Comparison of the Proximal Phalanx Parameters in Warmblood and Coldblood Horses with the Use of Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare densitometric and geometric parameters of the proximal phalanges in forelimbs of Warmblood and Coldblood horses, at 15%, 50%, and 85% of the bone proximal length. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to analyse the structure of phalanges. The following parameters were determined: bone mineral content, volumetric bone mineral density, total bone area, trabecular area, cortical area, cortical thickness, periosteal circumference, endocortical circumference, and strength strain index. The most significant differences between pastern bones in thoracic limbs of the horses were visible in the proximal and distal metaphyseal parts, for instance. at 15% and 85% of the bone length, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that at 15% of the bone length, total bone area, trabecular area, periosteal circumference, and endocortical circumference were significantly higher in Warmblood horses. At the mid-shaft, volumetric bone mineral density and endocortical circumference were significantly higher in Coldblood horses. At 85% of the bone length, volumetric bone mineral density, total bone area, trabecular area, periosteal circumference, and endocortical circumference were significantly higher in Coldblood horses..

The Osteometry of Equine Third Phalanx by the Use of Three-Dimensional Scanning: New Measurement Possibilities

“…The results of studies on asymmetry between bilateral bones of the equine autopodium are equivocal. Analyses were performed both on live animals [ 25 – 27 ] and on isolated bones [ 28 – 30 ]. Studies on live horses were based on caliper measurements of corresponding sections of bilateral limbs, with particular anatomical structures of the measured bones constituting reference points.…”