The anatomic features of the normal tarsus of the live horse as perceived by the sense of sight.

A description is given of 75 features present in the normal tarsus of the standing horse which are apparent due to visible skin contours overlying them. Depending on whether or not the pelvic limb is supporting full weight or resting, some contours alter their configuration. Therefore the contour of each underlying feature is described separately for each stance of the limb. It is considered that visual inspection and identification of the apparent superficial features of the normal equine tarsus form the basis of orientation and clinical inspection. Furthermore, these features provide reference points for procedures associated with surgery, arthroscopy, intraarticular treatment and anesthesia of a horse's tarsus suspected of being injured or infected.