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Phannithi T, Laikul A, Pathomsakulwong W, Rungsri P, Apichaimongkonkun T, Watchrarat K, Cherdchutham W. External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1197. [PMID: 38672345 PMCID: PMC11047516 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
External hoof characteristics, balance, and conformation have been extensively studied in horses; however, mules remain understudied in these aspects. This study evaluated the size, shape, and symmetry of untrimmed and unshod forelimb hooves, compared the symmetry between forelimb hooves and stratified external forelimb hoof measurements based on the body condition score of mules raised in the foothill plains of northern Thailand. The forelimb hooves of 38 mules were photographed and 33 parameters, including angular and linear measurements, were analyzed. A multivariate analysis was used to explore the influence of sex, age, and body condition scores (BCS) on angular, linear, and area parameters. Additionally, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test was used to compare these parameters across different BCS groups. Despite the absence of shoeing and trimming, these mules exhibited optimal left-right forelimb hoof symmetry, with no significant (p < 0.05) differences in: outer wall length and inner wall length (OWL-IWL: Left 0.11 ± 0.66 cm; Right -0.12 ± 0.43 cm); sole length and sole width (SLS-SW: Left 1.65 ± 0.76 cm; Right 1.46 ± 0.89 cm); dorsal hoof wall length and heel length (DHWL-HL: Left 4.00 ± 0.80 cm; Right 3.81 ± 0.72 cm); and frog length and frog width (FL-FW: Left 3.88 ± 1.13 cm; Right 3.82 ± 0.18 cm). However, significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed within each body condition score group for forelimb hoof measurements for DHWL, IWL, heel separation (HS), heel bulb distance (HBD), SW, FW, and FL, while sex and age had no significant differences across the study variables. These findings provide valuable insights into mule welfare and management, contributing to understanding of the interplay between overall health and hoof conformation in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thawijit Phannithi
- Veterinary Clinical Studies Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand;
| | - Aree Laikul
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand;
| | - Watcharapol Pathomsakulwong
- Equine Clinic, Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Sean, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; (W.P.); (T.A.)
| | - Porrakote Rungsri
- Equine Clinic, Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
| | - Tawanhathai Apichaimongkonkun
- Equine Clinic, Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Sean, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; (W.P.); (T.A.)
| | - Krisana Watchrarat
- Veterinarian of Royal Stable Unit, The Royal Thai Army, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Worakij Cherdchutham
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand;
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Antonioli ML, Canola PA, de Carvalho JRG, Fonseca MG, Ferraz GDC. Immediate Effect of Hoof Trimming on Hoof and Thoracic Joint Angles in Mangalarga Mares. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2490. [PMID: 37570298 PMCID: PMC10416872 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152490] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
It is important to understand the effects of hoof trimming on hoof and limb conformation to maximize its benefits on the health of the appendicular skeleton of horses, thus promoting improvements in athletic performance and sporting longevity with regard to athletic horses. There is little information on possible changes in the angulation of the thoracic limb joints after hoof trimming and correlations between the angulation of the thoracic limb joints with hoof measurements. To that purpose, nineteen Mangalarga mares received routine hoof trimming. Visual recordings (photographs) were taken before and after the procedure. Differences (p < 0.05) were found in hoof length, toe angle, heel angle, medial heel height, and metacarpophalangeal angle. Before trimming, correlations were found between frog length and scapulohumeral angle (SH) (r = -0.457; p = 0.049), and between toe length and shoulder-ground angle (SG) (r = -0.553; p = 0.049). A correlation was also seen between the distance from the frog to the lateral wall and the SH angle (r = 0.690; p = 0.001). After trimming, there was a correlation between humeroradial (HR) and SH joint angles (r = 0.669; p = 0.002), and the SG and SH angles (r = 0.488; p = 0.034). This study showed an immediate effect of trimming on the toe angle and heel angle and on the metacarpophalangeal joint angle, in addition to correlations between the hoof and proximal joint angles, following trimming, thus evidencing the relevance of trimming not only in hoof morphology, but also in the conformation of the appendicular skeleton of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Lansarini Antonioli
- SCIEN—Large Animal Surgery Lab, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Aléscio Canola
- SCIEN—Large Animal Surgery Lab, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Júlia Ribeiro Garcia de Carvalho
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara Gonçalves Fonseca
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Camargo Ferraz
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
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Rosanowski SM, Parkes RSV, Khan RZU. A preliminary assessment of hoof morphometry in a population of lame and non-lame working donkeys in Pakistan. Equine Vet J 2022; 55:435-445. [PMID: 35837758 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hoof morphometry, conformation and shoeing practices have all been associated with lameness in horses. Hoof morphometry in working donkeys in Pakistan has not been objectively measured. OBJECTIVES To quantitatively assess hoof morphology in donkeys, to identify factors underlying hoof morphology, and interrelationships between conformation, lameness, and shoeing status. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Donkeys were assessed in-harness using a modified five-point lameness scale by two veterinarians and digital photographs of front hooves taken alongside a grid. Factor analysis was used to examine the interrelationships among morphometric data. Associations between conformation, shoeing, age and lameness were assessed. RESULTS Sixty-one donkeys were examined; 28 were unshod. There were significant left-right hoof asymmetries between heel height (0.27 (Standard Deviation [SD]) 0.92 cm; p=0.02), toe-heel angle (2.97° SD 8.85°; p=0.03) and medio-lateral symmetry (0.5, SD 1.75 cm; p=0.05). Ten percent of donkeys (n=6) were sound and 64% donkeys (n=39) were consistently lame. Conformational defects were seen in 41% (n=25) of donkeys. Eleven factors were extracted, accounting for 83% of the variance encountered in the original variables. Shoeing, and asymmetry between or within feet were not associated with lameness in donkeys; older donkeys were more likely to be lame (P=0.02). MAIN LIMITATIONS As a convenience sample of draught donkeys, most of which were lame, the study may not reflect non-pathological hoof morphology in working donkeys. There are no validated objective lameness measures for donkeys and donkeys were in harness when assessed. CONCLUSION This study represents a snapshot of hoof morphology and lameness in a single population and under various limitations. Further work should use larger datasets and more homogenous samples to discriminate between 'normal' and 'abnormal' feet and how these might contribute to lameness. Factor analysis highlighted the clustering of hoof morphometric features in donkeys, suggesting the potential for targeted studies in the future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Rosanowski
- EVC Limited, Hong Kong.,Digital Agriculture, Grasslands Research Center, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - R S V Parkes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - R Z U Khan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, USA
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Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworski Z, Jaworska J, Siemieniuch M. Welfare of Free-Roaming Horses: 70 Years of Experience with Konik Polski Breeding in Poland. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1094. [PMID: 32599935 PMCID: PMC7341202 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To prevent abuse and to assure the welfare of domestic horses, attempts to assess welfare in a standardized way have been made. Welfare-assessment tools often refer to the physical and social environments of feral domestic horses as examples of welfare-friendly conditions for horses. However, free-roaming horses are often exposed to conditions or states that may be regarded as welfare threats or abuse. The aim of this review was to present cases of welfare compromises as well as natural ways to restore high standards of welfare to Konik polski horses (Koniks) living in semiferal conditions in a forest sanctuary over the course of 70 years. Welfare problems in Koniks related to feeding, locomotor, social, reproductive, and comfort behavior, as well as health issues concerning hoof trimming and parasitism in Koniks, are discussed. Periodic food scarcity or abundance, stressful events around weaning and gathering, the consequences of fights among stallions, exposure to sire aggression during dispersal, lameness during "self-trimming," exposure to insect harassment, high levels of parasitism, and specific landscape formations may endanger free-roaming horses. It has to be underlined that despite the excellent adaptability of horses to free-roaming conditions, one should be aware that welfare problems are to be expected in any semiferal population. Here, we present the management system applied for 70 years in free-roaming Konik polski horses that minimizes welfare threats. It allows close follow-up of individual horses, the strict monitoring of health and welfare on a daily basis, and if necessary, instant reactions from caretakers in cases of emergency. Moreover, it addresses the problem of starvation due to overgrazing and thus, the ethical controversy related to the eradication of surplus animals causing environmental damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Górecka-Bruzda
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Jaworski
- Department of Horse Breeding and Riding, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Joanna Jaworska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Marta Siemieniuch
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland;
- The Research Station of the IARF PAS in Popielno, 12-222 Ruciane-Nida, Poland
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Labuschagne W, Rogers CW, Gee EK, Bolwell CF. A Cross-Sectional Survey of Forelimb Hoof Conformation and the Prevalence of Flat Feet in a Cohort of Thoroughbred Racehorses in New Zealand. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Does a 4-6 Week Shoeing Interval Promote Optimal Foot Balance in the Working Equine? Animals (Basel) 2017; 7:ani7040029. [PMID: 28353665 PMCID: PMC5406674 DOI: 10.3390/ani7040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hoof shape is linked to an increased risk of lameness in the horse and has been shown to adapt to different loading patterns associated with the workload and shoeing interval length. This study investigated how different measurements of the hoof wall and the hoof pastern axis angle changed with work in riding school horses, across a four to six week shoeing/trimming interval. The dorsal hoof wall, and weight bearing and coronary band lengths reduced in size post-shoeing/trimming. This, combined with the increase to the inner and outside hoof wall heights on the digital images despite trimming, suggests that shoeing/trimming increased the vertical orientation of the hoof during the shoeing interval investigated. At the same time, increases in the dorsal hoof wall angle, heel angle, and heel height occurred, promoting a more correct dorsopalmar balance. The changes observed are consistent with the workload of the horses studied. The results suggest that a regular farriery interval of no more than six weeks could prevent excess loading of the structures within the hoof, reducing long term injury risks through cumulative, excessive loading in riding school horses. Abstract Variation in equine hoof conformation between farriery interventions lacks research, despite associations with distal limb injuries. This study aimed to determine linear and angular hoof variations pre- and post-farriery within a four to six week shoeing/trimming interval. Seventeen hoof and distal limb measurements were drawn from lateral and anterior digital photographs from 26 horses pre- and post-farriery. Most lateral view variables changed significantly. Reductions of the dorsal wall, and weight bearing and coronary band lengths resulted in an increased vertical orientation of the hoof. The increased dorsal hoof wall angle, heel angle, and heel height illustrated this further, improving dorsopalmar alignment. Mediolateral measurements of coronary band and weight bearing lengths reduced, whilst medial and lateral wall lengths from the 2D images increased, indicating an increased vertical hoof alignment. Additionally, dorsopalmar balance improved. However, the results demonstrated that a four to six week interval is sufficient for a palmer shift in the centre of pressure, increasing the loading on acutely inclined heels, altering DIP angulation, and increasing the load on susceptible structures (e.g., DDFT). Mediolateral variable asymmetries suit the lateral hoof landing and unrollment pattern of the foot during landing. The results support regular (four to six week) farriery intervals for the optimal prevention of excess loading of palmar limb structures, reducing long-term injury risks through cumulative, excessive loading.
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Dijkstra AM, Sinnige TC, Rogers CW, Gee EK, Bolwell CF. Preliminary Examination of Farriery and Hoof Care Practices and Owner-Reported Injuries in Sport Horses in New Zealand. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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