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

Objective - 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. Results- 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).