Radiographic Assessment of Bone Cortex to Bone Diameter Ratio of Radius, Tibia, Metacarpus, Metatarsus and Proximal Phalanx of Fore and Hindlimbs in Minature Donkey

The aim of this study was to measure the ratio of bone cortex (C) to bone diameter (D), (C/D) in radius/tibia, metacarpus /metatarsus and proximal phalanges in fore and hindlimbs to be used as a diagnostic guide in metabolic and nutritional diseases in Minature Donkey. Design: Experimental study Animals: Eight adult Minature donkeys. Procedures: Lateromedial, dorsopalmar and dorsoplantar radiographs of eight fore and hindlimbs of Miniature donkeys were studied. Cortical thickness, bone diameter and C/D ratio of mid radius/tibia regions, mid metacarpal/metatarsal regions and mid proximal phalanx of forelimb/ mid proximal phalanx of hindlimb regions were measured. Data were analyzed statistically and mean, standard errors and P-values were obtained. C/D ratios of mid radial region, mid metacarpal region and mid proximal phalanx of forelimb in lateromedial view were 0.54 ± 0.02, 0.58±0.02 and 0.54±0.03 respectively. C/D ratios of mid tibia region, mid metatarsal region and mid proximal phalanx of hindlimb in lateromedial view were 0.56±0.01, 0.65±0.02 and 0.54±0.05 respectively. C/D ratios of mid radial, mid metacarpal and mid proximal phalanx regions of forelimb in dorsopalmar view were 0.55±0.03, 0.6±0.01 and 0.55±0.02 respectively. C/D ratios of mid tibia, mid metatarsal and mid proximal phalanx regions of hindlimb in dorsoplantar views were 0.49±0.02, 0.57±0.02 and 0.55±0.04 respectively. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: This study showed that there were no significant differences between C/D ratios in any of the regions. The cortex and diameter in lateromedial view between metacarpal – metatarsal regions and cortical thickness of proximal phalanx of forelimb - hindlimb regions showed significant difference (P<0.05).