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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(5); 474-481; doi: 10.2746/042516409x373907

The range and prevalence of pathological abnormalities associated with lameness in working horses from developing countries.

Abstract: Lameness is highly prevalent in working horses, but published reports on the associated pathological abnormalities are lacking. With over 42 million horses in developing countries and the majority used for work, lameness has major welfare implications. Objective: To describe the range and prevalence of pathological abnormalities associated with lameness in working horses. Methods: A standard lameness assessment was adapted for field use in working equids. Data on pathological abnormalities and pain responses in the feet, limbs and spine were collected through observation, palpation, manipulations and gait assessment in working horses from India (n = 110) and Pakistan (n = 117). Lameness at the walk was scored on a scale of 0-4 (sound-nonweightbearing). Results: All horses examined were lame. Overall, 98% showed a gait abnormality in all 4 limbs and 87% had at least one limb scoring 3 or 4 on the lameness scale. Multiple pathological abnormalities within each limb were associated with lameness, with similar results in both countries. Chronic foot pathology was seen in every horse; 94% horses showed signs of chronic joint disease; 83% had digital flexor tendonitis in at least one limb. Lameness and pathological abnormalities were associated with specific pain responses in the feet, limbs and spine. Conclusions: The extremely high prevalence of multilimb lameness and its association with pain is of great concern. The multiple pathological abnormalities present in working horses makes lameness complex to address. Conclusions: The results of this detailed study of lameness should facilitate the identification of risk factors and the implementation of interventions to reduce the prevalence of lameness in working equids.
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Publication Date: 2009-08-01 PubMed ID: 19642408DOI: 10.2746/042516409x373907Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 focuses on the investigation of the root causes and incidence of lameness in working horses, particularly those in developing countries like India and Pakistan. The study thereby aims at paving the way for better interventions to reduce lameness in these population.

Objective and Methodology

  • The research aimed to meticulously document the different pathological abnormalities related to lameness in working horses with the objective being to formulate ways to identify risks and implement actions to curb the prevalence of lameness.
  • The study employed a standard assessment of lameness which was modified for field use in working equines.
  • As a part of the methodology, data was collected through visual observation, palpation, manipulations, and gait assessment from a sample space of working horses from India (n = 110) and Pakistan (n = 117).
  • Lameness during the walk was evaluated on a 0-4 scale where 0 indicated sound and 4 represented nonweightbearing.

Results

  • The results showed that all horses examined were lame with 98% portraying gait abnormalities in all four limbs, while 87% had at least one limb bearing a mark of 3 or 4 on the lameness scale.
  • The study found that lameness was affiliated with a multitude of pathological abnormalities within each limb, and the findings were quite similar for both India and Pakistan.
  • Every horse exhibited signs of chronic foot pathology; 94% showed symptoms of chronic joint disease; and 83% had digital flexor tendonitis in at least one limb.
  • Furthermore, it was reported that lameness and pathological abnormalities were interlinked with specific pain responses in the feet, limbs, and spine.

Conclusions

  • The research draws attention towards the high prevalence of multilimb lameness and its association with pain, highlighting the urgent need for action.
  • Lameness, characterized by multiple pathological abnormalities found in working horses, comes across as a complex issue to resolve.
  • The findings of this in-depth study of lameness can help in recognising risk factors and devising interventions for reducing the prevalence of lameness in working horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Broster CE, Burn CC, Barr AR, Whay HR. (2009). The range and prevalence of pathological abnormalities associated with lameness in working horses from developing countries. Equine Vet J, 41(5), 474-481. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x373907

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 5
Pages: 474-481

Researcher Affiliations

Broster, C E
  • Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
Burn, C C
    Barr, A R S
      Whay, H R

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Developing Countries
        • Female
        • Foot Diseases / epidemiology
        • Foot Diseases / pathology
        • Foot Diseases / veterinary
        • Forelimb / pathology
        • Gait
        • Hindlimb / pathology
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horses
        • India / epidemiology
        • Joint Diseases / epidemiology
        • Joint Diseases / pathology
        • Joint Diseases / veterinary
        • Lameness, Animal / epidemiology
        • Lameness, Animal / pathology
        • Male
        • Pakistan / epidemiology
        • Prevalence
        • Spinal Diseases / epidemiology
        • Spinal Diseases / pathology
        • Spinal Diseases / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 26 times.
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