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Mata F, Franca I, Araújo J, Paixão G, Lesniak K, Cerqueira JL. Investigating Associations between Horse Hoof Conformation and Presence of Lameness. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2697. [PMID: 39335286 PMCID: PMC11444133 DOI: 10.3390/ani14182697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hoof trimming and shoeing determine the horse's hoof shape and balance. Hoof conformation plays a crucial role in limb biomechanics and can consequently prevent or predispose to injury. This study investigated the relationship between the morphometric characteristics of the horse's hoof, specifically, the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA), the coronet band circumference (CBC), and lameness in 73 horses categorised as undertaking either show jumping, dressage, or riding school activities. Results from logistic regression indicated that horses with either a combination of acute DHWA with large CBC, or more upright feet with larger DHWA and smaller CBC have higher probabilities of lameness. Show jumping and dressage horses showed a higher prevalence of lameness. Hoof morphometry should be monitored, and podiatric interventions should be regularly scheduled for the maintenance of correct hoof conformation to prevent injury. This study suggests that an aligned hoof-pastern axis managed by a DHWA of around 50 degrees may prevent lameness, with special emphasis on horses in dressage and show jumping activities. On the other hand, we can also speculate that the disturbed axis alignment of DHWA may be a cause of lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Mata
- Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (J.A.); (G.P.); (J.L.C.)
| | - Inês Franca
- Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
| | - José Araújo
- Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (J.A.); (G.P.); (J.L.C.)
- Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- Mountain Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Paixão
- Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (J.A.); (G.P.); (J.L.C.)
- Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Kirsty Lesniak
- Equine Science Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK;
| | - Joaquim Lima Cerqueira
- Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (J.A.); (G.P.); (J.L.C.)
- Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Caure S, Dendauw P, Thesee L, Villedey E, Malinvaud A, Cousty M, Prie V, Horan K, Weller R. Effects of different shoeing conditions on equine cervical and back kinematics during walking and trotting on a soft surface. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 142:105194. [PMID: 39276952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
There is a paucity of scientific data on the effect of shoeing on equine neck and back kinematics during locomotion over commonly used sand training surfaces. A better appreciation of how alterations at hoof-ground interface influence equine upper body movements is relevant for improving horse's health and performance. Our objectives were to determine the effects of different shoeing conditions on equine neck and back kinematics at walk and trot in straight line over sand. Two-dimensional kinematic video analysis was performed under seven shoeing conditions: front feet shod with aluminum shoes and hind feet with steel racehorse shoes (REFSHOD), front aluminum shoe and hind feet unshod (FORESHOD), front feet unshod and hind steel race shoes (HINDSHOD), all four feet unshod (UNSHOD), front feet shod in combination with hind egg bar shoes (hEGGBAR), hind wide toe shoes (hTOE) and hind reverse shoes (hREVERSE). Data indicated that joint angles in the cervicothoracic junction were four times more likely to be significantly affected by the shoeing condition than in the back and sacrum. FORESHOD largely modifies the kinematics in comparison to REFSHOD or UNSHOD, with respectively a 6-11±1-2° (P<0.001) increased cervicothoracic extension at walk and trot, and a 3-4±1° (P<0.05) increased thoracolumbar flexion at trot. In comparison to REFSHOD, hEGGBAR, hTOE and hREVERSE induce a 5-7±1-2° (P<0.05) increased cervicothoracic extension at trot and walk respectively, and UNSHOD induced cervicothoracic flexion at trot (6±2°, P<0.05). In conclusion, shoeing conditions impact equine neck and back position, which should be considered during clinical examination, rehabilitation and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caure
- Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Equin de Livet, 1497, Route de Castillon, Saint Michel de Livet, 14 140 Livarot-Pays d'Auge, France.
| | - P Dendauw
- Cabinet Vétérinaire des Lianes, 421, route de Campagne, 62990 Beaurainville, France
| | - L Thesee
- Clinique Vétérinaire de la Pierre Bleue, 1, rue de la prairie, 35 550 Pipriac, France
| | - E Villedey
- Clinique Vétérinaire du Rectangle, rue de Cornouaille, 56 110 Gourin, France
| | - A Malinvaud
- SELARL Chevallereau Vétérinaire, 16, quai de la Libération, 17430 Tonnay-Charente, France
| | - M Cousty
- Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Equin de Livet, 1497, Route de Castillon, Saint Michel de Livet, 14 140 Livarot-Pays d'Auge, France
| | - V Prie
- Equine Clinic for Surgery, Orthopedics and Ophthalmology, University Veterinary Hospital Heinzelova ulica 55, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - K Horan
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - R Weller
- University of Calgary, Department of veterinary science, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
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Bark C, Reilly P, Weller R, Pfau T. Inertial Sensor-Based Quantification of Movement Symmetry in Trotting Warmblood Show-Jumping Horses after "Limb-by-Limb" Re-Shoeing of Forelimbs with Rolled Rocker Shoes. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4848. [PMID: 39123895 PMCID: PMC11315053 DOI: 10.3390/s24154848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Hoof care providers are pivotal for implementing biomechanical optimizations of the musculoskeletal system in the horse. Regular visits allow for the collection of longitudinal, quantitative information ("normal ranges"). Changes in movement symmetry, e.g., after shoeing, are indicative of alterations in weight-bearing and push-off force production. Ten Warmblood show jumping horses (7-13 years; 7 geldings, 3 mares) underwent forelimb re-shoeing with rolled rocker shoes, one limb at a time ("limb-by-limb"). Movement symmetry was measured with inertial sensors attached to the head, withers, and pelvis during straight-line trot and lunging. Normalized differences pre/post re-shoeing were compared to published test-retest repeatability values. Mixed-model analysis with random factors horse and limb within horse and fixed factors surface and exercise direction evaluated movement symmetry changes (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction). Withers movement indicated increased forelimb push-off with the re-shod limb on the inside of the circle and reduced weight-bearing with the re-shod limb and the ipsilateral hind limb on hard ground compared to soft ground. Movement symmetry measurements indicate that a rolled rocker shoe allows for increased push-off on soft ground in trot in a circle. Similar studies should study different types of shoes for improved practically relevant knowledge about shoeing mechanics, working towards evidence-based preventative shoeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Bark
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Patrick Reilly
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19348, USA
| | - Renate Weller
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Thilo Pfau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Crecan CM, Peștean CP. Inertial Sensor Technologies-Their Role in Equine Gait Analysis, a Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6301. [PMID: 37514599 PMCID: PMC10386433 DOI: 10.3390/s23146301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective gait analysis provides valuable information about the locomotion characteristics of sound and lame horses. Due to their high accuracy and sensitivity, inertial measurement units (IMUs) have gained popularity over objective measurement techniques such as force plates and optical motion capture (OMC) systems. IMUs are wearable sensors that measure acceleration forces and angular velocities, providing the possibility of a non-invasive and continuous monitoring of horse gait during walk, trot, or canter during field conditions. The present narrative review aimed to describe the inertial sensor technologies and summarize their role in equine gait analysis. The literature was searched using general terms related to inertial sensors and their applicability, gait analysis methods, and lameness evaluation. The efficacy and performance of IMU-based methods for the assessment of normal gait, detection of lameness, analysis of horse-rider interaction, as well as the influence of sedative drugs, are discussed and compared with force plate and OMC techniques. The collected evidence indicated that IMU-based sensor systems can monitor and quantify horse locomotion with high accuracy and precision, having comparable or superior performance to objective measurement techniques. IMUs are reliable tools for the evaluation of horse-rider interactions. The observed efficacy and performance of IMU systems in equine gait analysis warrant further research in this population, with special focus on the potential implementation of novel techniques described and validated in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Mihăiță Crecan
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmin Petru Peștean
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Carnall H, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Influence of Speed, Ground Surface and Shoeing Condition on Hoof Breakover Duration in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092588. [PMID: 34573553 PMCID: PMC8472780 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the stride cycle of a horse, there is a period of time when the hoof pushes off from the ground surface and rotates through an angle of approximately 90 degrees before it is lifted off. This time period is known as hoof breakover. Using slow-motion video footage, this study measured breakover duration in retired Thoroughbred racehorses galloping at a range of speeds on two surfaces (artificial and turf) in four shoeing conditions (aluminium, barefoot, GluShu and steel). Hooves from different limbs were assessed separately in this asymmetric gait. Increasing speed was correlated with decreasing breakover duration, and this trend was more enhanced in the hindlimbs than in the forelimbs at high gallop speeds. Breakover duration was faster on the artificial surface compared to the turf surface for all limbs, under the ground conditions studied. The first limb to contact the ground surface after the suspension phase (the ‘non-leading’ hindlimb), was additionally influenced by shoeing condition and an interaction that occurred between shoeing condition and speed. Determining parameters that alter breakover duration will be important for lowering the risk of musculo-skeletal injuries, optimising gait quality and improving performance in galloping racehorses during both training and racing. Abstract Understanding the effect of horseshoe–surface combinations on hoof kinematics at gallop is relevant for optimising performance and minimising injury in racehorse–jockey dyads. This intervention study assessed hoof breakover duration in Thoroughbred ex-racehorses from the British Racing School galloping on turf and artificial tracks in four shoeing conditions: aluminium, barefoot, aluminium–rubber composite (GluShu) and steel. Shoe–surface combinations were tested in a randomized order and horse–jockey pairings (n = 14) remained constant. High-speed video cameras (Sony DSC-RX100M5) filmed the hoof-ground interactions at 1000 frames per second. The time taken for a hoof marker wand fixed to the lateral hoof wall to rotate through an angle of 90 degrees during 384 breakover events was quantified using Tracker software. Data were collected for leading and non-leading forelimbs and hindlimbs, at gallop speeds ranging from 23–56 km h−1. Linear mixed-models assessed whether speed, surface, shoeing condition and any interaction between these parameters (fixed factors) significantly affected breakover duration. Day and horse–jockey pair were included as random factors and speed was included as a covariate. The significance threshold was set at p < 0.05. For all limbs, breakover times decreased as gallop speed increased (p < 0.0005), although a greater relative reduction in breakover duration for hindlimbs was apparent beyond approximately 45 km h−1. Breakover duration was longer on turf compared to the artificial surface (p ≤ 0.04). In the non-leading hindlimb only, breakover duration was affected by shoeing condition (p = 0.025) and an interaction between shoeing condition and speed (p = 0.023). This work demonstrates that speed, ground surface and shoeing condition are important factors influencing the galloping gait of the Thoroughbred racehorse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Horan
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK; (P.D.); (S.M.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - James Coburn
- James Coburn AWCF Ltd., 14 Church Lane Close, Barton Mills, Bury St Edmunds IP38 6AX, UK; (J.C.); (D.H.); (L.B.); (H.C.)
| | - Kieran Kourdache
- The British Racing School, Snailwell Road, Newmarket CB8 7NU, UK; (K.K.); (L.H.)
| | - Peter Day
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK; (P.D.); (S.M.); (T.P.)
| | - Dan Harborne
- James Coburn AWCF Ltd., 14 Church Lane Close, Barton Mills, Bury St Edmunds IP38 6AX, UK; (J.C.); (D.H.); (L.B.); (H.C.)
| | - Liam Brinkley
- James Coburn AWCF Ltd., 14 Church Lane Close, Barton Mills, Bury St Edmunds IP38 6AX, UK; (J.C.); (D.H.); (L.B.); (H.C.)
| | - Henry Carnall
- James Coburn AWCF Ltd., 14 Church Lane Close, Barton Mills, Bury St Edmunds IP38 6AX, UK; (J.C.); (D.H.); (L.B.); (H.C.)
| | - Lucy Hammond
- The British Racing School, Snailwell Road, Newmarket CB8 7NU, UK; (K.K.); (L.H.)
| | - Mick Peterson
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0503, USA;
| | - Sean Millard
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK; (P.D.); (S.M.); (T.P.)
| | - Thilo Pfau
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK; (P.D.); (S.M.); (T.P.)
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