Influence of morphometric parameters on the size of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint of equines

The physiological measurements of collateral ligaments of distal interphalangeal joint (CL‐DIPJ) differ in the literature. The factors that influence these differences are not well described. The aims of this study are to compare CL‐DIPJ sizes in equines with different withers height, as well as to correlate body weight and hoof size to the size of these ligaments. In total, 52 horses were used in the study. They were divided into two groups according to wither height: Group 1 (G1) ‐ 21 animals with up to 147 cm ‐ and group 2 (G2) ‐ 21 animals with greater than 148 cm. CL‐DIPJ was ultrasonographically measured in order to find the mean of dorso‐palmar (DPD) and latero‐medial (LMD) diameters and the cross‐sectional area (CSA). Hoof width and length were measured, and the results were used to calculate the hoof surface area. Withers height and body weight were also measured. Groups were statistically compared by Student's t test and Pearson's correlation application to each group. Groups were different in body size, HS and CL‐DIPJ size when p