Pedal Bone Research Articles

Finite element analysis of static loading in donkey hoof wall.

A finite element model of donkey hoof wall was constructed from measurements taken directly from the hoof capsule of the left forefoot. The model was created with a 2 mm mesh and consisted of 11,608 nodes. A linear elastic analysis was conducted assuming isotropic material properties in response to a 375 newton (N) load, to simulate static loading. The load was applied to the wall via 400 laminae in order to simulate the way in which the pedal bone is suspended within the donkey hoof capsule. Displacement, stress concentration, principal strain, and force distribution across the hoof wall were evaluated. The hoof wall model revealed loading responses that were in broad agreement with previously reported in vivo and modelled observations of the equid hoof. Finite element analysis offers the potential to model hoof wall function at the macroscopic and microscopic level. In this way, it could help to develop further our understanding of the functional relationship between the structural organisation and material properties of the hoof wall.

Identification of Cytokeratin 9 in the bovine hoof sole

Lameness in the dairy cow results in large financial losses to the industry and severely compromises the welfare of the cows affected. A large proportion of lameness involves haemorrhage and lesions of the solar horn of the hoof. Deterioration of hoof horn quality may involve inadequate keratinisation, with differences in the amount of specific keratins present in the horn. Few studies of the keratin composition of solar horn have been carried out. The present study examines specifically the expression of the type I, acidic cytokeratin 9 (CK9). since this protein appears to be a major constituent of hardened epidermal structures. In human epidermal studies, CK9 has only been identified in the calloused palmar and plantar sites (Langbein et al, 1993). A comparable cytokeratin has been demonstrated in the epidermis of the bovine heel pad, but not at other body sites studied (Knapp et al, 1986). CK9 has not previously been reported in the solar horn.Bovine hoof soles from adult cows were obtained from abattoirs. Samples of cornified Stratum comeum material from below the pedal bone (the commonest site of solar lesions) were taken and the proteins extracted in 8M urea.

Identification of Cytokeratin 9 in the bovine hoof sole

Lameness in the dairy cow results in large financial losses to the industry and severely compromises the welfare of the cows affected. A large proportion of lameness involves haemorrhage and lesions of the solar horn of the hoof. Deterioration of hoof horn quality may involve inadequate keratinisation, with differences in the amount of specific keratins present in the horn. Few studies of the keratin composition of solar horn have been carried out. The present study examines specifically the expression of the type I, acidic cytokeratin 9 (CK9). since this protein appears to be a major constituent of hardened epidermal structures. In human epidermal studies, CK9 has only been identified in the calloused palmar and plantar sites (Langbein et al, 1993). A comparable cytokeratin has been demonstrated in the epidermis of the bovine heel pad, but not at other body sites studied (Knapp et al, 1986). CK9 has not previously been reported in the solar horn.Bovine hoof soles from adult cows were obtained from abattoirs. Samples of cornified Stratum comeum material from below the pedal bone (the commonest site of solar lesions) were taken and the proteins extracted in 8M urea.

Fracture of the extensor process of the pedal bone in a foal

Fracture of the extensor process of the pedal bone in a foal

Follow-up study of radiographic changes at the extensor process of the pedal bone and the bony fragments in the fetlock joint from the foal up to the two-year-old horse

Follow-up study of radiographic changes at the extensor process of the pedal bone and the bony fragments in the fetlock joint from the foal up to the two-year-old horse

An unusual case of overgrowth of the hooves in a pony

Summary Excessive overgrowth of all hooves was found in a pony confined to its box and a small pasture for apparently 10 years. All hooves were extremely long and curved in a corkscrew manner. The length of both front hooves exceeded the height of the pony. Laminitis had initially been present and insufficiently treated. Later on, trimming was not attempted any more for several years as the owner was afraid of damaging the feet. After trimming, the pony walked in a stringhalt-like manner as it was used to heavy feet for so long. Ten months later, the animal died of colic and its feet were examined again; lengthening and curving had reoccurred. Laminitis was found radiographically on both front feet but not in the hind feet; extreme atrophy of the pedal bones of both front feet was demonstrated by radiography and catscan-examination.

Phosphorus supplements and fluorosis in cattle—a northern Australian experience

Chronic fluoride toxicosis caused lameness, dental lesions and illthrift in an extensive beef cattle herd in northern Australia. Up to 15% of the herd was lame and the disease forced the culling of large numbers of cows. The source of fluoride was fertiliser-grade monoammonium and diammonium phosphate fed as part of a mineral supplement. Large quantities of mineral supplement were provided to the cattle because lameness was attributed to phosphorus deficiency, which is endemic in the area. Most lameness developed in the late dry season in the post-lactation phase. Severe lameness was caused by fractured pedal bones.

Separated centers of ossification caudal to the wing of the pedal bone in horses - A help rule out fractures of the wings and ossification in the accessory cartilages

Separated centers of ossification caudal to the wing of the pedal bone in horses - A help rule out fractures of the wings and ossification in the accessory cartilages

Local antibiotic treatment of soft tissue and bone infections of the foot

Twenty-seven pedal soft tissue and bone infections in 26 patients were treated with surgical necrectomy of infected tissues and implantation of antibiotic-loaded polymethyl methacrylate bone cement beads on chains. The definitive diagnosis of the infected tissues was obtained by culture and histologic examination in all of the cases. A wide variety of foot infections was successfully treated in this manner. The success rate without recurrence of osteomyelitis or soft tissue infection was 95% in this study at an average of 16 months after surgery.

Treatment of solar prolapse using the heart bar shoe and dorsal hoof wall resection technique.

This paper describes the treatment of 10 horses suffering from acute laminitis using the heart bar shoe and a dorsal hoof wall resection technique. All cases had progressed to prolapse of the tip of the pedal bone covered by solar corium through the horny sole; in one case the exposed tip of the distal phalanx became visible. Nine cases of distal phalangeal rotation and one case of distal displacement of the distal phalanx (sinking) are described. Two animals were destroyed because of the degree of lameness, one remains slightly lame at the trot and the remaining seven have returned to their previous use at comparable levels of performance.

Radiographic measurements from the lateromedial projection of the equine foot with navicular disease

Radiographic measurements from the lateromedial projection of the equine foot were compared in three groups of horses. Group 1 consisted of 143 normal horses, group 2 were 60 horses with clinical navicular disease and group 3 were 161 horses with clinical and radiographic navicular disease. Several measurements tended to be larger in group 3 than group 1. An enlargement of the navicular bone was observed in proximodistal and dorsopalmar directions. Partial enlargement of the pedal bone was observed in groups 2 and 3. Few differences were observed between age classes. All horses aged four years and over had an increased length of the hoof in the dorosopalmar direction and a decrease of the cranial angle of the hoof. Enlargement of the navicular bone fits well into the concept of osteoarthrosis. The pedal bone was partly engaged. These findings may be an expression of a regional acceleratory phenomenon.

Bovine pododermatitis aseptica diffusa (laminitis) aetiology, pathogenesis, treatment and control.

Pododermatitis aseptica diffusa (laminitis) is a major cause of lameness and discomfort to cattle with resultant economic losses. The disease is a result of multifactorial aetiology most of which is not clearly understood. Feeding readily fermentable carbohydrates to unaccustomed cattle predisposes to the disease. Histamine, lactic acid and endotoxins are believed to be involved. Systemic acidosis, histaminosis and endotoxaemia are thought to produce the pathophysiological characteristics of laminitis. The diagnosis is primarily based on the observation of symmetrical and bilateral lesions in hooves and characteristic lameness affecting all feet. Gross lesions include concavity of the dorsal wall, discolorations in the sole and rotation of the pedal bone. Degenerative changes and arteriosclerosis are constant histological findings in the corium, with chronic thrombi and chronic granulation tissue. The disease may be treated conservatively and by application of cyclo-oxygenase inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prevented or controlled by proper feeding and management practices.

Pathology of Bovine Laminitis Especially As Regards Vascular Lesions

Macro- and microscopical changes in the hooves of 14 cattle having a clinically established diagnosis of laminitis are described, Deviation of the pedal bone was found in 10 of the animals. In acute laminitis, the microscopical changes in the corium were hyperaemia, oedema, thrombosis and haemorrhages. Degenerative changes were found in the epidermis especially in the vicinity of thromboses of vessels in the corium. In chronic laminitis, arteriolosclerosis and arteriosclerosis were constant findings in the corium. There was also a high frequency of chronic thrombi and chronic granulation tissue. Prominent features in the lamellae epidermales were hyper- and parakeratosis. As judged from changes in arterioles and arteries, hypertension is suggested to be a pathogenetic factor in bovine laminitis. cattle; laminitis; histology; arteriolosclerosis; arteriosclerosis.

Fractures of the Pedal Bone in the Horse

A series of 79 fractures of the pedal bone in various types of horses are reported and the clinical features described. The fractures were of 3 types--intra-articular or extra-articular, involving the wing of the pedal bone, and fractures of the extensor process. Forty-five horses with a fractured wing of the pedal bone were treated conservatively and 11 by immobilisation of the bony fragment with a compression screw. Conservative treatment was usually successful in the extra-articular fractures. Intra-articular fractures treated conservatively in animals under 3 years had a good prognosis. The results were not so satisfactory in older horses and surgical treatment proved to be the method of choice. All, but one, of the 23 fractures of the extensor process were treated conservatively. The prognosis was not always good, as secondary osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal joint sometimes developed.

The Neandertals from Krapina, northern Yugoslavia: An inventory of the lower limb remains

In the Husnjakovo rock-shelter near Krapina, northern Yugoslavia Gor janovic-Kramberger excavated in 1899 a number of Neandertal lower limb remains. Consisting of fragments of ossa coxae, femora and tibiae and relatively complete patellae, fibulae and pedal bones, the Krapina lower limb bones have been largely un studied. An inventory of the fossils indicates the presence of one of the richest European hominid samples from the early Wiirm. Despite their generally fragmentary nature, these remains can provide invaluable morphological and metrical data on Neandertal lower limb anatomy. Associations of the bones by individual according to morphology and size suggest that at least 13 and probably between 20 and 30 indivi duals are represented by the Krapina lower limb remains.

Fracture of the Equine Pedal Bone

SUMMARYThe literature on fracture of the equine pedal bone is briefly reviewed. Nine cases affecting animals aged one to seven years are reported. All cases were intraarticular. Five cases recovered to resume normal work. One became sound but was only used for breeding and three were destroyed due to persistent lameness. The prognosis cannot be easily assessed on examination of X‐ray plates.RÉSUMÉLa littérature sur les fractures de la troisième phalange chez le Cheval est rapidement passée en revue. Neuf cas sont rapportés, correspondant à des animaux de Un à Sept ans d'age. Chez tous ces chevaux la fracture intéresse l'articulation.Cinq animaux furent guéris et purent reprendre un service normal. Un autre fut guéri mais utilisé dès lors pour la reproduction. Les trois derniers animaux furent abattus en raison d'une boiterie persistante. L'examen des clichés radiographiques ne permet point d'asseoir le pronostic.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie Literatur über Hufbeinfrakturen wird kurz besprochen. Neun Fälle bei Pferden im Alter von einem bis sieben Jahren werden näher behandelt. Alle Fälle erwiesen sich als intra‐artikulär, fünf davon heilten ab, sodass normale Arbeit verlangt werden konnte. Ein weiteres Pferd heilte ebenfalls ab, wurde indessen nur noch zu Zuchtzwecken verwendet und drei Fälle mussten wegen persistierender Lahmheit abgetan werden. Eine Prognose auf Grund des Röntgenbefundes zu stellen ist schwierig.SUMARIOLa literatura de este hueso (Pedal) es brevemente revisada. Se escogieron y reportaron 9 casos de 1 a 7 años de edad. Todos los casos fueron intra‐articular 5 casos se recuperaron para recurrir a su trabajo normal, uno volvió a estar sano pero fué unicamente utilizado para la cria y 3 fueron destruidos por claudicación persistente. El pronóstico no puede ser facilmente señalado por medio del exámen de placas radiográficas.

Rarefaction of the Pedal Bone.

Rarefaction of the Pedal Bone.

Degeneration of the Sole, With Descent of the Pedal Bone

Degeneration of the Sole, With Descent of the Pedal Bone

A Case of “Buttress Foot,” or Fracture of the Pyramidal Process of the Pedal Bone

A Case of “Buttress Foot,” or Fracture of the Pyramidal Process of the Pedal Bone

Occult lameness from disease of the pyramidal process of the pedal bone

Occult lameness from disease of the pyramidal process of the pedal bone