Radiographic measurements of the hooves of normal ponies.
Abstract: Knowledge of the normal radiographic anatomy of the equine foot and the relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule is imperative for objective assessment of hoof health. Little information is available for the hooves of ponies. The aim of this study was to establish a database of reference values for normal ponies and to investigate the relationship between the height at the withers and radiographic measurements of the hooves. Radiographic examinations were performed on 81 ponies, ranging from 81.5 to 148.0 cm height at the withers, immediately after foot trimming. Eighteen parameters were measured in the lateromedial view (front and hind feet) and 13 parameters were measured in the dorsopalmar view (front feet). Most linear measurements had a strong positive correlation with the height at the withers. The influence of height on angular measurements was weak. A linear regression model was adopted to enable calculation of reference values for a defined height at the withers. Left feet were longer in 72% of front feet and 67% of hind feet. The medial part of the hoof was more upright generally, but the medial hoof wall was shorter only in the right front feet. The front feet tended to be more upright than the hind feet. Compared to height at the withers, the hooves of ponies were relatively larger than the hooves of adult Warmblood horses investigated in a comparable study. The present study provides a database for farriers and veterinarians for hoof conformation, on the basis of which hoof preparation and an accurate diagnosis of lameness can be made.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2015-10-13 PubMed ID: 26542364DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.10.005Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article is an investigation into the normal radiographic measurements of pony hooves, creating a database of reference values for normal ponies and exploring the relationship between a pony’s height and the measurements of their hooves.
Overview of the Study
- The study aims to better understand the equine foot’s radiographic anatomy, particularly in ponies. The researchers highlight an apparent lack of information about pony hooves in existing literature.
- This knowledge is vital for assessing hoof health objectively. Therefore, the researchers sought to establish a database of reference values for healthy ponies, which can be used by veterinarians and farriers.
- By exploring the relationship between the height at the withers (the highest part of a horse’s back) and radiographic measurements of the hooves, the study aimed to provide a means to calculate reference values for a defined height at the withers.
Methodology
- Radiographic examinations were performed on 81 ponies of varying heights, immediately following foot trimming.
- In the lateromedial view (an image taken from the side), they measured 18 parameters from front and hind feet. In the dorsopalmar view (an image taken from the top), they measured 13 parameters from the front feet.
Findings
- The study found a strong positive correlation between most linear measurements and the height at the withers. In contrast, the influence of height on angular measurements was minimal.
- There were some asymmetries in pony hooves: left feet were generally longer, and the medial part (the side nearest the middle of the body) was more upright. However, the medial hoof wall was shorter only in the right front feet.
- Front feet tended to be more upright than back feet.
- Compared to the height at the withers, pony hooves were relatively larger than the hooves of adult Warmblood horses in a comparable study.
Implications of the Study
- The database created in this study can assist veterinarians and farriers in understanding hoof configurations better and making accurate diagnoses of lameness in ponies.
- The correlation between height and hoof measurements found in this study might provide guidance for optimal pony hoof care, such as trimmings, fitted horseshoes, and treatments.
- The discrepancies in hoof dimensions can influence a farrier’s technique or treatment and help prevent injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Thieme K, Ehrle A, Lischer C.
(2015).
Radiographic measurements of the hooves of normal ponies.
Vet J, 206(3), 332-337.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.10.005 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: katharina.thieme@fu-berlin.de.
- Equine Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Equine Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Databases, Factual
- Female
- Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
- Hoof and Claw / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Male
- Reference Values
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