Distal phalanx radiographic grading features in long-toe, underrun heel in Egypt Baladi donkeys (Equus asinus)

Background Long-toe, underrun heel conformation is a term referring to a long toe, collapsed frog and atrophied heels in equids, including donkeys. However, data on the radiological evaluation and classification of the long-toe, underrun heel conformation in the donkey are relatively limited. Objectives The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the dorsal hoof wall angle and the radiological angular and linear features of the distal phalanx in long-toe, underrun heel conformation in Egypt Baladi donkeys. Study designPost-mortem collected feet. Methods Forty-seven front hooves with long-toe, underrun heels from cadavers were radiographically examined. Lateromedial radiometric parameters included dorsal hoof wall angle, heel angle, distal phalanx angle, distal phalanx solar border angle, coronet angle, axis of the distal phalanx angle, proximal palmar cortex angle, distal phalanx to ground distance, distal phalanx to frog distance, distal phalanx to toe distance, foot length and hoof balance%. Long-toe, underrun heel cadaver feet were classified into four groups according to the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA). Results The DHWA of the first group was less than 58.25(degrees)-54(degrees) (<58.25(degrees):54(degrees)), the second group was less than 54(degrees)-52(degrees) (<54(degrees):52(degrees)), the third group was less than 52(degrees)-47(degrees) (<52(degrees):47(degrees)), and the fourth group was less than 47(degrees) (<47(degrees)). From the first to the fourth groups DHWA, heel angle (HA), distal phalanx solar border angle (P3BA), distal phalanx angle (P3A), axis of the distal phalanx angle (LP3A), proximal palmar cortex angle (PPCA), distal phalanx to frog distance (P3F) and foot length (FL) were decreased, while the coronet angle (CA), distal phalanx to toe distance (P3T) and hoof balance (HB) percentages were increased. Statistical analysis revealed strong and moderate correlations between DHWA and HA, P3A, P3BA, LP3A, PPCA, P3G, P3F and P3T. Main limitation Cadaver feet were collected from different yards and body sizes, the collection of radiographic parameters without trimming and the lack of a record of the work history of these donkeys. Conclusion This study will assist veterinarians in evaluating the long-toe, underrun heel conformation during hoof trimming.