Morphometric and anatomic study of the hind limb of a dog

Abstract

Objective: To obtain the anatomic and morphometric data required for biomechanical analysis of the hind limb in dogs. Animals: A healthy adult mixed-breed 23-kg male dog. Procedure: Following euthanasia of the dog, all muscles of the right hind limb were identified and meticulously removed. Physiologic cross-sectional areas (PCSA) and architectural indices (AI) were calculated. The coordinates for the origin and insertion of each muscle were determined, using orthogonal right-handed coordinate systems embedded in the pelvis, femur, and tibia. Results: PCSA and Al were calculated for 29 muscles, and coordinates for the origins and insertions of these muscles were determined. Conclusions: Results provide the morphometric and anatomic data necessary for 3-dimensional biomechanical studies of the hind limb in dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2001;62:928-933).