Professional paper

https://doi.org/ISSN 0303-5409

The Anatomical Structure of the Equine Autopodium

Nikolina Grdić
Ante Plećaš ; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb *
Ana Javor ; Department of Radiology, Ultrasonographic Diagnostics and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb
Zoran Vrbanac ; Department of Radiology, Ultrasonographic Diagnostics and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb
Hrvoje Capak ; Department of Radiology, Ultrasonographic Diagnostics and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb
Ivan Alić ; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

In the modern world, horses are mainly used for sport, recreation, and therapeutic activities, making
the preservation of their limb health critically important. Equine limbs endure significant stress, rendering
them particularly susceptible to injuries and lameness, which is one of the most common reasons for
veterinary intervention. This professional paper presents a detailed anatomical dissection of the distal part
of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of a horse used for teaching purposes at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
The procedure involved removal of the skin and layer-by-layer dissection of muscles down to the bone,
with particular attention to blood vessels and nerves. Computed tomography (CT) imaging provided an
additional comparative visual reference. The findings were compared with extensive anatomical literature,
and no anatomical variations were observed during the dissection. This study aimed to present the detailed
anatomical structure of the distal parts of the equine limbs and thus contribute to clinical practice and
student education, while also emphasising the importance of the connection between basic science and
clinical veterinary practice.

Keywords

horses; thoracic limb; pelvic limb; anatomical dissection; computed tomography

Hrčak ID:

348969

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/348969

Publication date:

8.7.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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