TDK conference 2020

Being the largest still living terrestrial mammal on earth, elephants have always played an important role in an economical, social and ecological point of view. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed on the Red List as a highly endangered species, indicating its steadily declining population. Therefore, it is even more important to preserve these animals and to ensure their good health. Elephant’s feet play an important role in their health status, because their high body weight is supported by them, which resulted in many interesting features in the anatomy. The aim of this work is to provide anatomical guidance of structures found in the feet, focusing on bones, the vasculature and joints.

The Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Dr. Baka József Diagnostical and Oncoradiological Centre got the opportunity to examine a front- and hindlimb of a deceased 6-year old female Asian elephant by CT and MRI, where over 5.000 CT and 300 MRI images were recorded. First native sequences were taken, then the arteries were filled with BaSo4 containing contrast media and the CT scans were repeated in the same position. The resulting data were processed with the 3D Slicer software. After quality evaluation of the obtained sequences, one series of each CT and MRI was chosen for the 3D reconstruction of the bones, vessels and joint cavities.

Literature already exists about the anatomy of the feet, but only few 3D data can be found, which does not include the vessels and joint cavities. Our results and 3D reconstructions, which will be accessible online as well and can even be 3D printed for further demonstration, will help to understand the complex anatomy of elephant’s feet. It can be utilized in many fields, especially by veterinarians, students and keepers.