Use of kinetic gait analysis for detection, quantification, and differentiation of hind limb lameness and spinal ataxia in horses.
Abstract: To evaluate use of kinetic gait analysis for detection, quantification, and differentiation of hind limb lameness and spinal ataxia in horses. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: 36 horses. Procedures-Kinetic gait analysis with a force plate was performed for 12 clinically normal horses, 12 horses with hind limb lameness, and 12 horses with spinal ataxia. Kinetic variables were compared among groups, correlated to subjective grading, and used to build predictive models to assess the accuracy of discrimination. Results: Subsets of kinetic variables were characteristically altered in ataxic and lame gaits. Ataxic horses had significantly increased lateral force peak and variation in vertical force peaks in both hind limbs. Lame horses had significantly decreased vertical force peak and increased variation in vertical force peaks only in the lame hind limb. These variables were used to differentiate between spinal ataxia and hind limb lameness with excellent accuracy. There were significant correlations between a subset of kinetic variables and subjective lameness and neurologic grades. Conclusions: Kinetic gait variables, specifically lateral force peak and the variation in vertical force, can be used to support the differential diagnosis between spinal ataxia and hind limb lameness in horses. Kinetic gait analysis may also be applied for quantification of equine hind limb gait abnormalities as well as confirming lack of lameness and ataxia in soundness examinations.
Publication Date: 2009-03-03 PubMed ID: 19250044DOI: 10.2460/javma.234.5.644Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research examines how kinetic gait analysis using a force plate can accurately identify, measure and differentiate between hind limb lameness and spinal ataxia in horses. Findings show that specific kinetic variables were distinctively changed in lame and ataxic gaits, and these variables were vital in precisely distinguishing between the two conditions.
Research Method
- The study evaluated the use of kinetic gait analysis for the detection and differentiation of hind limb lameness and spinal ataxia in horses. It was a prospective clinical trial involving a total of 36 horses.
- The horses were divided into three groups: 12 clinically normal horses, 12 horses with hind limb lameness, and 12 horses with spinal ataxia.
- Kinetic gait analysis was performed using a force plate. This high-tech tool measures the forces exerted by a horse’s hooves on the ground as it moves.
Findings and Results
- A cluster of kinetic variables was found to be distinctively changed in horses with ataxic and lame gaits.
- Ataxic horses showed a significant increase in lateral force peak and variation in vertical forces peaks in both their hind limbs.
- Lame horses displayed a decreased vertical force peak and increased variation in vertical force peaks, but only in their lame hind limb.
- These specific variables were effectively used to distinguish between horses with spinal ataxia and those with hind limb lameness.
- There was a significant correlation between a subset of kinetic variables and subjective grades of lameness and neurological issues.
Conclusions and Implications
- The study concluded that kinetic gait variables, particularly the lateral force peak and the variation in vertical force peaks, are useful in supporting the differential diagnosis between spinal ataxia and hind limb lameness in horses.
- With its ability to quantify equine hind limb gait irregularities, kinetic gait analysis can be applied to affirm the absence of lameness and ataxia in examinations for soundness.
- This finding could drive more accurate diagnostics and supportive interventions for horses with these conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Ishihara A, Reed SM, Rajala-Schultz PJ, Robertson JT, Bertone AL.
(2009).
Use of kinetic gait analysis for detection, quantification, and differentiation of hind limb lameness and spinal ataxia in horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 234(5), 644-651.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.234.5.644 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Ataxia / diagnosis
- Ataxia / physiopathology
- Ataxia / veterinary
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Gait
- Hindlimb / physiopathology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Lameness, Animal / physiopathology
- Locomotion / physiology
- Male
- Severity of Illness Index
Citations
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