Identification of hindleg lameness

Abstract

Summary The use of markers placed over the tuber coxae on each side of a horse to aid identification of the relative movement of these structures at the trot, for teaching and research purposes, is described. In each case of hindleg lameness studied, the tuber coxae on the lame side showed a consistent increase in vertical displacement relative to that of the contralateral limb, and a characteristic pattern of movement throughout the stride irrespective of the site or cause of pain.

Accuracy and precision of hind limb foot contact timings of horses determined using a pelvis-mounted inertial measurement unit

“…eight additional visibly hind limb lame horses was segmented using velocity features and pelvic roll as described above. Since lame horses exhibit a characteristic 'hip hike' prior to foot contact of the lame limb (May and Wyn-Jones, 1987), which translates into os sacrum movement asymmetry (Buchner et al, 1996), we were able to compare the limb declared lame using our segmented data and the opinion of the veterinarian on scene. If extrema in pelvic roll remained robust during hind limb lameness, veterinary opinion and sensor data would indicate the same limb as lame; else, the two would be opposite (see Supplementary Figure 1 for details).…”

Adaptation Strategies of Horses with Lameness

“…In moderate and more accentuated hind limb lamenesses, a distinct head nod can be observed during the diagonal stance, which includes the lame hind limb, suggesting a lameness in the ipsilateral forelimb [20,25,26]. This compensatory head movement is reported to be more distinguishable than the compensatory movements made by the hindquarters as a consequence of forelimb lameness [16,27,28].…”

Understanding hind limb lameness signs in horses using simple rigid body mechanics

“…Veterinary assessment strategies broadly fall into two groups: examination of up-and down movement of the sacrum region or comparison of both tubera coxae. Similarly, for computerised detection of hind limb lameness, studies have focussed either on the quantification of sacrum movement asymmetry (Buchner et al, 1996;Kramer et al, 2000Peham et al, 2001;Audigie et al, 2002;Church et al, 2009) or comparative tubera coxae movement asymmetry (May and Wyn-Jones, 1987;Kramer et al, 2000;Church et al, 2009). Studies that used both approaches came to varying conclusions regarding optimal landmark choice and asymmetry features (Buchner et al, 1996;Kramer et al, 2000;Church et al, 2009;Starke et al, 2012c;Starke et al, 2013;Pfau et al, 2014).…”

“…While research efforts are greatest in the human domain (Whittle, 1996;Simon, 2004;Wren et al, 2011), gait analysis in horses is also receiving significant interest (Keegan, 2007): with most horses being not only a companion animal but also an athlete, locomotor soundness is crucial for this species. Evidence for movement adaptations associated with equine lameness is presently generated by sampling empirical data, often from less than 20 horses, either by causing lameness through intervention (Buchner et al, 1996;Gomez-Alvarez et al, 2008) or by sampling data from animals admitted to veterinary institutions (May and Wyn-Jones, 1987;Peham et al, 2001;Audigie et al, 2002;Church et al, 2009;Keegan et al, 2010). In the light of the mounting observations and conclusions drawn from such discrete experimental findings that are already forming the foundation for evidence-based lameness detection, we propose that it is now time to test and deduce, rather than induce, expected gait changes and to understand field observations in the context of the underlying mechanics.…”