most frequently affected include:
- Metacarpus (forelimb)
- Metatarsus (hindlimb)
- Pastern region
The structures most commonly evaluated are:
- Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT / TFDS)
- Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT / TFDP)
- Suspensory ligament (SL / LS)
- Inferior check ligament
- Distal sesamoidean ligaments (straight and oblique)
Using ultrasound, we can precisely identify fiber disruption, inflammation, adhesions, and early degenerative changes—key information to design a personalized rehabilitation program and prevent reinjury.
General Ultrasound Applications in Horses
Beyond orthopedics, ultrasound is also invaluable for:
- Detecting and monitoring masses, tumors, abscesses and seromas
- Evaluating thoracic and abdominal organs
- Guiding procedures such as joint injections, PRP, stem cells
- Monitoring healing throughout the rehabilitation phases
Our expertise allows us to provide rapid, accurate diagnoses to ensure the best outcome for your sport horse’s performance and longevity.