Premium
3D‐Determination of the Position of the Distal Phalanx Relative to the Claw Capsule in Cattle
Author(s) -
Maierl J.,
Böttcher P.,
Liebich H. G.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2005.00669_70.x
Subject(s) - claw , anatomy , phalanx , circumference , french horn , hoof , capsule , medicine , biology , geometry , mathematics , physics , ecology , botany , acoustics
On one hand, the distal phalanx in cattle is suspended by the wall segment of the dermis, on the other hand it is supported in the palmar/plantar region by the bulb with its specialized subcutaneous tissue. Recent results of various studies suggest that changes in tissue composition of the bulb and slackening of the suspension can lead to an unphysiological position of the distal phalanx within the horn capsule. This leads to an altered distribution of pressure and mechanically influences the dermal blood supply. In the worst case these changes may lead to sole ulcer. Aims: The aim of this study was to develop a method to allow measuring the minimal distance between the surface of the distal phalanx and the inner surface of the horn capsule under various loading. Material and Methods: The right front and the left hindclaws have been taken from seven healthy beef bulls (German Simmentals, average body weight 580 ± 25 kg) from the local abattoir. After functional claw trimming the feet have been scanned in a computed tomograph (veterinary surgical clinics) in unloaded and the loaded state [distribution of body weight: 55% (front legs): 45 % (hind legs)]. Each distal phalanx and claw capsule have been reconstructed in both datasets via threshholding (‘marching‐cube‐algorithm’). The minimal distance between both objects has been measured by the ‘nearest‐neighbour‐algorithm’. Results: No significant differences could be observed between front and hind claws and lateral and medial claws respectively. In the unloaded state there was a distance of 4–6 mm in the dorsal, abaxial and axial aspect of the distal phalanx, which almost remained constant in the loaded state. On the solear surface values increased from 3 mm at the tip of the coffin bone to 7–8 mm at the flexor tubercle where significant distance changes (approx. 3 mm) could be observed. Discussion: A tilting movement of the distal phalanx becomes obvious with loading. Thus, especially the region of transition between the soft and the hard bulb experiences heavy compressive stress. This coincides topographically with the incidence of sole ulcers.