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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2013; 197(2); 245-252; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.006

The effect of trotting speed on the evaluation of subtle lameness in horses.

Abstract: Equine lameness is a significant and challenging part of a veterinarian's workload, with subtle lameness inherently difficult to assess. This study investigated the influence of trotting speed on perceived and measured changes in movement asymmetry. Ten sound to mildly lame horses were trotted at a 'slow', 'preferred' and 'fast' speed on a hard surface, both on a straight line and in a circle on left and right reins. Video recordings of the horses were visually assessed by six experienced equine clinicians. Vertical movement of head, withers and pelvis was derived from inertial sensor data and several features calculated. On the straight line, more horses were subjectively declared sound at higher speeds, whilst different objective asymmetry measures showed only slight and inconsistent changes. On the circle, speed had no significant effect on the subjective assessment, with an increase in objectively measured asymmetry at higher speeds possibly balanced by a decrease in sensitivity of the observers for this asymmetry. Horses visually examined for subtle lameness on the straight should therefore be evaluated at a slow speed. Trotting speed should be consistent on repeated occasions, especially during objective gait analysis on the circle, to avoid the interaction of treatment effects and speed effects.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-04-20 PubMed ID: 23611486DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.006Google 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.

The research article discusses a study on how a horse’s trotting speed affects the evaluation of subtle lameness in horses. The main findings are that a slower trotting speed proves more effective in identifying subtle lameness when horses are examined on a straight line, and speed consistency is vital during objective gait analysis when trotting in circles.

Research Background

  • The research article sheds light on the issue of equine lameness, a common and complex problem that veterinarians often have to deal with. Lameness in horses, especially when subtle, is inherently challenging to evaluate.
  • The authors investigated how the trotting speed of horses affects changes in movement asymmetry – a significant indicator of lameness.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers used ten horses, ranging from sound to mildly lame, for this experiment. The trotting speeds were classified as ‘slow’, ‘preferred’, and ‘fast’.
  • The horses were made to trot both on a straight line and in a circle on left and right reins, on a hard surface.
  • The gait was video recorded and evaluated visually by six experienced equine clinicians. Vertical movement of the horse’s head, withers, and pelvis was derived from inertial sensor data, and several aspects were calculated.

Research Findings

  • When trotted on a straight line, more horses were subjectively declared sound at higher speeds. However, objective asymmetry measures showed only slight and inconsistent changes.
  • On the other hand, when trotted in a circle, speed did not significantly affect the subjective assessments by clinicians. Increases in measured asymmetry at higher speeds were likely offset by decreased sensitivity of the observers to this asymmetry.

Research Implications

  • The findings suggest that horses visually examined for subtle lameness on a straight line should be evaluated at a slow trotting speed. This is because lameness was more difficult to detect at higher speeds.
  • Furthermore, trotting speed should be consistent on repeated occasions, especially during objective gait analysis when moving in a circle. This consistency is crucial to avoid any interaction between treatment effects and speed effects.

Conclusion

  • This research contributes knowledge to understanding and diagnosing equine lameness, a common veterinary issue.
  • The findings can be helpful for veterinarians and clinicians in their practice as a slower trotting speed on a straight line and consistent speed on repeated occasions can improve the success rate of identifying subtle lameness in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Starke SD, Raistrick KJ, May SA, Pfau T. (2013). The effect of trotting speed on the evaluation of subtle lameness in horses. Vet J, 197(2), 245-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.006

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 197
Issue: 2
Pages: 245-252

Researcher Affiliations

Starke, Sandra D
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK. sstarke@rvc.ac.uk
Raistrick, Kirsty J
    May, Stephen A
      Pfau, Thilo

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Gait
        • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
        • Horses
        • Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
        • Observer Variation
        • Video Recording

        Citations

        This article has been cited 21 times.
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