Mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament in three horses identified on computed tomographic examination

Three horses that were presented for computed tomography (CT) examination of the head and cranial cervical spine in which marked mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament of the dens was identified on CT examination are described. There are currently no reports of mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament in horses in the literature. Although the significance of this finding to the presenting clinical problems in the cases described remains speculative, an association between mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament and compatible clinical signs merits further investigation. The purpose of this case report is to describe three cases with mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament as identified on CT examination.

Automated summary

Three horses were identified with marked mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament on CT examination, a finding not previously reported in the literature. While the significance of this finding to clinical problems remains speculative, further investigation into the association between mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament and compatible clinical signs is warranted. This case report aims to describe three cases with this unique mineralisation identified on CT examination.