Evaluation of support bandaging during measurement of proximal sesamoidean ligament strain in horses by use of a mercury strain gauge.

This research examined the effect of various external supports on the strain experienced by the sesamoidean ligaments in the forelimbs of horses using mercury strain gauges. These supports ranged from fiberglass casts to splint wraps.

Mercury Strain Gauges and the Horses’ Ligaments

• The study involved the insertion of mercury strain gauges into the proximal sesamoidean ligaments (PSL) of eight adult horses’ forelimbs. The PSL is a critical component of horse locomotion, and understanding its strain responses can help optimize treatments and supports.
• The aim was to measure the strain on these ligaments while the horses stood in neutral and with external support in place. In six out of the eight horses, strain was also measured while the horses walked with and without external support.
• To avoid distortions in readings from nonaxial deformation, the gauges were enclosed within sliding polypropylene tubes.

External Supports Used in the Study

• The following external supports were used: a fiberglass cast support (CAST), a dorsal fetlock splint support (DFS), support wraps of three bandage materials (SW1, SW2, and SW3), and a support wrap with a caudal splint (SW4).
• The CAST and DFS were applied with the horse’s fetlock and foot in weight-bearing position. The support wraps were applied in a figure-8 pattern around the fetlock, using 50% of the linear stretch capacity of the bandage material.

Results

• The average maximum strain, denoted by epsilon S, observed in these horses without external support while standing was 6.0%. The range of strains was from 3.8% to 7.5%. These results are critical in understanding the strain exerted on the horse’s ligaments without any external support.

This study is significant in the field of veterinary medicine, especially in the treatment and care of working or sport horses. Its results provide insights into the effectiveness of different external supports in reducing strain on key locomotive ligaments. It also assists in the development of improved support technologies to increase the health and longevity of horses.