Determination and padronization of normal values of bone mineral density (BMD) of the acessory carpus bone in young Thoroughbred horse using optical densitometry in radiographic image

Abstract

The bone mineral density (BMD) of the accessory carpus bone was measured (in aluminum milimeters - mmAl) in 12 female and 12 male thoroughbred horses aging from 12 months old until the moment of complete closure of the radio distal epiphysis, using optical densitometry in radiographic images. Evaluation was made using a software specially developed for optical density measurement in X-ray films, containing the radiographic image of the accessory carpus bone, the region of soft parts adjacent to the accessory carpus and the degrees of an aluminum stepwedge, used to measure BMD value (average of the interest region established on the accessory carpus bone corresponding to the value on the stepwedge in milimeters). BMD values did not show differences between sexes (p=0.86). BMD value (in mmAl) was 3.109 + 0.056 x age (in months) at this age interval.