Changes

===Ruminant Hoof===

===Ruminant Hoof===

 

The ruminant hoof, although resembling the equine hoof in some characteristics, differs from the equine hoof in several ways. In the ruminant hoof there are two separate main digits and the wall of the hoof is bent to form a dorsal border. Also the bulb of the heel covers the entire caudal surface of the hoof and most of the plantar surface, leaving only a small area of sole visible. In ruminants the interdigitating lamellae are smaller and less well developed than in equids.

Although the hooves of these species resemble the equine hoof, they differ in several ways:

 

* There are two separate main digits, compared with the single hoof of equids

* The wall is bent to form a dorsal border

* The bulb of the heel covers the entire caudal surface of the hoof and most of the plantar surface, leaving a small area of sole visible

* The interdigitating lamellae are smaller and less well developed.

 

The hooves of the main digits curve medially towards each other.  The lateral digit carries more weight than the medial digit, and is larger.  On the abaxial wall, the distal border makes contact with the ground along its entire length, whereas, on the axial wall, only does so toward the toe.  The thickness of the wall increases towards the apex and the plantar surface.

The hooves of the main digits curve medially towards each other.  The lateral digit carries more weight than the medial digit, and is larger.  On the abaxial wall, the distal border makes contact with the ground along its entire length, whereas, on the axial wall, only does so toward the toe.  The thickness of the wall increases towards the apex and the plantar surface.