Radiographic study of navicular bone in hind feet of sound Dareh-shori horses

Navicular abnormalities has long been considered one of the most common causes of fore limb lameness. Radiographic evaluation is one of the most valuable, economic, and initial diagnostic tools used in the evaluation of equine lameness. This is dictated by the knowledge of the veterinarian and quality of radiographic equipment. This study was conducted to estimate radiological factors refers to hind feet. According to this purpose six clinically normal Dareh-shori horses were used in this study. After cleaning and washing the horses hooves, hand-made block placed under the following limb, both hind feet were radiographed with the limb in vertical position. The obtained measurements and values in this study were as: Proximal-distal border length of the navicular bone (lateral) = 14.33±0.85 mm; Lateral-Medial Border length of the navicular bone = 43.19±4.36 mm; Proximal-distal border length of the navicular bone( Dorso palmar) = 25.75±3.78 mm. Measurements of this study may be different from those reported in other breeds, so it can be used as reference values for diagnosis of navicular abnormalities in hind feet of Dareh-shori horses.