The Occurrence and Morphology of a Lateral Metatarsal Splint Bone in Moose (Alces alces)

Abstract

Moose (Alces alces) appear to be different from most other cervids in that a well-developed metatarsal splint bone is present. It is found apposed to the plantolateral portion of the cannon bone in over 70 % of adults. It averages 3.3 mm in width and extends about 22% of the total length of the metatarsal. It may be derived through calcification of connective tissue or by elongation of the vestigial metatarsal V. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.