Validation of a digital audio recording method for the objective assessment of cough in the horse.

The study aims to validate the use of digital audio recording and analysis as a reliable method for quantifying coughing in horses. The results show excellent consistency between different operators, and between audio and video methods, indicating this method’s potential for objective evaluation of equine coughs with minimal variability.

Methods and Approach

• The method involved the collection of both digital audio and video recordings from seven stabled horses over an hour-long period. A digital audio recorder was attached to each horse’s halter for this purpose.
• The audio files collected were analysed using an audio analysis software and the video and audio recordings were evaluated for cough count and timing.
• The analysis was performed by two operators who were blind to the specifics of the study. It was done twice using a randomized study design in order to determine the level of consistency within (intra-operator) and between (inter-operator) these evaluators.
• In the second part of the study, a larger amount of audio recording data (78 hours) was analysed once by two blinded operators to assess the repeatability of their analyses on a larger sample.

Findings and Conclusion

• The first part of the study showed complete agreement between the two analysis methods – audio and video, and also demonstrated high consistency both within and between operators.
• In the second part, the two operators showed more than 97% agreement on the number and timings of 727 recorded coughs spread over 78 hours of audio data.
• These findings underscore the high sensitivity and specificity of the digital audio recording method in the objective assessment of coughs in horses. Additionally, the minimal intra- and inter-operator variability suggests that the approach is reliable and can be replicated across different evaluators.

Implications

• The study indicates that digital audio recording and analysis is a dependable tool for the quantification and timing of coughs in horses, which can be particularly useful in veterinary care and research.
• The high agreement means that the technique yields consistent results regardless of the individual operator, thus allowing for standardized assessments.