Ruminant Musculoskeletal System

What bones are fused in the ruminant metacarpus?

Metacarpal bones 3 and 4

Which digits bear the majority of weight in ruminants?

Digits 3 and 4

What are dewclaws in ruminants?

Rudimentary digits 2 and 5

What is a unique feature of the ruminant fibula?

The shaft regresses, leaving only proximal and distal remnants

What is the name of the small bone that forms the lateral malleolus in ruminants?

Malleolar bone

What is a common pathology in the carpal/metacarpophalyngeal joints of young ruminants?

Septic arthritis

What is a common cause of stifle injuries in adult cattle?

Being squashed or struck by other cattle

What is the name of the condition where the patella becomes fixed in an upward position?

Upwardly fixated patella

Which nerve supplies the iliopsoas and quadriceps femoris muscles in ruminants?

Femoral nerve

What is the origin of the femoral nerve in ruminants?

L4-L6

What is the origin of the obturator nerve in ruminants?

L4-L6

What muscles does the obturator nerve innervate?

Adductor muscles

What is the origin of the sciatic nerve in ruminants?

L6-S2

Into which two major nerves does the sciatic nerve divide?

Tibial and common peroneal nerves

How many distinct divisions does the superficial peroneal nerve have in ruminants?

Three

What structure produces new horn in the ruminant hoof?

Coronary band

What is the name of the fat pad in the ruminant hoof?

Digital cushion

What structure joins the outer wall to the sole in the ruminant hoof?

White line

What is a common consequence of chronic lameness in ruminants?

Pedal bone osteopathy

What is the term for abnormal bone growth on the pedal bone over a solar ulcer?

Bovine bunion

What percentage of a cow's weight falls on the front feet?

60%

Which claw is typically larger in the front foot of a ruminant?

Medial claw

Which claw is typically larger in the hind foot of a ruminant?

Lateral claw

What is the name of the joint between the radius and proximal row of carpal bones?

Radiocarpal joint

What is the name of the joint between the distal row of carpal bones and the metacarpal bones?

Carpometacarpal joint

What is a common fracture site in adult cattle?

Distal long bones

What is the maximum weight of cattle that can typically be treated with casting for lower limb fractures?

450kg

What type of disk disease is very rare in cattle despite similarities to human disks?

Intervertebral disk disease

What is a potential consequence of femoral nerve damage in newborn calves?

Inability to bear weight on the affected limb

What posture might a cow with obturator nerve damage adopt?

Dog-sitting posture

How many fused vertebrae typically make up the sacrum in cattle?

Five

What is the shape of the proximal remnant of the fibula in ruminants?

Tear-shaped process

What is the origin of the femoral nerve in ruminants?

L4-L6

What muscles does the femoral nerve innervate?

Iliopsoas and quadriceps femoris

What is a potential consequence of femoral nerve damage in newborn calves?

Inability to bear weight on the affected limb

What is the origin of the obturator nerve in ruminants?

L4-L6

What muscles does the obturator nerve innervate?

Adductor muscles

What posture might a cow with obturator nerve damage adopt?

Dog-sitting posture

What is the origin of the sciatic nerve in ruminants?

L6-S2

Into which two major nerves does the sciatic nerve divide?

Tibial and common peroneal nerves

What is a potential consequence of sciatic nerve damage during parturition?

Affected limb hangs loose with extended stifle and hock, flexed digits, and knuckled foot

What muscles does the tibial nerve innervate?

Caudal crural muscles

What is the term for excessive innervation of the caudal crural muscles by the tibial nerve?

Spastic paresis

What is a potential consequence of tibial nerve damage?

Over flexion of the hock and extension of the fetlock

How many distinct divisions does the superficial peroneal nerve have in ruminants?

Three

What is a potential consequence of peroneal nerve damage?

Hyperextension of the hock and hyperflexion of the fetlock and digital joints

What area does the saphenous branch of the femoral nerve provide sensory innervation to?

Skin over the medial crus and dorsomedial metatarsus and fetlock joint