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

Abstract

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.