Gross anatomical measurements and microscopic quantification of epidermal laminar density of the porcine hoof capsule

Abstract

Objective: To compare measurements of the medial and lateral hooves of the forelimbs and rear limbs and to quantify epidermal laminae density in the hoof capsules of sows. Materials and methods: Hoof measurements were obtained from 40 thoracic and 40 pelvic limbs of clinically sound sows. Holes were drilled into each digit to determine the depth of the dorsal wall, abaxial wall, and sole. Dorsal wall length, abaxial wall height, sole width, sole + wall length, and ground surface of each hoof were measured. All measurements of depth and length were made using an electronic digital caliper. Epidermal laminar density was analyzed in 69 thoracic and 74 pelvic limbs. The laminar junction was divided into zones consisting of 25 laminae each. Zone width was measured using an electronic digital caliper. Results: Lateral digits from rear limbs were longer than medial digits on the dorsal and volar surfaces. Both digits on the forelimbs had wider soles than those of the rear limbs. Abaxial wall depth was significantly less than dorsal wall depth. The laminar zones at the axial and abaxial extremities of the wall were significantly less dense than the zones at the dorsal aspect of the toe. Implications: Differences in hoof wall measurements in swine have previously been under reported in scientific literature. The results of this study indicate that the thinnest portions of the hoof wall may be related to the most common sites of lesions as reported in prior studies.