![]() The total area of the digital pads is greater than the area taken up by the metacarpal/metatarsal area. The negative space is in the shape of an ‘x’ or an ‘h’ and the metacarpal pad is usually triangular and singular, not divided into sub-pads.Ī single carpal pad sits posterior to the metacarpal pad on the lateral side of the leg. An additional smaller toe (referred to as "toe 1") is reduced and occurs higher up on the front leg and only registers in tracks occasionally when at higher speeds, in deeper substrates, or during during abrupt stops/turns.Ĭlaws usually register with most canine species.įront tracks are usually longer than wide. In older dogs (as well as other animals) individual toes may begin to drift out of alignment with the other toes.Ĭanines have 4 fully developed toes that register on front foot tracks. ![]() Very old dogs may begin to show a degeneration of the pads (creases, indentations). The tissue that composes the foot pads of dogs will thicken and roughen due to friction on hard surfaces much as a human foot will develop a callus under similar conditions. The cone shape of the carpal pad provides traction and balance along with the first toe on the front foot and the claws of the digital pads. The digital, and metacarpal/tarsal pads serve as shock absorbers for the bones of the feet and legs, and provide insulation during cold weather. The pads and other structures of the feet are composed of keratin, collagen and adipose tissue (fatty tissue).
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