Normal Vascular and Nerve Distribution of the Pes Region in Dogs: An Anatomical and Diagnostic Imaging

Abstract

To investigate the normal anatomical distribution of the arterial blood supply, venous drainage and innervation on both the dorsal and plantar aspects of pes region including the level of tarsal joint due to its clinical importance with a little data available. Methods: Ten hind paws of five adult apparently healthy domestic dogs of both sexes; six paws injected, through blood vessels with colored latex neoprene for anatomical dissection and the other four paws injected a contrast mixture of red lead oxide and turpentine oil for the radiographic investigation of blood vessels. In addition to five live dogs used to apply the distal limb local anesthesia with the aid of Needle-Guided Ultrasonography. Results: This investigation revealed that the dorsal and plantar aspects of dog pes region supplied by superficial and deep sets of arteries, veins and nerves. The three dorsal metatarsal arteries originated from the arcuate artery. The medial tarsal vein forming characteristic venous arcades. The 3rd plantar metatarsal artery divided into two axial arteries while the 2nd and 4th continued axially without division. The plantar common digital and metatarsal nerves II, III, IV communicated to give origins of the axial and abaxial plantar proper digital nerves except the abaxials of the 2nd and 5th digits which supplied by a branch from medial plantar nerve and lateral plantar nerve respectively. Conclusion: There were little differences between dogs and other carnivores in vascularization of hind paw with the recommendation of using Needle-Guided Ultrasonography in the distal limb local anesthesia to avoid vascular puncture or damage.