Rare variation of third dorsal metatarsal artery of the horse

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to describe and document a rare anatomical variation of the cranial and caudal tibial arteries seen in a mare. During routine dissection, a deviation of the great metatarsal artery (third dorsal metatarsal artery) of the right limb of a horse was detected. The artery was smaller than usual and localised between the third and the fourth metatarsal bone, while the main blood sup-ply of the digit wаs recеived by the medial plantar artery. Deviation of the artery of the left limb and of the veins of both limbs was not detected. This variation of the main arterial vessel topography is important not only for anatomy but also for the evaluation of the normal pulse, inflammatory processes of the digit and the hoof, occlusion of the artery itself, as well as in performing conduction anaesthesia and surgery in the metatarsal area of the horse.

Keywords

• horse
• medial plantar artery
• third dorsal metatarsal artery
• variation