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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Retrospective analysis of lameness localisation in Western P...
Equine veterinary journal2020; 53(6); 1150-1158; doi: 10.1111/evj.13397

Retrospective analysis of lameness localisation in Western Performance Horses: A ten-year review.

Abstract: Similar to other high-level athletic disciplines, the western performance horse experiences a variety of orthopaedic conditions as a result of rigorous sport-specific physical demands. While musculoskeletal injury rates have been quantified in other equine disciplines, these data are lacking for the western performance athlete. Objective: To identify the most common anatomical regions of lameness in western performance horses being evaluated at the nation's largest sanctioned shows over a 10-year study period. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical records. Methods: Records of diagnostic analgesia of western performance horses competing at nationally sanctioned shows were retrospectively reviewed over a 10-year period to identify affected limb(s) and lameness localisation patterns. Results: A total of 2267 lameness examinations on 2512 horses were included. The average lameness grade was 2.21/5 with 1504/2267 (56%) cases being primarily forelimb in origin while 1173/2267 (44%) were hindlimb related. Forelimb lameness localised to the distal limb in 40% of cases. The proximal metatarsus/distal tarsus was an identified source of lameness in 16% of cases, followed by the stifle in 9% of cases. All-around western performance horses most commonly presented with a single hindlimb lameness (315/1188, 26.5%) in contrast to reining horses that presented with a single forelimb lameness (135/616, 22%). Conclusions: Determining the source of lameness through diagnostic analgesia remains challenging, but the continued assessment of response to diagnostic analgesia may help characterise discipline-specific injuries in western performance horses. Conclusions: Retrospective review of subjective responses to diagnostic analgesia. Conclusions: The distal forelimb and distal tarsus/proximal metatarsus were the two most common anatomical regions of lameness based on response to diagnostic analgesia.
© 2020 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2020-12-26 PubMed ID: 33617019DOI: 10.1111/evj.13397Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research paper presents a 10-year retrospective study aimed at identifying the most common locations of lameness in western performance horses, using data from diagnostic analgesia records at large, nationally-sanctioned equestrian shows.

Methodology

  • The researchers utilized a retrospective review method, scrutinizing clinical records from diagnostic analgesia procedures in western performance horses participating in nationwide, officially recognized shows over a 10-year span.
  • The focus was on how many limbs were affected and the patterns of lameness localization.

Findings

  • In total, 2267 lameness exams were conducted on 2512 horses during the study period.
  • On average, the laminitis grade was 2.21 out of 5.
  • Of all the cases, 56% primarily originated in the forelimb, while 44% were connected to the hindlimb.
  • 40% of the forelimb lameness cases were localized to the distal limb.
  • Lameness was identified in the proximal metatarsus/distal tarsus in 16% of cases, and in the stifle in 9% of cases.
  • All-around western performance horses most frequently presented with a single hindlimb lameness (26.5% of 1188 cases), in contrast with reining horses which more often showed single forelimb lameness (22% of 616 cases).

Conclusions

  • The study posits that ascertaining the origin of lameness via diagnostic analgesia is a complex process; however, constant assessment of responses to diagnostic analgesia might aid in specifying discipline-related injuries in western performance horses.
  • Based on the responses to diagnostic analgesia, the researchers concluded that the distal forelimb and the distal tarsus/proximal metatarsus were the most common anatomical locations of lameness in the sample population.

Cite This Article

APA
Johnson SA, Donnell JR, Donnell AD, Frisbie DD. (2020). Retrospective analysis of lameness localisation in Western Performance Horses: A ten-year review. Equine Vet J, 53(6), 1150-1158. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13397

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 6
Pages: 1150-1158

Researcher Affiliations

Johnson, Sherry A
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Donnell, Josh R
  • La Mesa Equine Lameness Center, 8386 FM 455 E Pilot Point, Pilot Point, TX, USA.
Donnell, Alan D
  • La Mesa Equine Lameness Center, 8386 FM 455 E Pilot Point, Pilot Point, TX, USA.
Frisbie, David D
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Forelimb
  • Hindlimb
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
  • Lameness, Animal / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stifle

Grant Funding

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center, Colorado State University.

References

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