Blood Vessel Topography of the Feet in Selected Species of Birds of Prey and Owls

Simple Summary Birds of prey and owls are regularly admitted in veterinary practices due to diseases of and injuries to their feet that require surgical intervention. During surgical care, it is essential to spare the blood vessels in order not to negatively influence or even interrupt the blood supply. Therefore, the topography of pedal blood vessels was compared in detail between different species of birds of prey and owls: photographs of dissected specimens and micro-computed tomography 3D reconstructions and drawings of the course of the vessels were made. Some differences in the topography of the blood vessels were revealed between the examined species. The differences in the vasculature of the foot may influence the development of circulatory-related diseases, such as pododermatitis (bumblefoot).Abstract Birds of prey and owls are susceptible to diseases of and traumatic injuries to their feet, which regularly require surgical intervention. A precise knowledge of the blood vessel topography is essential for a targeted therapy. Therefore, the metatarsal and digital vasculature was examined in eight species of birds of prey and owls. The study included contrast micro-computed tomography scans and anatomical dissections after intravascular injection of colored latex. In all examined species, the dorsal metatarsal arteries provided the main supply to the foot and their branching pattern and number differed between species. They continued distally as digital arteries. All examined species showed a basic pattern of four collaterally located digital blood vessels per toe: a prominent artery and small vein on one side and a small artery and prominent vein on the other side. Digital veins united to form common digital veins, most of which joined into a superficial, medially located metatarsal vein. This vein provided the main drainage of the foot. The detailed visualization of the topography of pedal blood vessels will help veterinary surgeons during surgical procedures. In addition, differences in the plantar arterial arch between hawks and falcons were discussed regarding their possible influence on the prevalence of pododermatitis (bumblefoot).