Editorial Type:
Musculoskeletal System

Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation and gait analysis of Brazilian minipigs with syndactyly

Pedro L. T. Justolin Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.

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Sheila C. Rahal Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.

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Felipe S. Agostinho Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.

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Maria J. Mamprim Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.

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Carlos R. Teixeira Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.

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Danuta P. Doiche Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.

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Vivian R. Babicsak Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618970, Brazil.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.77.9.976
Volume/Issue:
Volume 77: Issue 9
Online Publication Date:
01 Sep 2016
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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.

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.

Contributor Notes

Address correspondence to Dr. Rahal (sheilacr@fmvz.unesp.br).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Sep 2016

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