Characterisation of osseous bodies of the distal phalanx of foals.
Abstract: The distal phalanx and metacarpal physis of both forelimbs of 32 Thoroughbred foals 3-32 weeks of age were radiographed to identify those limbs with osseous bodies at a palmar process (PP) of the distal phalanx. Osseous bodies (ossicles) were identified radiographically in 19% of the foals. Sixteen of the 32 foals were selected for microradiographic and histological evaluation: 6 foals with radiographic evidence of ossicles and 10 foals without. Fourteen ossicles of the PP were observed radiographically. Ossicles were either a triangular bone fragment at the palmar aspect of the distal angle of the PP, or an oblong bone fragment separated from P3 by a radiolucent line extending 1-3 cm from the incisure of the PP to the solar margin. One foal had radiographic evidence of bilateral distal metacarpal physitis. Seventeen of 35 PPs examined microradiographically were considered normal, in that the dorsal and solar cortices were thin with trabecular bone orientated parallel to the cortical surfaces, and there was a depression in the dorsal cortical surface (i.e. parietal sulcus). Abnormal microradiographic findings in the other 18 PPs included a fracture line extending from the dorsal cortical surfaces and trabecular bridging of the fracture gap. The fracture line was often continuous with the parietal sulcus. Microradiographic evidence of a fracture was found in 75% of foals evaluated. Normal histological findings in 16 PPs included thin dorsal and solar cortices with trabeculae orientated parallel to the cortical surfaces, parallel-fibred dense connective tissue attachments of the deep digital flexor tendon to the solar cortical surfaces, and a neurovascular bundle associated with the parietal sulcus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Publication Date: 1993-07-01 PubMed ID: 8354213DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02965.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research conducted radiographic and histological evaluations on the forelimbs of 32 thoroughbred foals. It focused on identifying osseous bodies (or ossicles, small bone fragments) in the lowermost bone (distal phalanx) of the horses’ forelimbs, with findings suggesting this feature was present in 19% of the subjects.
Research Methodology
- The study targeted Thoroughbred foals aged between 3 and 32 weeks.
- Both the distal phalanx (end bone) and the metacarpal physis (growth plate in the long bone of the forearm) in both forelimbs of the 32 foals were radiographed.
- The aim was to identify osseous bodies at a palmar process (a protrusion from the distal phalanx).
- Of the 32 foals, 16 were further selected for microradiographic and histological evaluation. Among these, 6 exhibited radiographic evidence of osseous bodies.
Observations and Findings
- Radiographically, osseous bodies were identified in 19% of the foals.
- The identified ossicles were either a triangular bone fragment at the palmar aspect of the distal angle of the palmar process, or an oblong fragment separated from the primary bone by a radiolucent line.
- One foal had radiographic evidence of distal metacarpal physitis (irritation and swelling of the growth plate in the lower end of the metacarpus).
- On microradiographic evaluation, 17 of 35 evaluated palmar processes were considered normal, with thin dorsal and solar cortices and oriented trabecular bone.
- The other 18 exhibited abnormal findings like fracture lines extending from the dorsal cortical surfaces and trabecular bridging of the fracture gap.
- Microradiographic evidence of fractures was found in 75% of the evaluated foals.
Summary
The study’s observations provide important insights into the formation and impact of osseous bodies in the forelimbs of young Thoroughbreds. Such understanding is crucial for improving equine health and performance, and it could aid in the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies for these conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Kaneps AJ, O'Brien TR, Redden RF, Stover SM, Pool RR.
(1993).
Characterisation of osseous bodies of the distal phalanx of foals.
Equine Vet J, 25(4), 285-292.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02965.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis 95616.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb
- Fracture Healing
- Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
- Hoof and Claw / diagnostic imaging
- Hoof and Claw / injuries
- Hoof and Claw / pathology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / injuries
- Male
- Microradiography / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Kotoyori Y, Endo Y, Murase H, Sato F, Korosue K. Changes in aspects of hoof and distal limb conformation in foals by radiographic evaluation. J Vet Med Sci 2024 Apr 10;86(4):421-427.
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