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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Rec / Field study of the prevalence of lameness in horses with bac...
The Veterinary record2004; 155(6); 165-168; doi: 10.1136/vr.155.6.165

Field study of the prevalence of lameness in horses with back problems.

Abstract: A population of 805 horses (70 per cent dressage, 20 per cent show jumpers and 10 per cent trotters) with orthopaedic problems was examined for signs of lameness and back problems, irrespective of their original complaints. In the horses with a back problem the prevalence of lameness was 74 per cent, and back problems were diagnosed in 32 per cent of the lame horses. These percentages were significantly higher than those recorded in a control population of 399 horses, of which 20 per cent were lame and 12 per cent had back problems. In the group of horses with orthopaedic problems there was a strong association between lameness and back problems and, in particular, there was a high prevalence of lameness among the horses with back problems.
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Publication Date: 2004-09-11 PubMed ID: 15357376DOI: 10.1136/vr.155.6.165Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 research article discusses the prevalence of lameness in a population of horses suffering from orthopaedic issues, in which a significant correlation was noted between lameness and back problems.

Study Population and Methodology

  • The study involved a careful examination of a population of 805 horses. These were mainly dressage horses (70%), followed by show jumpers (20%), and trotters (10%). These horses were already suffering from some kind of orthopaedic problem.
  • These horses were studied for signs of lameness and back problems, regardless of their initial health complaints.

Results and Observations

  • From the horss with identified back problems, 74 percent were found to be lame.
  • Back problems were diagnosed in 32 percent of those suffering lameness. These percentages significantly differed from those observed in a control population of 399 horses, wherein only 20 percent were found lame and 12 percent had back issues.

Conclusion

  • The study confirmed a strong association between lameness and back problems in the group of horses with orthopaedic issues.
  • There was a high prevalence of lameness especially among horses suffering from back problems.

The research indicates that preventative measures or treatments aimed at improving back health could potentially reduce the instances of lameness in horses with such orthopaedic problems. More detailed studies would be required to understand the mechanisms causing this association.

Cite This Article

APA
Landman MA, de Blaauw JA, van Weeren PR, Hofland LJ. (2004). Field study of the prevalence of lameness in horses with back problems. Vet Rec, 155(6), 165-168. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.155.6.165

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 0042-4900
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 155
Issue: 6
Pages: 165-168

Researcher Affiliations

Landman, M A A M
  • Bodegraven Equine Clinic, Zuidzijde 63, NL-2411 RT Bodegraven, The Netherlands.
de Blaauw, J A
    van Weeren, P R
      Hofland, L J

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Back Pain / epidemiology
        • Back Pain / veterinary
        • Case-Control Studies
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / etiology
        • Horses
        • Lameness, Animal / epidemiology
        • Netherlands / epidemiology
        • Osteoarthritis / epidemiology
        • Osteoarthritis / veterinary
        • Prevalence
        • Records / veterinary
        • Retrospective Studies

        Citations

        This article has been cited 21 times.
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