Aiming at documenting the closure of the physeal plates of the long bones, 92 Criollo foals, males and females, between 6 and 29 months of age, were used in this study. Dorsopalmar radiographs were taken from the distal portion of the radius, 3rd metacarpal bone and tibia. The radiographic image of the growth plate was classified as visible, partially visible or not visible. At 7 months of age the growth plate of the 3rd metacarpal bone was no longer visible. In the distal physis of the tibia the growth plate was no longer visible at 23 months and at 25 months of age in the radius. The results of this study show that period of closure of the physeal plates of the main metacaopal bone, the radius and tibia is similar to the some described in other breeds.
physeal; radiographic evaluation; equine
