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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 15(1); doi: 10.3390/ani15010022

Radiographic Morphometric Measurements of the Donkey’s Distal Hind Limb.

Abstract: Morphometric measurements of the toe serve as a reference for the objective assessment of the presence of a pathological condition and as a guide for the correct trimming of the hooves. Therefore, the anatomical differences between horses and donkeys oblige an autonomous database with reference values for the donkey. The aim of this study was therefore to provide readings of the distal hind limb on radiographs of donkeys. Radiographs of the distal hind limb in two projections of 41 generally sound donkeys without lameness in walk were taken after previous hoof trimming and preparation according to a standardized radiographic procedure. A total of 16 lengths and 9 angles were measured and statistically analyzed in each hoof. The dorsal hoof wall is on average 70 to 80 mm long and angled at 55°; the coffin bone runs parallel to the hoof wall. The average founder distance is 17 mm, and the mean sole thickness is 14 mm. The heel angle averages 52°, which is slightly flatter than the hoof wall angle. Correlations with weight and height are observed. Concluding, the morphometric measurements confirm the differences between horses' reported normal anatomy and the presented donkeys. Disorders can be detected by applying the measurements.
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Publication Date: 2024-12-25 PubMed ID: 39794965PubMed Central: PMC11718875DOI: 10.3390/ani15010022Google 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.

This research article focuses on taking accurate measures of the distal hind limb in donkeys, allowing for the determination and assessment of potential pathological conditions and providing guidance for appropriate hoof trimming. It results in the creation of a reference database, highlighting the anatomical differences between horses and donkeys.

Objectives of the Study

  • The primary intention of this study was to gather accurate morphometric measurements from the radiographs (x-ray pictures) of the distal hind limb of donkeys.
  • The research aimed to establish a database that provided reference values specific to donkeys, given that anatomical differences exist between horses and donkeys.
  • This study was also conducted to help detect disorders and guide the correct process of hoof trimming in donkeys.

Methodology

  • The researchers took radiographs of the distal hind limb in two orientations for 41 healthy donkeys without any lameness in their walk.
  • The hooves were first trimmed and prepared according to a standard radiographic procedure.
  • On each hoof, a total of 16 lengths and 9 angles were then measured and statistically analyzed.

Results and Findings

  • The dorsal hoof wall was found to be, on average, 70 to 80 mm long and angled at 55°. The coffin bone, a structural part of a horse’s hoof, was observed running parallel to the hoof wall.
  • The average founder distance was 17 mm, and the mean sole thickness was about 14mm.
  • The heel angle averaged around 52°, somewhat flatter than that of the hoof wall angle.
  • There were correlations noticed with the weight and height of the donkeys.

Conclusions

  • The research concluded by elucidating the differences between the anatomies of horses and the donkeys in question.
  • The measurements taken in this research can help detect any pathological conditions in the donkeys.

Cite This Article

APA
Schaus K, Wacker J, Jandowsky A, Büttner K, Röcken M, Bartmann CP. (2024). Radiographic Morphometric Measurements of the Donkey’s Distal Hind Limb. Animals (Basel), 15(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010022

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 1

Researcher Affiliations

Schaus, Kyra
  • Clinic for Equine Surgery and Orthopedics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
Wacker, Juliana
  • Clinic for Equine Surgery and Orthopedics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
Jandowsky, Anabell
  • Arche Warder-Zentrum für alte Haus- und Nutztierrassen e.V., Langwedeler Weg 11, 24646 Warder, Germany.
Büttner, Kathrin
  • Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
Röcken, Michael
  • Clinic for Equine Surgery and Orthopedics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
Bartmann, Claus Peter
  • Clinic for Equine Surgery and Orthopedics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Nourinezhad J, Abdi A, Moarabi A, Hanafi MG, Fatahin Dehkordi RA, Tomańska A. Assessing Salivary Ductal Structures of the Donkey (Equus asinus) Using Conventional Sialography and Its Practical Guide. Vet Med Int 2025;2025:9920803.
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