Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal bovine digit

The purpose of this study was defining the normal structures of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle using Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI). Transverse, Sagital and Dorsoplantar MRI images of three isolated cattle cadaver digits were obtained using Gyroscan T5-NT a magnet of 0.5 Tesla and T1 Weighted sequence. The MRI images were compared to corresponding frozen cross-sections and dissect specimens of the cadaver digits. Relevant anatomical structures were identified and labeled at each level. The MRI images provided anatomical detail of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle. Transversal images provided excellent depiction of anatomical structures when compared to corresponding frozen cross-sections. The information presented in this paper would serve as an initial reference to the evaluation of MRI images of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle, that can be used by radiologist, clinicians, surgeon or for research propose in bovine lameness.