Anatomic assessment of tendons and ligaments of palmar surface of metacarpus in Anatoly donkey and its comparison with horse

SDFT, DDFT and suspensory ligament are the most important tendons and ligament of the palmar aspect of the metacarpus that contribute to stability mechanism. The purpose of this study was to describe the tendons and ligaments of the palmar surface of metacarpus in Anatoly donkey and compare them with those in horse. 14 healthy Anatoly donkeys without lameness were selected to detect the tendons, ligaments and their accessories on the palmar surface of metacarpus in both left and right forelimbs after euthanasia. 4 horses were also selected and their tendons and ligaments in palmar surface of metacarpus were compared with those in Anatoly donkeys. DDFT and suspensory ligament in this region were similar in Anatoly donkeys and horses but SDFT in Anatoly donkeys had an accessory ligament in the palmar surface of the metacarpus that was originated from the deep fascia of carp after the carpal joint and was joined to the SDFT. This second accessory ligament of SDFT has not been observed in the studied horses and has never been reported in the related references. The results of this study can be used in to diagnose and treat lameness in Anatoly donkeys by radiologists and surgeons.