title: Radiological anatomy of the donkey's foot: objective characterisation of the normal and laminitic donkey foot.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anatomical change within a laminitic foot is of diagnostic and prognostic importance. A lateromedial radiograph represents the current 'gold standard' by which these changes are identified. Detection of anatomical change is dependent upon a priori knowledge of normality and subjective assessment alone may not identify modest change. Normal baseline data is, therefore, needed against which objective comparisons can be made. There is little information regarding the radiological anatomy of the donkey foot, hence an equine model has been widely adopted. However, descriptive accounts suggest fundamental anatomical differences between these 2 species.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To characterise objectively the radiological anatomy of normal donkey feet and define the nature and extent of anatomical change associated with laminitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The anatomy of the forefoot was quantified from lateromedial radiographs of 83 normal and 74 laminitic donkeys, using a computer based imaging system. Data were analysed using univariate and bivariate statistical methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline data were established that define the radiological characteristics of the anatomy of normal donkey feet. The key hoof, bone and weightbearing stance parameters of lateromedial radiographs have been evaluated. Laminitis was associated with significant rotation and distal displacement of the distal phalanx, increases in integument depth and morphometric change to the distal phalanx (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study challenges the validity of applying an equine model to the radiological anatomy of donkey feet. Hence, the diagnosis of anatomical change cannot be based on baseline data previously given for the horse and guidelines should be revised accordingly for the donkey.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides an objective basis for the identification of anatomical change associated with laminitis in donkey feet.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Research Group, Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, UK. s.collins4@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Dyson
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Burden
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trawford
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018397:Equidae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results