Electron microscopic study of the veins of the dermal lamellae of the equine hoof wall.

The venous organisation of the dermal lamellae of the equine hoof wall of 18 pairs of forelimb hooves from clinically healthy horses was studied using plastic vascular corrosion casts, and scanning electron microscopic and histological techniques. A consistent pattern of venous organisation was observed in the dermal lamella of the toe, quarter and heel regions. The lamellar corium had an extensive interconnecting capillary network which drained into axially located veins of the primary dermal lamella. Many of the capillaries had a proximodistal orientation and most of those located at the interior third of the dermal lamella exhibited focal capillary enlargements. It was suggested that these enlargements may function to influence blood flow in normal conditions and in laminitis.