Validation of measurable radiographic parameters for quantitative assessment of carpal and metacarpal bone morphology in foals.

Standardized radiographic measurements reliably quantify carpal and metacarpal conformation in unsedated foals.

This validation study established the reliability and reproducibility of radiographic measurement techniques for assessing carpal and third metacarpal bone morphology in Thoroughbred foals. Twenty foals were radiographed at two-month intervals from birth to 14 months using standardized dorsopalmar carpal and lateromedial metacarpal views without sedation. Fifteen individual and eleven relative angular carpal parameters plus three metacarpal cortical dimensions were measured three times by two independent evaluators. Intra-class correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analyses demonstrated excellent intra-rater repeatability (ICC >0.9) for 40% of individual carpal parameters and all metacarpal variables. Inter-rater reliability was excellent for eight individual and six relative carpal parameters, with metacarpal cortical dimensions showing exceptional agreement (ICC >0.9; bias ≤0.09mm). All parameters proved measurable in conscious foals without sedation. These validated radiographic methods and established baseline conformational data provide a reliable foundation for future longitudinal studies investigating skeletal development, conformation changes, and potential injury risk factors in young Thoroughbred horses throughout their growth period.

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