The Pelvic Girdle of Cow: Ultrasonographic Description

This study was carried out to offer a detailed ultrasonographic description of the pelvic girdle mature cows. Twenty mature and clinically healthy cows of the local (Balady) breed were examined ultrasonographically. A complete pelvic examination was carried out after animal restraint. All components of the pelvic girdle including osseous structures, joints, ligaments and tendons were examined and evaluated both externally and internally. For each measured item, the obtained results were compared between the right and left sides. The pelvic tuberosities (sacral tuber, coxal tuber, and ischial tuber) appeared as convex arches with a variant degree of irregularities on the surfaces. The bony outside surfaces of iliac wing and body and the ischium appeared as thin hyperechoic concave arches; while the inside surfaces of the tabula of the Ischium, pubis, medial aspect of the acetabulum and the iliac body appeared as thin hyperechoic convex arches. Pelvic articulations including hip joint and sacroiliac joint appeared as anechoic band bounded by hyperechoic arches. The pelvic tendon and ligaments appeared as echogenic structures with a longitudinal linear fiber pattern. The obtained results can be used as a guide for pelvic examination in mature cows.