An investigation of the shape of the hoof capsule in hindlimbs, its relationship with the orientation of the distal phalanx and comparison with forelimb hoof capsule conformation

Abstract

Summary There is limited information documenting hind foot conformation. The objectives of the study were to describe the shape of the hoof capsule of hindlimbs from the lateral aspect in horses of variable breeds, and, within horses, to compare the conformation of the hoof capsule of forelimbs and hindlimbs and determine the orientation of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule in hindlimbs. Lateral photographs of the fore and hind feet (n = 225) and lateromedial radiographs of the hind feet (n = 29) were obtained. Differences among breed and shoeing status groups were assessed using multivariable mixed‐effects linear regression models. Angular parameters and ratios of linear measurements were compared between fore and hind feet; angular radiological variables and photographic parameters of the hind feet were compared. The mean dorsal hoof wall angle for hind feet (50.9°±3.7°) was smaller than forefeet (51.8°±3.9°) (P = 0.04). The mean heel angles for hind feet (36.4°±9.6°) were smaller than forefeet (40.1°±9.3°; P < 0.001). Dorsal hoof wall (P < 0.001) and heel (P = 0.002) angles were larger in unshod than shod feet. In the hind feet, the dorsal hoof wall was parallel to the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx. The median angle of the distal phalanx to the horizontal (angle S) was 0.6° (interquartile range: −1.4, 2.3°). There was a positive relationship between angle S and the hoof wall angle (W); each 1° increase in angle S was associated with 0.6° increase in angle W (P < 0.001). Angle S was also positively associated with photographic heel angle; each degree increase in the angle S was associated with 1.8° increase in the heel angle (P < 0.001). It was concluded that the angle of the distal phalanx to the horizontal in hindlimbs is smaller than published values for forelimbs. The orientation of the distal phalanx in hindlimbs is correlated with external characteristics of the hoof capsule.

Relationships between the shape of the hoof capsule and orientation of the distal phalanx in long toe underrun heels in donkeys

“…In a previous study, the reduction in HWA and P3BA increased the strain in the DDFT and compressive force on the navicular bone (Eliashar et al, 2004). Recently, a positive correlation between the P3BA and DHWA and HA in the hind feet of Thoroughbred racehorses has been documented (Kalka et al, 2021). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the P3BA and HA in the horse (Dyson et al, 2011a).…”

“…The shape of the hoof capsule and radiographic parameters of the distal phalanx was determined according to the described methods by Dyson et al (2011a) and Kalka et al (2021). The photographic parameters of the shape of the hoof capsule (Figure 1) were obtained from the lateral view and included HWL, HWA, HA, HL, coronary band angle (CBA), hoof base of support (HBS) and hoof pastern axis (HPA).…”

“…The lateromedial digital radiographic image was used in the assessment of foot imbalance and position of the distal phalanx (White et al, 2008). The radiological relationship between the hoof capsule conformation and measurement of the distal phalanx has been described in horses (Eliashar et al, 2004; Kalka et al, 2021; Kummer et al, 2006). Currently, farriers and veterinarians used radiography as a guideline for corrective shoeing and treatment in daily practice (Kummer et al, 2004).…”

“…Toe angle has a direct effect on tissue strain within the hoof, distal limb lameness, angulations of the joint and external features of foot balance (Dyson et al, 2011a). The orientation of the distal phalanx in hindlimbs was correlated with the external characteristics of the hoof capsule in the horse (Kalka et al, 2021).…”

Radiogrametric Analysis of the Thoracic Limb Phalanges in Arabian Horses and Thoroughbred Horses

“…In addition, X-ray images have been used to evaluate the general joint conformation of healthy animals, not just in suspicion of lameness [ 12 ]. Radiographic techniques can provide information regarding relationships between the hoof capsule conformation and the geometry of the distal phalanx [ 13 , 14 ]. Cohen et al [ 15 ] attempted to determine prospectively the association between the abnormal radiographic findings and performance indicators in English Thoroughbred horses.…”