Morphometric evaluation of relevant radiographic parameters of the forefeet of clinically normal donkeys (Equus αsinus)

Abstract

This study provides a standard database of morphometric evaluation of the digital bone and hoof parameters of the forefeet of clinically normal donkeys using Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) software programme, as a means to improve diagnosis and clinical decision-making regarding foot lameness in equine practice. Thirty orthopedically sound donkeys were included in this study. For each donkey forefoot, lateromedial (LM) and dorsopalmar (DP) radiographs were obtained with the foot in a vertical position. A total of 26 digital bone and hoof parameters obtained from the LM and DP radiographs were evaluated through repeated measurements of the same digitalized radiograph by three operators using DICOM software. Data of the morphometric radiographic parameters of the forefeet were statistically analyzed for the frequency distribution and calculation of the intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation (CVs) of the reproducibility of the measured parameters. Mean ± SD of digital bone and hoof parameters were significantly different among the measurements obtained for the 26 parameters. However, intra-assay and interassay CVs for digital bone and hoof parameters measurements did not differ significantly between the three examiners. In conclusion, morphometric evaluation of the radiographic parameters of the forefeet in clinically normal donkeys, establishes a reference data base correspondingly for the donkey different to those accepted for the horse.

Radiographic and Venographic Appearance of Healthy and Laminitic Feet in Amiata Donkeys

“…In particular, the laminitic R Ang values obtained in this study were lower than results found in previous studies performed both in donkeys (4) and horses (6). This finding might be related to the large variability in digit values reported in different studies performed in donkeys (4,14,15,18). For this reason, even if the R Ang value is considered relevant for diagnosis of laminitis (4), it needs to be evaluated with caution.…”

“…For this reason, even if the R Ang value is considered relevant for diagnosis of laminitis (4), it needs to be evaluated with caution. The lack of differences between mild vs. severe laminitic feet or healthy feet for Ts, SA, H, and R ang might be related to the small number of animals included in the study and/or by the wide variability in digit values registered in donkey breeds (4,14,18) and, in particular, in Amiata donkeys (15).…”

“…All the forefoot radiographs obtained were assessed in terms of the radiological parameters relevant to laminitis. These radiometric parameters and associated definition are shown in Table 2 ( 4 , 14 ).…”

“…There is little information on the radiological anatomy of donkey feet (13)(14)(15), and therefore there has been a tendency to apply an equine model to help in the diagnostic interpretation (4,7).…”

“…Few studies have been conducted on evaluating the radiographic appearance of the donkey digit, either in healthy or laminitic animals ( 4 , 14 ), and few studies have been carried out on the normal aspect of the venogram in healthy donkeys ( 13 , 17 ) and with evidence of laminitis ( 18 ).…”