Development of a novel harness system to aid in rehabilitation of horses

Abstract

Development of a rehabilitation harness to aid in recovery from musculoskeletal injuries is needed because serious complications can arise from long-term use of rescue slings. This study’s objective was to determine the anatomical structures of the horse that can bear significant weight, the potential complications that could arise if a horse is not properly supported by the harness and the % weight compensation achievable with the newly developed harness when used together with a dynamic rehabilitation lift. This dynamic lift can reduce the load the limbs carry, either withers-to-pelvis or left-to-right when used in combination with the rehabilitation harness under development. The rehabilitation harness prototype described here was made of cotton/nylon with sheepskin inserts, forming a blanket with high-strength strapping supporting the load-bearing structures of the horse. This prototype was load tested up to 600 kg, for safety, with no sign of failure. In an adult horse, the harness allowed for 40% load reduction from both front (125 of 303 kg [60% of 506 kg]) and hind (80 of 203 kg [40% of 506 kg]) legs before complications (abnormal posture) occurred. Pressure was measured to determine areas of high pressure which lead to the addition of an H-frame and a figure-eight pattern of strapping to the forelimb support reducing pressure, improving posture and achieving greater load reduction (46% [140 of 301.2 kg]). Abnormalities in respiratory rate or pattern were not observed. Future research will include testing the harness longer term (up to six weeks) with the incorporation of an air-pressurised breastplate to detect high-pressure, high-temperature, high-moisture areas, modifying the design further for improved horse-comfort reducing the risk of complications and enabling long-term use of the harness during rehabilitation.

Weight reduction and possible implications for the rehabilitation of horses with ambulatory difficulties

“…Our research group has completed the initial short‐term testing of a new rehabilitation harness ( Fig 2) allowing 46% of the weight to be removed from the forelimbs and 40% from the hindlimbs (Steinke et al 2018, 2019). The harness has been designed as one piece for easy application or removal with only two pick‐up points to attach to the lift for quick release in an emergency.…”

“…This need for constant supervision and multiple personnel is a critical issue in weight reduction devices in veterinary practice. Additional design features are under development to periodically alter pressure applied to the skin in an attempt to increase comfort and reduce the risk of tissue trauma during long‐term use (Steinke et al 2018, 2019). The harness is used in combination with a computer‐integrated dynamic weight compensation system previously tested by our research group (Montgomery et al 2018, 2019).…”

Development of a Front Limb Support to Facilitate Weight Reduction in Horses with Ambulatory Difficulties

“…A computer-controlled dynamic rehabilitation lift system with adjustable weight compensation (i.e., incremental load reduction) was used for weight compensation trials (lift previously described in [12]). To reduce the load by 50% on the forelimbs, 150 kg would need to be supported by the lift in a 500 kg horse which carries 60% (300kg) of its bodyweight on the front limbs.…”

“…The horse was then attached to the weight compensation lift. Weight compensation in the front was increased by 10 kg increments, and behavioural and physiological observations were noted as previously described [12]. If complications were observed, trials were terminated, and breastplate design modi cations were made before continuing.…”

“…In response to continued challenges, a new dynamic support system is under development [11]. This study focuses on the development of the front limb support (breastplate) of horses, intended for use together with a dynamic rehabilitation lift [12].…”