The anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions in the Philippines water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.) bones tendons and ligaments

The bones, tendons and ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions of the Philippine water buffalo were described and compared with the existing data in cattle using nine (5 males and 4 females) apparently health Philippine water buffaloes. The animals weighed approximately 120 kg (dressed weight) and were 1-2 years old.The bones of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions were composed of a large metacaral and metatarsal bones (Mc3 + Mc4 and Mt3 + Mt4), a small metacarpal and metatarsal bone (Mc5 and Mt2), bones of the two chief digits (3rd and 4th) having three digital (phalanges) bones each (proximal, middle and distal), four proximal sesamoid bones and two distal (navicular) sesamoid bones. The two dewclaws had one or two digital bones each. There were four muscles whose tendons distally into the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions namely: the common digital extensor (long digital extensor in the hindlimb) lateral digital extensor, superficial digital flexor and deep digital flexor muscles, three ligaments of the dewclaws (proximal, transverse and distal), seven collateral ligaments (three abaxial, three axial and two common collateral), two interdigital ligaments (proximal and distal) and three annular ligaments (annular ligament of the fetlock joint, proximal and distal annular), three palmar ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint (abaxial, middle and axial). The sesamoidean ligaments of the fetlock region were grouped into two; the middle sesamoidean (collateral, intersesamoidean, lateral and medial palmar ligament) and distal sesamoidean (middle short, interdigital phalangosesamoidan, oblique and cruciate). There were two sesamoidean ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint, the collateral (axial and abaxial) sesamoidean ligaments and the distal (axial and abaxial) sesamoidean ligaments. The anatomy of the bones, tendons and ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions observed in the Philippine water buffalo is generally similar to that of the ox as mentioned in various veterinary textbooks.