Characterization of a reversible lameness model in the horse.
Abstract: Characterization of a model of reversible foot lameness in the horse. Methods: Both forelimb hooves were fitted with a circumferential clamp. After three baseline measurements utilizing a force platform, one clamp was tightened to induce a grade 2.5/5 lameness and left in place for 120 hours. Serial heart rate and force platform measurements were obtained and the asymmetry index was calculated. After 120 hours, the clamp was released and force platform data recorded until the horse returned to soundness. The procedure was repeated for the opposite forelimb. The responses of treatment compared with the control for each outcome were analysed using linear mixed models. Time, limb (left or right), order of treatment, and interaction between time and order were used as fixed effects, whereas horse and limb were used as random effects. Results: There was a significant increase in lameness associated with time and treatment order, where the second limb treated was more lame, based on the force platform data. The heart rate increased significantly with time and was significantly greater while the first limb was being treated. There was a significant effect of time on the increased subjective lameness score. Conclusions: The lameness was present throughout the measurement period, though the level of lameness lessened with time. The model may be applicable for evaluation of mechanisms to treat pain in the horse. The reason for the difference in treatment order needs to be identified.
Publication Date: 2014-02-04 PubMed ID: 24493290DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-13-08-0101Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study involves the development and testing of a model to understand reversible lameness in horses. This includes inducing and measuring lameness along with monitoring changes over time after treatment.
Methods
- The experiment was performed on both forelimb hooves of a horse, each fitted with a circumferential clamp.
- Baseline measurements were taken three times using a force platform.
- One clamp was tightened to induce a specific degree of lameness (2.5 out of 5) and left in place for 120 hours.
- Heart rate and force platform measurements were continuously recorded, and an asymmetry index was calculated to quantify discrepancies in limb function.
- After the 120-hour period, the clamp was released, and force platform data was recorded until the horse returned to normal function.
- The same process was then repeated on the opposite limb.
- The researchers used statistical models to compare the responses of the control and treated horse limbs, taking into multiple factors into account including time, limb (left or right), and treatment order.
Results
- The results showed a significant increase in lameness duration with the timing and order of treatment – the second limb treated showcased more lameness. This was derived from the force platform data.
- The heart rate of the horse also notably increased with time, and was significantly higher when the first limb was being treated.
- A significant effect of time on increased subjective lameness score was also observed, indicating the subjective perception of lameness increased with time.
Conclusions
- Throughout the measurement period, lameness was present, although its level lessened over time indicating the reversible nature of this induced lameness.
- The treatment model has potential in evaluating mechanisms to treat pain in horses, although further investigations are required for its fine-tuning.
- Notably, the reason for the difference in the lameness experienced in different treatment orders requires further investigation.
Cite This Article
APA
Wilgenbusch C, McClure SR, Thomsen D, Schleining J, Riedesel D, Wang C.
(2014).
Characterization of a reversible lameness model in the horse.
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol, 27(2), 113-119.
https://doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-13-08-0101 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Scott R. McClure, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1600 South 16th St., Ames, IA 50010, United States, Phone: +1 515 294 1500, Fax: +1 515 294 5224, E-mail: mcclures@iastate.edu.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Forelimb / physiopathology
- Gait / physiology
- Heart Rate / physiology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses / physiology
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Lameness, Animal / physiopathology
- Models, Biological
- Time Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
