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Why Ultrasound Is Not Just ForHorse Tendons And BreedingHow You Can Use It For Equine Eyes,Joints And Colic Evaluationby David W. Ramey, DVM Since its introduction into equine medicine in the latterpart of the 20th century, ultrasound has been enthusiastically adopted by practitioners - both hospital-basedand in the field - as a non-invasive way to glean informationabout tissues lying beneath the skin.Almost undoubtedly, the most common uses of ultrasoundare in evaluation of the female reproductive tract and for evaluation of the tendons and ligaments of a horse%u2019s lower limb.Other, less common uses for ultrasound may be learned relatively fast.The mechanics of ultrasound are straightforward. Ultrasonicwaves are generated by a probe directed by the veterinarian.When an interface between different ultrasound densities is encountered by the waves, some reflect back. These reflectedwaves then are detected by the probe and assimilated into animage by the machine%u2019s computer.Different tissues have different densities; bone is bright white,fluid is black and everything else falls into innumerable shadesof grey. Higher frequency probes provide better structural detailbut lack the depth of penetration of lower frequency probes, sorelatively superficial structures such as tendons may be evaluated with a 7.5 MHz probe while deeper structures require frequencies as low as 1.5 to 3.5 MHz.Ultrasonography of Equine Eye Ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic technique for evaluation of the eye and adnexa in many equine ocular diseases. Ultrasonography can help practitioners obtain critical informationabout the horse%u2019s eye when a routine ophthalmologic exam isnot possible due to conditions such as opacities of the eye or severe eyelid swelling.Ultrasound also can help practitioners distinguish the causesof changes in the size or position of the globe, such as helping to42 Arizona Horse Connection June, 2026continued on page 44(928) 848-6788 Capture your story with timeless photographyinspired by love and authentic moments.