<div><strong>Background:</strong> The fore and hind limbs of the elephant are arranged in an almost vertical position under the body, similar to a pillar or leg of a table rather than being in the angular position seen in many other quadruped mammals to support great weight. The aim of this study was to elucidate the morphological and morphometrical outline on the metacarpals in Elephants, thereby making more contribution in filling the gap of knowledge and skills framework in this field.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> For the present study, the material from three Indian elephants were used. Some of the specimens were available at the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Mhow. Few skeletons were dug out from the ground which were buried from the last 5-10 years in the premises of college.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> There were five metacarpal bones lying between the carpal bones (above) and the digits (below). Metacarpals were long bones and each metacarpal consisted of a shaft and two extremities <em>i.e</em>., proximal and distal extremely. The 3<sup>rd </sup>metacarpal bone was the longest and well developed, while the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 4<sup>th </sup>metacarpals were almost equal in length and slightly shorter than the 3<sup>rd</sup> one.</div>


<p>Morphological Studies on the Metacarpals of Indian Elephant (<em>Elephas maximus indicus</em>)</p>


<div>The objective of this study was to evaluate the various prognostic factors affecting outcome of metacarpal and metatarsal fracture repaired using external coaptation (straight or &lsquo;U&rsquo; shaped aluminium splints and fibreglass cast) in bovine. The study investigated 100 bovines (37 buffaloes and 63 cattle) with 103 fractures (3 cattle with bilateral metacarpal fracture) presented during one year of study. Out of these, 10 were euthanized prior to the treatment, 23 died during the course of treatment and 7 were lost to follow up. Thus, out of the remaining 60 bovines with 61 fractures; 35 cattle with 36 fractures (10 metacarpal and 26 metatarsal) and 25 buffaloes (19 metacarpal and 6 metatarsal) were evaluated for the survival outcome of fractures. Cattle with metacarpal or metatarsal fractures were found to be about two times more prone to become open leading to unfavourable outcome (recumbency and death) as compared to that of buffaloes. The survival outcome as healed fracture of closed metacarpal and metatarsal, irrespective of species, was 100% and it was 33% more than that of the open fractures. In conclusion, the aluminium &lsquo;U&rsquo; shaped splint with fiberglass cast was found to be suitable and economical method for the management of metacarpal /metatarsal fractures in adult cattle and buffaloes; whereas for the young and light weight bovines side splints with fiberglass cast involving hoof was recommended. The age and weight of animal, duration and cause of fracture, quality of first aid provided and radiographic type of fracture influenced the occurrence of open fractures, mortality and the survival outcome of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures repaired using external coaptation in bovines.</div>


<div>Prognostic Factors Associated with Successful Outcome of Metacarpal and Metatarsal Fractures Repaired Using External Coaptation in Bovines</div>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Indian Muntjac is a short deer variety of Nilgiri-Wayand biosphere. Salient distinguishing features for morphological identification of bones of different species in vetero-legal cases is very important. Morphology of pectoral limb bones from adult Indian Muntjac (n=3), goat (n=6), sheep (n=3) and cross bred cattle (n=6) were carried out. Scapula presented a cranially-placed spine, prominent supraglenoid tubercle and extensive subscapular fossa in Indian Muntjac. &nbsp; Breadth to length ratio of scapula in Indian Muntjac is 0.56:1 whereas in small ruminants the values ranged from 0.41:1 to 0.44:1. Width ratio of supraspinatous to infraspinatous fossae ratio in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were1:4.1, 1:2.8, 1:2.9 and 1:2.5 respectively. Angle created by acromian, junction of caudal end of scapular spine to lateral surface of scapula and long axis of scapula passing through spine was a major criterion of distinction and this angle in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were 520, 1400, 1300 and 1100 respectively. Though crest of the humerus was ill-defined, deltoid tuberosity was prominent in Indian Muntjac. &nbsp;Blunt summit of cranial part of lateral tuberosity of humerus projected above head and markedly curved over the intertuberal groove. Radial tuberosity was more distinct in cattle and sheep than in Indian Muntjac and goat. The grooves for extensor tendons on distal extremity of radius were well profiled in Indian Muntjac compared to cattle, goat and sheep. Olecranon of ulna was grooved in Indian Muntjac which was lacking in other animals. Distinct dorsal longitudinal groove on entire shaft and prominent medial and lateral borders were characteristic features in Indian Muntjac. Small metacarpal bone of Indian Muntjac and sheep had the form of a very thin rod. The morphological features revealed more &nbsp;resemblance to that of goat, sheep and spotted deer.</div>

Morphological Studies on the Metacarpals of Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)

Prognostic Factors Associated with Successful Outcome of Metacarpal and Metatarsal Fractures Repaired Using External Coaptation in Bovines

Morphological identification of pectoral limb bones of Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) from domestic ruminants