E-ISSN 2218-6050 | ISSN 2226-4485
 

Case Report


Syndactyly in pigs

José L. Fernández-vásquez, Samer Sánchez-silva, Jorge Portal-torres, Lizbeth Zambrano, Medali Cueva-rodríguez.


Abstract
Background:
Syndactyly, also known as mulefoot, is one of the most common physical extremity malformations. In pigs, syndactyly has been associated with genetic or environmental factors and occurs as an isolated defect or in association with other congenital anomalies. This case report aimed to describe a radiographically confirmed case of syndactyly in a piglet.

Case Description:
A 17-day-old 6.2 kg piglet showed syndactyly in all four limbs. Although this anomaly did not affect the patient’s daily activities, it was a congenital malformation of clinical and zootechnical relevance. A complete blood count, morphometric measurements, and limb radiographs were performed. Radiographs revealed a fusion of phalangeal bones in the forelimbs and an accessory phalangeal element located axially between the principal digits in the hindlimbs. The complete blood count revealed mild leukocytosis.

Conclusion:
Syndactyly occurs during embryonic development when the phalanges do not separate. Its severity can vary from a simple skin union to complete bone fusion. Syndactyly etiology is multifactorial and involves genetic and environmental factors.

Key words: Congenital limb defect; Mulefoot; Piglet; Syndactyly; Teratology.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Fernández-vásquez JL, Sánchez-silva S, Portal-torres J, Zambrano L, Cueva-rodríguez M. Syndactyly in pigs. Open Vet. J.. 2026; 16(5): 3274-3280. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67


Web Style

Fernández-vásquez JL, Sánchez-silva S, Portal-torres J, Zambrano L, Cueva-rodríguez M. Syndactyly in pigs. https://www.openveterinaryjournal.com/?mno=299851 [Access: May 31, 2026]. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Fernández-vásquez JL, Sánchez-silva S, Portal-torres J, Zambrano L, Cueva-rodríguez M. Syndactyly in pigs. Open Vet. J.. 2026; 16(5): 3274-3280. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Fernández-vásquez JL, Sánchez-silva S, Portal-torres J, Zambrano L, Cueva-rodríguez M. Syndactyly in pigs. Open Vet. J.. (2026), [cited May 31, 2026]; 16(5): 3274-3280. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67



Harvard Style

Fernández-vásquez, J. L., Sánchez-silva, . S., Portal-torres, . J., Zambrano, . L. & Cueva-rodríguez, . M. (2026) Syndactyly in pigs. Open Vet. J., 16 (5), 3274-3280. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67



Turabian Style

Fernández-vásquez, José L., Samer Sánchez-silva, Jorge Portal-torres, Lizbeth Zambrano, and Medali Cueva-rodríguez. 2026. Syndactyly in pigs. Open Veterinary Journal, 16 (5), 3274-3280. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67



Chicago Style

Fernández-vásquez, José L., Samer Sánchez-silva, Jorge Portal-torres, Lizbeth Zambrano, and Medali Cueva-rodríguez. "Syndactyly in pigs." Open Veterinary Journal 16 (2026), 3274-3280. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Fernández-vásquez, José L., Samer Sánchez-silva, Jorge Portal-torres, Lizbeth Zambrano, and Medali Cueva-rodríguez. "Syndactyly in pigs." Open Veterinary Journal 16.5 (2026), 3274-3280. Print. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Fernández-vásquez, J. L., Sánchez-silva, . S., Portal-torres, . J., Zambrano, . L. & Cueva-rodríguez, . M. (2026) Syndactyly in pigs. Open Veterinary Journal, 16 (5), 3274-3280. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.67