Cierre temprano del cartílago de crecimiento del tercer metacarpiano en potrillos Cuarto de Milla

Abstract

As part of a study to assess the effect of a dietary supplement on bone development, the initial condition of the growth plate of the distal epiphysis of the third metacarpus of 19 Quarter Horse fillies, between 6 to 9 months of age, were evaluated by means of craniocaudal radiographs of the fetlock.
The closure of the growth plates was determinate on the basis of: group 1, completed closure; group 2, 3/4 closure, group 3, ½ closure, group 4, 1/4 closure and group 5, completely open. Twenty six per cent of the fillies were in group 1, 53 % were in group 2 and 21 % were in group 3. No fillies were in groups 4 or 5. Fillies between 6 and 8 months in groups 1 to 3 represent 84 % of the animals. Fifty per cent of the fillies were 8 months old. The early closure of the growth plate of third metacarpal bone was evident with regard to the ages cited in the references.
Serum phosphorus values were significant differences between groups 1 and 2, to 3 (p<0,05). The serum P in group 3 was the lowest. Serum Ca was relatively low in this group, although the differences between the three groups were not significant. All the fillies showed high values of bone markers for their age over mean normal values.