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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anat / A comparative multi-site and whole-body assessment of fascia...
Journal of anatomy2019; 235(6); 1065-1077; doi: 10.1111/joa.13064

A comparative multi-site and whole-body assessment of fascia in the horse and dog: a detailed histological investigation.

Abstract: Fascia in the veterinary sciences is drawing attention, such that physiotherapists and animal practitioners are now applying techniques based on the concept of fascia studies in humans. A comprehensive study of fascia is therefore needed in animals to understand the arrangement of the fascial layers in an unguligrade horse and a digitigrade dog. This study has examined the difference between the horse and the dog fascia at specific regions, in terms of histology, and has compared it with the human model. Histological examinations show that in general the fascia tissue of the horse exhibits a tight and dense composition, while in the dog it is looser and has non-dense structure. Indeed, equine fascia appears to be different from both canine fascia and the human fascia model, whilst canine fascia is very comparable to the human model. Although regional variations were observed, the superficial fascia (fascia superficialis) in the horse was found to be trilaminar in the trunk, yet multilayered in the dog. Moreover, crimping of collagen fibers was more visible in the horse than the dog. Blood vessels and nerves were present in the loose areolar tissue of the superficial and the profound compartment of hypodermis. The deep fascia (fascia profunda) in the horse was thick and tightly attached to the underlying muscle, while in the dog the deep fascia was thin and loosely attached to underlying structures. Superficial and deep fascia fused in the extremities. In conclusion, gross dissection and histology have revealed species variations that are related to the absence or presence of the superficial adipose tissue, the retinacula cutis superficialis, the localization and amount of elastic fibers, as well as the ability to slide and glide between the different layers. Further research is now needed to understand in more detail whether these differences have an influence on the biomechanics, movements and proprioception of these animals.
© 2019 Anatomical Society.
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Publication Date: 2019-08-11 PubMed ID: 31402460PubMed Central: PMC6875949DOI: 10.1111/joa.13064Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article aims to explore and illustrate the differences and similarities between the composition and structure of fascia, a layer of connective tissue, in horses, dogs, and humans. The study finds distinct characteristics and variability in fascia tissue, which can potentially impact the animals’ biomechanics and movement patterns.

Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted through detailed histological examinations of fascia across different specific regions of horses and dogs, comparing the characteristics and composition of these tissues against a standard human model.
  • Researchers examined both the superficial fascia, found immediately beneath the skin, and the deep fascia, which separates individual muscles and muscle groups, in both animal subjects.
  • The examination included considerations of the fascia’s flexibility, elasticity, attachment to underlying muscles, and the presence of blood vessels and nerves.

Findings

  • Evidence revealed that the fascia in the horse had a tightly-packed, dense composition, differing greatly from the less dense, looser structure displayed by the dog.
  • Equine fascia was also found to be very different from the human fascia model, while canine fascia showed substantial similarities with the human model.
  • There were observable regional variations in the animals, with the superficial fascia in horses found to have three layers in the trunk area but multiple layers in the dog.
  • The deep fascia in the horse was thick and tightly attached to the underlying muscle, whereas in the dog it was thin and loosely attached.
  • Blood vessels and nerves were noted in the loose areolar tissue of both the superficial and deep compartments of the hypodermis.
  • The different layers of superficial and deep fascia fused in the extremities of the animals.

Implications and Future Research

  • The findings suggest significant interspecies differences in fascia due to factors such as the presence or absence of superficial adipose tissue, the retinacula cutis superficialis, the localization and amount of elastic fibers, and the capacity of sliding and gliding between different layers.
  • There is a need for further research to understand how these differences may influence the biomechanics, movements, and proprioception, which is the sense of self-movement and body’s position, of these animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Ahmed W, Kulikowska M, Ahlmann T, Berg LC, Harrison AP, Elbrønd VS. (2019). A comparative multi-site and whole-body assessment of fascia in the horse and dog: a detailed histological investigation. J Anat, 235(6), 1065-1077. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13064

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 1469-7580
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 235
Issue: 6
Pages: 1065-1077

Researcher Affiliations

Ahmed, Waqas
  • Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kulikowska, Marta
  • Equi-Physiq, Tikøb, Denmark.
Ahlmann, Trine
  • Move in Harmony, Birkerød, Denmark.
Berg, Lise C
  • Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Harrison, Adrian P
  • Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Elbrønd, Vibeke Sødring
  • Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Connective Tissue / anatomy & histology
  • Dogs / anatomy & histology
  • Fascia / anatomy & histology
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Musculoskeletal System / anatomy & histology
  • Subcutaneous Tissue / anatomy & histology

Grant Funding

  • Hesteafgiftsfonden
  • The Punjab Education Endowment Fund

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors know of no conflicts of interest in connection with this study.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Story MR, Haussler KK, Nout-Lomas YS, Aboellail TA, Kawcak CE, Barrett MF, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW. Equine Cervical Pain and Dysfunction: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 6;11(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11020422pubmed: 33562089google scholar: lookup
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