title: Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation and gait analysis of Brazilian minipigs with syndactyly.
abstract: OBJECTIVE To characterize a population of Brazilian minipigs with naturally occurring syndactyly by use of plain radiographs and CT images and to evaluate kinetic and temporospatial variables by use of a pressure-sensing walkway. ANIMALS 10 Brazilian minipigs from 6 to 8 months of age (group 1, 5 healthy pigs [body weight, 10.5 to 18.5 kg]; group 2, 5 pigs with syndactyly [body weight, 7.5 to 18.0 kg]). PROCEDURES Forelimbs and hind limbs of all pigs were assessed by use of radiography and CT. Gait was analyzed by use of a pressure-sensing walkway. RESULTS All limbs of all pigs of group 2 had syndactyly. Two forelimbs had complex-1 syndactyly, and 8 forelimbs had complex-2 syndactyly. Four hind limbs had simple syndactyly, 1 hind limb had complex-1 syndactyly, and 5 hind limbs had complex-2 syndactyly. Kinetic and temporospatial values and symmetry indices did not differ between groups. Plantar and palmar surfaces of healthy pigs had 2 areas of maximum pressure, whereas plantar and palmar surfaces of pigs with syndactyly had only 1 area of maximum pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this population of pigs, the most common type of syndactyly was complex-2, and comparison with the healthy group revealed no alteration in kinetic and temporospatial variables. Therefore, results suggested that syndactyly in young minipigs did not cause locomotor disturbances.
authors: Pedro L T
authors: PL
authors: Justolin
authors: Sheila C
authors: SC
authors: Rahal
authors: Felipe S
authors: FS
authors: Agostinho
authors: Maria J
authors: MJ
authors: Mamprim
authors: Carlos R
authors: CR
authors: Teixeira
authors: Danuta P
authors: DP
authors: Doiche
authors: Vivian R
authors: VR
authors: Babicsak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D005121:Extremities; D005528:Foot; D005684:Gait; D007700:Kinetics; D011859:Radiography; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D013576:Syndactyly / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016138:Walking