Osteology and Radiographic Anatomy of the Pelvis and Hind Limb of Healthy Ring‐Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta)

In family Lemuridae, anatomical variations exist. Considering its conservation status (near threatened) and presence of similarities between strepsirrhines and primitive animals, it was thought to be beneficial to describe the gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) as a reference for clinical use and species identification. Radiography was performed in 14 captive adult ring‐tailed lemurs. The radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from two adult animals. Additionally, computed tomography of the hind limbs was performed in one animal. The pelvic bone has a well‐developed caudal ventral iliac spine. The patella has a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The first metatarsal bone and digit 1 are markedly stouter than the other metatarsal bones and digits with medial divergence from the rest of the metatarsal bones and digits. Ossicles were seen in the lateral meniscus, inter‐phalangeal joint of digit 1 and in the infrapatellar fat pad. Areas of mineral opacity were seen within the external genitalia, which are believed to be the os penis and os clitoris. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic appearance of the pelvis and hind limb of different animal species. The use of only atlases from domestic cats and dogs for interpretative purposes may be misleading.     

Gross osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb of the adult small East African goat

The aim of this study was to provide the detailed normal gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvic limb in adult small East African goats as a reference for clinical use, biomedical research and teaching. Radiography of the pelvic limb was performed in five adult small East African goats. Bone specimens of four skeletally mature small East African goats were used for gross osteological study. The ilial wing was wide. The ischiatic tuberosity was prominent and well developed. The acetabulum was rounded. The minor trochanter was located caudomedially, and the femoral trochlea was deep and narrow. The lateral and medial condyles of the femur were approximately of the same size. The tibial tuberosity was prominent, and the cochlea grooves were deep with a pronounced intermediate ridge. The trochlea of the talus was deep. The patella presented a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The metatarsal sesamoid bone was seen in all animals. The observed gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvic limb of small East African goats was consistent with the presence of strong extensor muscles of the hip, stifle and tarsus for propulsion during terrestrial walking and trotting.     

Thoracic Limb Morphology of the Ring‐tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Evidenced by Gross Osteology and Radiography

There is limited information available on the morphology of the thoracic limb of the ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta). This study describes the morphology of the thoracic limb of captive ring‐tailed lemurs evidenced by gross osteology and radiography as a guide for clinical use. Radiographic findings of 12 captive ring‐tailed lemurs are correlated with bone specimens of three adult animals. The clavicle is well developed. The scapula has a large area for the origin of the m. teres major. The coracoid and hamate processes are well developed. The lateral supracondylar crest and medial epicondyle are prominent. The metacarpal bones are widely spread, and the radial tuberosity is prominent. These features indicate the presence of strong flexor muscles and flexibility of thoracic limb joints, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Furthermore, an ovoid ossicle is always seen at the inter‐phalangeal joint of the first digit. Areas of increased soft tissue opacity are superimposed over the proximal half of the humerus and distal half of the antebrachium in male animals as a result of the scent gland. Knowledge of the morphology of the thoracic limb of individual species is important for accurate interpretation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases.     

Body and claw measurements as well as pressure distribution under the claws in heifers of different cattle breeds

In 56 heifers of the three breeds German Holstein (GH), German Brown (GB) und German Red (GR) the body weight and height were determined at the age of 350 to 550 days in intervals of 6 to 8 weeks. At the right front limb and the left hind limb the claw measurements dorsal wall length, diagonal length, heel length and height, the angle of the dorsal wall and the hardness of the claw were taken. Furthermore, the punctual pressure under the medial and the lateral claw of the right front limb and the left hind limb were determined using an electronic measuring system. The GH heifers weighing 387.3 kg on an average and having a mean height of 132.3 cm at the sacral bone in the course of the present study were the heaviest and tallest breed at the age of 12 to 18 months. GB had a weight of 366.2 kg and 106.2 cm height at the sacral bone. The GR were the smallest breed (126.0 cm) and weighed 337.7 kg. The heel at the front limb was on the average 1 cm shorter than at the hind limb and it was 0.5 cm lower. The angle of the dorsal border was 4-5 degrees higher at the hind limb. The GR had the flattest claws. The animals showed a larger average weight load on the medial claws than on the lateral claws especially of the front limbs. The highest pressures per cm2 were found underneath the rear part of the medial claw in all breeds. At the front limb, the GB showed significantly higher average pressures per cm2 under the front sectors of the claws than GH and GR, while the other values did not differ significantly between the breeds. The GH tended to have lower average pressures per cm2 underneath the claws of the hind limb, but this was only significant at the front medial sector of the claw.     

Evaluation of the Marsh Deer Stifle Joint by Imaging Studies and Gross Anatomy

This study aimed to evaluate the stifle joint of marsh deer using imaging studies and in comparison with gross anatomy. Ten hindlimbs from 5 marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) were used. Radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in each stifle joint. Two hindlimbs were dissected to describe stifle gross anatomy. The other limbs were sectioned in sagittal, dorsal or transverse planes. In the craniocaudal radiographic view, the lateral femoral condyle was broader than the medial femoral condyle. The femoral trochlea was asymmetrical. Subsequent multiplanar reconstruction revealed in the cranial view that the external surface of the patella was roughened, the medial trochlea ridge was larger than the lateral one, and the extensor fossa at the lateral condyle was next to the lateral ridge. The popliteal fossa was better visualized via the lateral view. Sagittal MRI images identified lateral and medial menisci, caudolateral and craniomedial bundles of cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, patellar ligament and common extensor tendon. In conclusion, the marsh deer stifle presents some anatomical characteristics of the ovine stifle joint.     

Body and claw measurements and pressure distribution under the claws in calves of different cattle breeds

In 58 female calves of the three breeds German Holstein (GH), German Brown (GB) and German Red (GR) the body weight and height were determined at the age of 79 to 188 days. At the right front limb and the left hind limb the following claw measurements were taken: dorsal border length, diagonal length, heel length and height, angle of the dorsal border and hardness of the claw horn. Furthermore, the punctual pressure under the medial and the lateral claw of the right front limb and the left hind limb were determined using an electronic measuring system. The GH calves weighing 136.8 kg were heavier than GB, which was the tallest breed with 106.2 cm height at the sacral bone. GR calves were the smallest (99.1 cm) and weighed 121.1 kg. The length of the diagonal and the angle of the dorsal border were smaller at the hind limb of all breeds which resulted in a smaller area of ground surface for the claw of this limb. The GR calves had the longest and flattest claws. The GB showed the highest pressures per cm2 at the front limb with 25.6 N/cm2 under both claws as well as at the hind limb with 26.7 N/cm2. The AR had the smallest pressure load with 20.8 N/cm2 at the front limb and 20.2 N/cm2 at the hind limb. The animals showed a larger relative weight load and area of ground surface on the medial claws of the front and hind limbs than on the lateral claws. The highest pressures were found underneath the rear part of the medial claw in all breeds. GB calves showed the highest average pressures (33.3 N/cm2 at the front limb) while GR calves had the lowest (26.3 N/cm2 at the hind limb). GR calves had the highest claw hardness at all measuring positions.     

Rotation of the femoral trochlea for treatment of medial patellar luxation in a dog

A crossbreed dog was presented with non-weight bearing on the right hindlimb and a semi-flexed stifle. Clinical examination and radiographic investigation showed a grade 3 medial patellar luxation, characterised by hypoplasia of the medial trochlear ridge. No other significant skeletal abnormalities were detected. A 180 degrees rotation of the femoral trochlea was the surgical technique chosen to treat the trochlear dysplasia, the aim being to move the normal lateral ridge to the medial side and thereby prevent patellar luxation. This technique was able to restore correct conformation of the femoral trochlea and preserve the integrity of the trochlear groove cartilage, thus potentially retarding the progression of degenerative joint disease. The dog recovered fully and postoperative radiographic examinations showed healing of the rotated trochlea with only mild signs of degenerative joint disease.     

Rotating dome trochleoplasty: an experimental technique for correction of patellar luxation using a feline model.

The purpose of this study was to compare a trochlear block recession to a rotating dome trochleoplasty, a novel technique for the correction of patellar luxation in small animals. Twenty-eight limbs were used from 14 feline cadavers. With the stifles in flexion and extension, computed tomography was utilized to compare width and depth of the trochlea, medial trochlear ridge height, trochlear articular surface area preserved, patellar contact articular surface area, patellar area covered by the trochlear ridges and patellar tilt angle. The results of this study demonstrated that a rotating dome trochleoplasty is superior to a trochlear block recession with regard to medial trochlear height, trochlear width, trochlear depth and trochlear surface area preservation. The results of this study support further biomechanical evaluation of this technique which eventually may lead to clinical trials.     

The effect of parentage on the prevalence, severity and location of lesions of osteochondrosis in swine

The aims of this study were to determine the effects of parentage and gender on the prevalence, severity and location of lesions of osteochondrosis manifesta (OCM) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in offspring from different Norwegian Landrace boars and to examine the relationships between lesion characteristics and selected growth parameters. Fifteen sires were selected based on their high breeding value for osteochondrosis. Seven locations in the distal humerus and the distal femur from 1680 offspring of these animals were evaluated for severity of OCM and presence of OCD by gross examination of serially sectioned humeri and femora. Osteochondrosis manifesta was most prevalent in the trochlea of humerus, the sagittal ridge of humerus, the medial condyle of femur and the medial sulcus obliquus of femur. The severity of the lesions and the prevalence of OCD were highest in the trochlea and the sagittal ridge of humerus. Castrates had significantly higher OCM scores than sows. There were significant effects of both sire and dam on the OCM scores of the offspring in most locations; however, growth rate and weight at slaughter did not influence the OCM score.     

Caudocranial horizontal beam radiographic projection for evaluation of femoral fracture and osteotomy repair in dogs and cats

A new radiographic projection of the femur was evaluated for use in the assessment of fracture or osteotomy repair in small animals. The view is obtained by directing the x-ray beam horizontally through the hind limb, from caudad to craniad, with the animal positioned in lateral recumbency, the hip flexed, and the stifle extended. Views obtained, using the new projection, were compared with the standard ventrodorsal views of the pelvis, with hind limbs extended. Osteotomy lines in the femoral shaft were significantly (P less than 0.01) more visible on the horizontal beam view. Significant difference was not evident in visibility of fracture lines between the 2 radiographic projections. The horizontal beam view was easily obtained, and equivalent to the standard ventrodorsal view for radiographic evaluation of femoral fracture and osteotomy repair.     

Unusual osteochondral lesions of the talus in a horse

A 2-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was evaluated for a grade 3 out of 5 unilateral hind limb lameness. Flexion of the right hock and stifle joints (spavin test) exacerbated the lameness. Response to intra-articular and perineural anaesthesia isolated the source of lameness to the tarsocrural area, despite an absence of tarsocrural joint effusion. Routine radiographic examination of the hock did not reveal any significant abnormalities. Skeletal nuclear scintigraphic evaluation revealed a focal region of increased bone activity in the proximal medial trochlear ridge of the talus. Flexed lateromedial radiographic views identified three discrete semicircular lytic lesions at the proximal articular margin of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus. Conservative management of the lesions was associated with a successful return to racing. The location and appearance of the osteochondral lesions of this report have not been previously reported and may be a manifestation of developmental orthopaedic disease and abnormal endochondral ossification. Nuclear scintigraphy and flexed lateromedial radiographic views facilitated identification of the lesions. This radiographic view is recommended when lameness is isolated to the tarsocrural joint and standard radio-graphic projections fail to identify a cause.     

Computer-assisted kinematic evaluation of induced compensatory movements resembling lameness in horses trotting on a treadmill

OBJECTIVE: To characterize compensatory movements of the head and pelvis that resemble lameness in horses. ANIMALS: 17 adult horses. PROCEDURE: Kinematic evaluations were performed while horses trotted on a treadmill before and after shoe-induced lameness. Lameness was quantified and the affected limb determined by algorithms that measured asymmetry in vertical movement of the head and pelvis. Induced primary lameness and compensatory movements resembling lameness were assessed by the Friedman test. Association between induced lameness and compensatory movements was examined by regression analysis. RESULTS: Compensatory movements resembling lameness in the ipsilateral forelimb were seen with induced lameness of a hind limb. There was less downward and less upward head movement during and after the stance phase of the ipsilateral forelimb. Doubling the severity of lameness in the hind limb increased severity of the compensatory movements in the ipsilateral forelimb by 50%. Compensatory movements resembling lameness of the hind limb were seen after induced lameness in a forelimb. There was less upward movement of the pelvis after the stance phase of the contralateral hind limb and, to a lesser extent, less downward movement of the pelvis during the stance phase of the ipsilateral hind limb. Doubling the severity of lameness in the forelimb increased compensatory movements of the contralateral hind limb by 5%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Induced lameness in a hind limb causes prominent compensatory movements resembling lameness in the ipsilateral forelimb. Induced lameness in a forelimb causes slight compensatory movements resembling lameness in the ipsilateral and contralateral hind limbs.     

Outcome of limb amputations in wapiti: 13 cases (1995-2001).

The object of this investigation was to determine the outcome of limb amputation in wapiti. Medical records of 13 wapiti that underwent limb amputation were reviewed to determine age, weight, sex, injury preceding amputation, limb amputated, amputation location, length of hospital stay, complications, and outcome. Ages ranged from 3 months to 8 years and weights from 70 kg to 280 kg. All animals were female. Eleven animals sustained catastrophic long bone fractures prior to amputation. Five animals had front limb amputations and 8 had hind limb amputations. Of these animals, 1 with a front limb amputaiton and 5 with hind limb amputations survived. Postsurgical inability to stand is associated with hospitalization of > 1 day. Of the 13 wapiti reviewed, 5 with hind limb amputations have produced and reared offspring. Hind limb amputation can be considered a viable alternative to euthanasia when catastrophic orthopedic injuries occur in female wapiti.     

Objective determination of pelvic movement during hind limb lameness by use of a signal decomposition method and pelvic height differences

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pelvic movement over a large number of strides in sound horses and in horses with induced hind limb lameness by applying methods to the pelvis that have been described for evaluating vertical head movement in horses with induced forelimb lameness. ANIMALS: 17 adult horses. PROCEDURE: Horses were filmed while trotting on a treadmill before and after induction of transient mild and moderate hind limb lamenesses. Vertical pelvic movement was measured by a signal decomposition method. The vertical pelvic signal was decomposed into a periodic component (A1) that occurred at half the stride frequency (representing vertical pelvic movement caused by lameness) and another periodic component (A2) that occurred at stride frequency (representing normal vertical pelvic movement of a trotting horse). Vertical pelvic and foot positions were correlated for each stride to compare the difference between the minimum and maximum heights of the pelvis during and after stance of the right hind limb to the minimum and maximum heights of the pelvis during and after stance of the left hind limb. RESULTS: Maximum pelvic height difference and lameness amplitude (A1) differed significantly between sound and mild or moderate hind limb lameness conditions. Mean A1 value for vertical pelvic movement in sound horses was less than that previously reported for vertical head movement. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pelvic height differences and signal decomposition of pelvic movement can be used to objectively evaluate hind limb lameness in horses over a large number of strides in clinical and research settings.     

Arthroscopic autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty for the treatment of subchondral cystic lesion in the medial femoral condyle in a horse

An 11-year-old, Hungarian half-bred stallion was presented with a history of mixed left hindlimb lameness of 6 months duration. Subchondral bone cyst of the medial femoral condyle and injury of the medial meniscus were diagnosed. Osteochondral autograft transplantation (mosaic arthroplasty) was performed, taking grafts from the less weight-bearing medial border of the medial femoral trochlea of the affected limb, and transplanting them into the cyst during arthroscopy. The lameness was evaluated prior to and one year after the operation with a motion analysis system during treadmill exercise. Considerable improvement of the lameness and the clinical signs as well as successful transplantation of the grafts, and a new hard joint cartilage surface of the medial femoral condyle could be detected during follow-up arthroscopy. Osteochondral autograft transplantation seems to bee a possible alternative for treating subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle in horses. A new technique for the surgical treatment of a subchondral cystic lesion of the medial femoral condyle in the horse is described.     

FIRST-PASS RADIONUCLIDE ANGIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF AORTOILIAC THROMBOEMBOLISM IN A HORSE

First-pass radionuclide angiography of the terminal aorta was performed in 3 normal horses and a 6-year old Standardbred intact male with aortoiliac thromboembolism. Thromboembolism caused chronic bilateral hind limb lameness, more severe in the right hind limb, was detected by rectal examination, and confirmed using transrectal ultrasonography. Using ^99mTc-HDP, first-pass radionuclide angiography was combined with hind limb and pelvis bone(delayed) scintigraphy and revealed marked reduction in blood flow through both external iliac arteries and absence of blood flow in the internal iliac arteries. Quantitative analysis showed a decreased activity in the right iliac vessels in the clinic patient consistent with reduced blood flow when compared to control horses. First-pass radio-nuclide angiography provided a method to obtain diagnostic images of the terminal aorta and branches and a method to diagnose aortoiliac thromboembolism in the horse.     

Three-dimensional modelling of computed tomography images of limb bones in gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa)

The objective of the present study was to model in 3D the detailed morphometric features of the thoracic and pelvic limb bones of the gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), whose natural habitat is only in the Sanliurfa province, by using multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) images. Materials from 14 (7 male and 7 female) dead gazelles were collected from the Harran University Veterinary Medicine Faculty clinics during or after treatment. MDCT images of the gazelles were taken and saved as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files. MIMICS 20.1 software was used to generate a 3D reconstruction of the data, and morphological and morphometrical evaluation was performed. In respect of morphological features, the combined metacarpus (Mc) III and metacarpus Mc IV were the main weight-bearing metacarpal bone, while Mc II and Mc V were rudimentary. On the femur, the lateral condyle was bigger than the medial condyle at the caudodistal end and the medial wing of the trochlea femoris was larger than the lateral. As with the thoracic limb, the combined metatarsus (Mt) III and metatarsus Mt IV were the main weight-bearing metacarpal bone and they displayed a synostosis structure. There was no secondary metatarsus in the gazelles’ pelvic limb. Based on digital measurements, the tibia was the longest bone of the gazelles’ skeletal system, and there was a statistically significant sexual dimorphism throughout the skeleton at the levels of p < .05, p < .01 and p < .001. As a result, the present study's findings are useful as reference data for further studies on anatomy, surgery and archaezoology, while also being useful for classifying species and for forensic sciences.     

Morphometric and anatomic study of the hind limb of a dog

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the anatomic and morphometric data required for biomechanical analysis of the hind limb in dogs. ANIMALS: A healthy adult mixed-breed 23-kg male dog. PROCEDURE: Following euthanasia of the dog, all muscles of the right hind limb were identified and meticulously removed. Physiologic cross-sectional areas (PCSA) and architectural indices (AI) were calculated. The coordinates for the origin and insertion of each muscle were determined, using orthogonal right-handed coordinate systems embedded in the pelvis, femur, and tibia. RESULTS: PCSA and AI were calculated for 29 muscles, and coordinates for the origins and insertions of these muscles were determined. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide the morphometric and anatomic data necessary for 3-dimensional biomechanical studies of the hind limb in dogs.     

Morphology of the thoracic limb of goat as evidenced by gross osteology and radiology

The objective of this study was to provide the detailed normal gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb in goats as a reference for clinical use and in biomedical research. Radiography of the thoracic limb was performed in five small East African goats. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from four adult small East African goats. The scapula was narrow. The major tubercle was large and extended proximally above the head of the humerus. The lateral supracondylar crest was less prominent. The lateral and medial epicondyles of the humerus were almost of the same size. The lateral surface of the lateral condyle of the humerus presented a prominent depression for the origin of extensors of the carpus and digits. The cranially located radial notch was deep seated and the radial tuberosity was represented by a rough area located nearer to the head of the radius. The fifth metacarpal bone was seen in all animals. The morphology of the thoracic limb of small East African goats indicated the presence of powerful extensor muscles and is restricted to forward and backward movements as an adaptation to terrestrial lifestyle.     

Changes in the skeletal dimensions of the digits of the thoracic limb of Holstein cows after maturation

The 12 left digits of the thoracic limb of Holstein female cows were obtained from a slaughterhouse, and 13 linear measurements of skeletal specimens of the digits of the thoracic limb were used in this study. Bivariate plots, regressions and correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships between osteometric data and age, and between osteometric data and body size. The geometric mean (GM) of the metacarpal size was used as a proxy of body weight. The results of the regression analysis demonstrated that the length and the width of the distal phalanx were significantly correlated with age, whereas those of other bones were not. In addition, the correlations of the distal phalanx tended to be higher with age than with the GM of the metacarpal size, and their skeletal measurements tended to be longer in older animals than in younger animals. These findings suggest that the distal phalanx is slightly elongated and enlarged in its solear aspect with increasing age in skeletally mature cows. Moreover, although the side difference in the distal phalanx between the lateral and medial digits did not increase significantly with age, the solear aspect of the distal phalanx tended to be rougher, and deformation of the flexor tubercle tended to be more pronounced in the medial digit compared with the lateral digit. Therefore, in the distal phalanx of the front feet, the skeletal deformation with age and asymmetrical bone development might be related to the pathogenesis of claw horn lesions, as in the hind feet.