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The interactive dog atlas · Skeleton · Hind limb

Metatarsus ossa metatarsalia

The metatarsal bones link the hock to the toes of the hind foot. Like those in the front, they stand raised off the ground, because the dog walks on its toes.

Open in the interactive atlas Guide: Skeleton Worksheet

Educational material, not a diagnostic tool. Written by the Mantrailing România team from veterinary sources we read. Updated 14.11.2026.

Dog in left lateral view — exterior, muscles, skeleton and organs Vector study after the Ellenberger, Baum and Dittrich plates: a standing dog, head to the left, deep chest and digitigrade limbs. The four layers use the same contour: exterior with body regions, superficial muscles, skeleton and organs.
  1. Metatarsus
  2. Tarsal bones
  3. Hind digits
Metatarsus on the atlas drawing, "Skeleton" layer, with the neighbouring structures. Left lateral view, after the Ellenberger, Baum and Dittrich plates.

Where it is

Between the tarsus and the hind digits.

System
Hind limb
Region
Hind limb

What it is and what it does

The metatarsal bones link the tarsus to the hind digits and, like the metacarpus, stand raised off the ground: the dog walks on its toes. Behind them lies the common metatarsal pad. The metatarsus is generally somewhat longer than the metacarpus, which gives the hind limb its pushing “lever”.

The illustration shows three metatarsals, schematically.

Worth remembering

The metatarsus is generally somewhat longer than the metacarpus: the pushing lever of the hind foot.

Names

  • Also called: metatarsal bones.
  • Latin term: ossa metatarsalia.
  • In Romanian: Metatarsul (Romanian page).

From the same region: Hind limb

All structures, in the atlas · Flashcards: skeleton