Application of TrackEye in equine locomotion research.

This research study explores the use of TrackEye, an analysis system, to study horse movement, specifically looking at how a drug called phenylbutazone affects the joint movements of a horse with arthritis.

TrackEye Analysis System

• The TrackEye analysis system is key to the research presented in this article. A setup comprehensive of an image workstation and a film-to-video scanner was used for the digitization of images and automatic target tracking. This high-resolution setup was specifically made for processing 16-mm film.
• Essential to the functionality of the system were a recording module and a tracking module. The recording module controlled the input device, capturing image sequences into a videodisc system, while the tracking module was designed to automatically follow reference markers.
• The system provided flexibility in analysis, with capabilities to calculate marker displacements, distances and joint angles, along with velocities and accelerations.

Treatment and Results

• TrackEye was used to study the effects of phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, on a horse suffering from a mild lameness caused by osteoarthritis in the fetlock joint of a forelimb.
• Investigators observed significant differences in the minimum fetlock and carpal joint angles when they compared the horse’s limbs. These differences were especially apparent prior to the treatment.
• The minimum fetlock angle and the minimum carpal joint angle in the affected limb were significantly larger before the treatment. However, these angles reduced significantly 6, 37, and 49 hours after the last treatment was administered, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment in improving the horse’s joint movements.

Conclusion

• The research article puts forth that TrackEye analysis system is a reliable and flexible tool for biokinematic studies in horses, particularly useful in assessing the effectiveness of treatments aimed at reducing joint discomfort and improving movement.
• The results of the research demonstrate that phenylbutazone effectively reduced the joint discomfort and improved the movement of the horse over time, as observed through the changes in the joint angles.