The arrangement of the metatarsals are similar to those of the metacarpals in that they are rod shaped bones (although slightly more rounded), numbered from I to V. The 1st is the most medial and is very small, the 3rd and 4th are the longest. Overall the length of the metatarsals is 20% longer than the metacarpals. The first metatarsal is not found in every canine as it is a very simplified bone making the ''dew claw'' and it is often not found on many dogs. The proximal base of each articulates with it's corresponding carpal bone and the adjacent metacarpal. The distal end is its head, which is transversely cylindrical and articulates with the proximal phalanx. Metacarpals II - V possess a sagittal ridge on their palmar aspects. | The arrangement of the metatarsals are similar to those of the metacarpals in that they are rod shaped bones (although slightly more rounded), numbered from I to V. The 1st is the most medial and is very small, the 3rd and 4th are the longest. Overall the length of the metatarsals is 20% longer than the metacarpals. The first metatarsal is not found in every canine as it is a very simplified bone making the ''dew claw'' and it is often not found on many dogs. The proximal base of each articulates with it's corresponding carpal bone and the adjacent metacarpal. The distal end is its head, which is transversely cylindrical and articulates with the proximal phalanx. Metacarpals II - V possess a sagittal ridge on their palmar aspects. |