Identifying optimal parameters for quantification of changes in pelvic movement symmetry as a response to diagnostic analgesia in the hindlimbs of horses

Abstract

Several pelvic parameters are suitable for objective quantification of changes after diagnostic analgesia in hindlimb-lame horses. A change of 9-13% per lameness grade can be expected. Upward movement of the tubera coxae is the most sensitive objective measure for quantifying a response to diagnostic analgesia. However, when assessed visually, this measure requires simultaneous focusing on pelvic and limb movements. Other parameters that show a similar response might be more easily perceived, requiring only assessment of tubera coxae range of motion or downward displacement of the sacrum without simultaneous focus on limb movement.

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

“…5). Previous experimental work already reported small changes in Hip_RoM_diff compared to substantially larger changes in Hip_hike_diff in horses evaluated by clinicians after nerve blocks (Pfau et al, 2014), supporting our model predictions. This makes specifically Hip_RoM_diff unsuitable for the evaluation of interventions and changes in horses with more than just mild Fig.…”

“…(For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.) a symmetrical pelvic rotation pattern can account for observed changes in tubera coxae asymmetry in contrast to speculations regarding strongly altered rotation patterns in lame horses (Buchner et al, 1996;Weishaupt, 2008) and ii) whether assessment based on the tubera coxae is per se better than assessment based on the sacrum (May and Wyn-Jones, 1987;Pfau et al, 2014).…”

“…It has been suggested that assessment of tuber coxae range of movement (Hip_RoM_Diff) may be one of the easiest ways to visually detect hind limb lameness (May and Wyn-Jones, 1987;Pfau et al, 2014), as it does not require the parallel assessment of footfall patterns. The model showed that this is only the case up until the sign reversal point of the tuber coxae movement pattern on the sound side, and hence only works for mild lameness.…”

“…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). To date, these studies have not tested the basic mechanics that form the foundation for the response to lameness and association between different measures.…”

Quantitative assessment of gait parameters in horses: Useful for aiding clinical decision making?

“…; Pfau et al . ; Rungsri et al . ) suggesting that acceptance as a diagnostic aid amongst veterinary specialists is increasing.…”