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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet J / Naturally-occurring forelimb lameness in the horse results i...
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2015; 204(2); 208-213; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.005

Naturally-occurring forelimb lameness in the horse results in significant compensatory load redistribution during trotting.

Abstract: This study aimed to quantify the compensatory response to naturally-occurring forelimb lameness on load redistribution. Data from lameness investigations using an inertial sensor based system to monitor the response to forelimb diagnostic anaesthesia were reviewed. Horses with primary forelimb lameness were grouped for analysis as (1) all horses combined (n= 28), (2) forelimb-only lameness (n= 8/28), (3) forelimb-contralateral hindlimb lameness (n= 14/28), (4) forelimb-ipsilateral hindlimb lameness (n= 6/28). The effect of diagnostic anaesthesia on measures of head and pelvic movement asymmetry was determined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed between forelimb and hindlimb variables. Statistical significance was set at P< 0.05. Forelimb diagnostic anaesthesia resulted in a decrease in pelvic movement asymmetry among all horses and the forelimb-only and forelimb-contralateral hindlimb lameness groups. Pelvic movement asymmetry associated with the contralateral hindlimb decreased by a median of 38% (interquartile range [IQR] 10-65%), 43% (IQR 28-60%) and 28% (IQR 12-67%) in all horses, forelimb-only and forelimb-contralateral hindlimb groups respectively (P< 0.05). Maximum pelvic height difference (PDMax) significantly decreased in all horses combined and the forelimb-contralateral hindlimb lameness group by a median of 66% (IQR 24-100%) and 78% (IQR 27-100%, P< 0.01), respectively. Change in head movement asymmetry and vector sum was significantly positively correlated with PDMax in all horses combined and the forelimb-contralateral hindlimb group (P< 0.05). Forelimb lameness had a significant effect on hindlimb and pelvic movement in horses with clinical lameness resulting in compensatory load redistribution and decreased push-off from the contralateral hindlimb.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2015-03-09 PubMed ID: 25862395DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.005Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research examined the way horses with natural forelimb lameness redistribute their weight during a trot. The study found substantial changes in pelvic movement and a decrease in power from the hind leg on the opposite side of the body as a result of the lameness.

Research Process and Methodology

  • This research focused on studying the compensatory response in horses suffering from naturally-occurring forelimb lameness, a condition that causes a horse to redistribute weight while trotting due to discomfort or pain.
  • Data was collected from lameness investigations using an inertial sensor-based system. This system was specifically used to monitor the response in horses after they received diagnostic anaesthesia to the forelimb.
  • For the purpose of analysis, the study grouped horses with primary forelimb lameness into four categories based on the lameness patterns: all horses combined, those with only forelimb lameness, those with forelimb and contralateral hindlimb lameness, and those with forelimb and ipsilateral hindlimb lameness.
  • The researchers used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to determine the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia on measures of head and pelvic movement asymmetry. They also performed a Spearman’s correlation to assess relationships between forelimb and hindlimb variables.

Key Findings

  • Diagnostic anaesthesia applied to the forelimb of the horse resulted in a decrease in pelvic movement asymmetry among all the study groups.
  • The reduction in pelvic asymmetry associated with the contralateral hindlimb was by 38%, 43% and 28% in all horses, forelimb-only and forelimb-contralateral hindlimb groups respectively.
  • The maximum difference in pelvic height (PDMax) showed a significant decrease in both all horses combined and the forelimb-contralateral hindlimb lameness group. The median reduction was 66% and 78% respectively.
  • The study found a positive correlation between changes in head movement asymmetry and PDMax in the composite group of all horses and the forelimb-contralateral hindlimb group.
  • Overall, the study concluded that forelimb lameness significantly impacts hindlimb and pelvic movement in horses. This lameness results in compensatory load redistribution and a decrease in push-off power from the contralateral (opposite side) hindlimb.

Cite This Article

APA
Maliye S, Voute LC, Marshall JF. (2015). Naturally-occurring forelimb lameness in the horse results in significant compensatory load redistribution during trotting. Vet J, 204(2), 208-213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.005

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 204
Issue: 2
Pages: 208-213
PII: S1090-0233(15)00102-1

Researcher Affiliations

Maliye, Sylvia
  • Weipers Centre Equine Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Voute, Lance C
  • Weipers Centre Equine Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Marshall, John F
  • Weipers Centre Equine Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. Electronic address: John.F.Marshall@glasgow.ac.uk.

MeSH Terms

  • Anesthesia, Local
  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Forelimb / pathology
  • Gait
  • Hindlimb
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horses
  • Lameness, Animal / pathology
  • Movement / physiology
  • Retrospective Studies

Citations

This article has been cited 19 times.
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