Arteriographical Evaluation of Normal Digit and Hoof in Goat

Objectives- To determine normal circulatory pattern of distal limbs of goat to be used for comparison with diseased digits or hooves of small ruminant lameness examination.Design- Experimental study.Animals- Forelimbs and hindlimbs of 10 healthy goats of both sexes, were collected fresh immediately after slaughter.Procedures- The plantar and Palmar artery were dissected and catheterized by eighteen gage catheters. 10 ml contrast medium was injected by the catheter. Radiographs were obtained in lateral and dorsoplantar and dorsopalmar views respectively. Fine details of blood vessel were evaluated in radiographs.Results- The medial digital artery of the forelimb descends on the medial side of the medial digit and terminates at the bulb of claw by anastomosing with the corresponding proper digital artery. The lateral digital artery arises from the deep arch, passes down on the lateral side of the lateral digit and is distributed similar to the medial side. The lateral digital artery and the medial digital artery meet each other and anastomose together at the toe and sole forming a uniform net work of marginal capillaries. The main blood supply of the digits region in thehindlimb is essentially the distal extension of those vessels on the dorsal and plantar aspects of the metatarsus similar to the fore limb. The lateral digital artery and the medial digital artery meet each other and anastomoses together at the toe and sole forming a uniform network of marginal capillaries.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- No report could be found in the literature regarding arteriographic evaluation of the foot in small ruminant. This study is describing normal arterial pattern of goat's distal limb.