What is one reason injuries below the knees in pack animals are particularly problematic?

Injuries below the knees in pack animals present significant challenges mainly due to the anatomical structure of the lower limbs. The area below the knee has fewer muscles compared to other parts of the leg, which complicates the management and healing of injuries. With fewer muscles, there is less soft tissue to absorb the impact or stress from injury, leading to a higher risk of complications. Moreover, the reduced muscle coverage makes cleaning and dressing wounds more difficult, as there is less tissue to work with and more exposed structures, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Consequently, injuries in this area can be more complex and problematic compared to injuries higher up in the leg where muscle coverage is more abundant, providing better support and facilitating the healing process.