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Hagen J, Brouwer J, Lux S, Weiske F, Jung FT. Characteristics of Hoof Landing in Sound Horses and the Influence of Trimming and Shoeing Examined With Hoof-Mounted Inertial Sensors. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 128:104866. [PMID: 37419398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the current in vivo, observational study was to investigate the effects of different hoof manipulations on landing duration (LandD), location (ICloc) and angle of initial contact (ICangle) in the front feet of horses. A novel, hoof-mounted, inertial measurement unit sensor system (IMU) was used. Ten sound, crossbred horses were fitted with an IMU sensor at the dorsal hoof wall and examined barefoot and after trimming. Additionally, the application of 120 g lateral weights and 5° medial side wedges as well as steel, aluminium, egg bar, and lateral extension shoes were tested. Horses were guided in a straight line on firm ground. The use of steel shoes increased LandD compared to barefoot and enhanced the individual ICloc in trot. Application of rolled toe shoes caused a longer LandD than use of plain shoes. None of the other modifications significantly influenced the timing or spatial variables of hoof landing. Trimming and shoeing have less impact on the landing pattern of horses than assumed in practice. Still, the use of steel shoes changes sliding properties of the hooves on firm ground and increases weight causing a longer LandD and reinforcement of the individual ICloc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hagen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| | | | - Stefan Lux
- Faculty of Computer Science and Media, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felix Weiske
- HTWK Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, IngFuL Weiske, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Theresa Jung
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Logan AA, Snyder AJ, Nielsen BD. Circle Diameter Impacts Stride Frequency and Forelimb Stance Duration at Various Gaits in Horses. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094232. [PMID: 37177435 PMCID: PMC10181099 DOI: 10.3390/s23094232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of gait and diameter have been studied independently, but rarely together in equine circular exercise studies. This study aimed to determine the impact of diameter (10-m or 15-m) at various gaits (walk, trot, and canter) on stride frequency or forelimb stance duration. Nine mature horses were outfitted with Tekscan™ Hoof Sensors on their forelimbs during circular and straight-line exercise at various gaits on a clay and sand arena surface. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of exercise type, recording, leg, and breed (PROC GLIMMIX, p < 0.05 significance). At walk (p < 0.0001) and trot (p < 0.001), stride frequency was lower during circular exercise. Stride frequency was similar between forelimbs at all gaits. At walk (p < 0.001) and canter (p = 0.01), stance duration was greatest during 10-m circle exercise. At walk (p = 0.0007), trot (p < 0.001), and canter (p < 0.0001), the inside forelimb had longer stance duration than the outside forelimb. Differences between forelimb stance durations may support asymmetrical travel while horses exercise on a circle at the walk, trot, and canter. These results demonstrate diameter and gait are important factors when evaluating forelimb kinematics during circular exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Logan
- School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
| | - Alyson J Snyder
- School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
| | - Brian D Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Hoof Impact and Foot-Off Accelerations in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses Trialling Eight Shoe-Surface Combinations. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172161. [PMID: 36077882 PMCID: PMC9454475 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The athletic performance and safety of racehorses is influenced by hoof−surface interactions. This intervention study assessed the effect of eight horseshoe−surface combinations on hoof acceleration patterns at impact and foot-off in 13 galloping Thoroughbred racehorses retired from racing. Aluminium, barefoot, GluShu (aluminium−rubber composite) and steel shoeing conditions were trialled on turf and artificial (Martin Collins Activ-Track) surfaces. Shod conditions were applied across all four hooves. Tri-axial accelerometers (SlamStickX, range ±500 g, sampling rate 5000 Hz) were attached to the dorsal hoof wall (x: medio-lateral, medial = positive; y: along dorsal hoof wall, proximal = positive; and z: perpendicular to hoof wall, dorsal = positive). Linear mixed models assessed whether surface, shoeing condition or stride time influenced maximum (most positive) or minimum (most negative) accelerations in x, y and z directions, using ≥40,691 strides (significance at p < 0.05). Day and horse−rider pair were included as random factors, and stride time was included as a covariate. Collective mean accelerations across x, y and z axes were 22−98 g at impact and 17−89 g at foot-off. The mean stride time was 0.48 ± 0.07 s (mean ±2 SD). Impact accelerations were larger on turf in all directions for forelimbs and hindlimbs (p ≤ 0.015), with the exception of the forelimb z-minimum, and in absolute terms, maximum values were typically double the minimum values. The surface type affected all foot-off accelerations (p ≤ 0.022), with the exception of the hindlimb x-maximum; for example, there was an average increase of 17% in z-maximum across limbs on the artificial track. The shoeing condition influenced all impact and foot-off accelerations in the forelimb and hindlimb datasets (p ≤ 0.024), with the exception of the hindlimb impact y-maximum. Barefoot hooves generally experienced the lowest accelerations. The stride time affected all impact and foot-off accelerations (p < 0.001). Identifying factors influencing hoof vibrations upon landing and hoof motion during propulsion bears implication for injury risk and racing outcomes.
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Logan AA, Nielsen BD, Hallock DB, Robison CI, Popovich JM. Evaluation of within- and between- session 1 reliability of the TekscanTM Hoof System with a glue-on shoe. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 110:103862. [PMID: 34979263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A current trend in equine research is technology development to minimize the subjective nature of gait analysis. One such technology is the Tekscan Hoof System, which records force and area loaded by the hooves during motion. The objective of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the Tekscan Hoof System between two sessions, and the recordings within those sessions. Four mature Standardbred geldings wore Tekscan Hoof System sensors on both front hooves, secured by glue-on shoes (SoundHorse Technologies). Horses were exercised in AM and PM sessions. In each session, horses walked and trotted for 3 recordings of at least 10 steps. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of gait, horse, leg, and recording nested within session (significance at P ≤ 0.05). Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC; 3,k) and confidence intervals between AM and PM sessions and recordings were calculated with SPSS. Average force and area were higher in AM sessions than PM sessions (P < 0.0001). Between AM and PM sessions, ICC for the walk had good reliability (0.959, 95% CI = 0.797 - 0.992) and excellent reliability at the trot (0.982, 95% CI = 0.911-0.996). Within the AM and PM sessions, reliability was excellent at both the walk and trot (ICCs > 0.962). The Tekscan Hoof System has been found to have excellent reliability within sessions. Caution should be taken when comparing between sessions, as the system is found to have lower force and area output during later sessions due to potential sensor damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Logan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
| | - Brian D Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | | | - Cara I Robison
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - John M Popovich
- Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Equine flexor tendon imaging part 1: Recent developments in ultrasonography, with focus on the superficial digital flexor tendon. Vet J 2021; 278:105764. [PMID: 34678500 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Flexor tendon injuries are a major cause of lameness in performance horses and have considerable impact on equine welfare and the wider horse industry. Ageing and repetitive strain frequently cause varying degrees of tendon micro-damage prior to the recognition of clinical tendinopathy. Whilst B-mode ultrasonography is most commonly utilised for detection and monitoring of tendon lesions at the metacarpal/metatarsal level, the emphasis of recent research has focused on the identification of subclinical tendon damage in order to prevent further tendon injury and improve outcomes. The introduction of elastography, acoustoelastography and ultrasound tissue characterisation in the field of equine orthopaedics shows promising results and might find wider use in equine practice as clinical development continues. Based on the substantial number of research studies on tendon imaging published over the past decade this literature review aims to examine the currently used ultrasonographic imaging techniques and their limitations, and to introduce and critically appraise new modalities that could potentially change the clinical approach to equine flexor tendon imaging.
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Wang P, Takawira C, Taguchi T, Niu X, Nazzal MD, Lopez MJ. Assessment of the effect of horseshoes with and without traction adaptations on the gait kinetics of nonlame horses during a trot on a concrete runway. Am J Vet Res 2021; 82:292-301. [PMID: 33764831 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.82.4.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of horseshoes with and without traction adaptations on the gait kinetics of nonlame horses during a trot on a concrete runway. ANIMALS 5 nonlame adult light-breed horses. PROCEDURES Kinetic data were obtained for each horse when it was trotted across a force platform within a concrete runway unshod (control) and shod with standard horseshoes; standard horseshoes with high profile-low surface area calks, with low profile-high surface area calks, and coated with a thin layer of tungsten carbide (TLTC); and plastic-steel composite (PSC) horseshoes. Kinetic data were obtained for the control treatment first, then for each of the 5 shoe types, which were applied to each horse in a random order. Kinetic variables were compared among the 6 treatments. RESULTS Body weight distribution did not differ among the 6 treatments. Compared with the control, the greatest increase in forelimb peak vertical force was observed when horses were shod with PSC shoes. In the hind limbs, the greatest increase in peak braking force was observed when horses were shod with PSC shoes, followed by the TLTC and low profile-high surface area calked shoes. The PSC shoes yielded the greatest coefficient of friction in both the forelimbs and hind limbs. Stance time was longest when horses were shod with standard shoes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that PSC and TLTC shoes provided the best hoof protection and traction and might be good options for horses that spend a large amount of time traversing paved surfaces.
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Hagen J, Geburek F, Kathrinaki V, Naem MA, Roecken M, Hoffmann J. Effect of Perineural Anesthesia on the Centre of Pressure (COP) Path During Stance Phase at Trot in Sound Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 101:103429. [PMID: 33993942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine how short-term loss of proprioception in the equine foot influences the individual COP path during the stance phase of the trot in sound horses. Ten horses were evaluated to be objectively non-lame using the 'Equinosis Q System and subsequently examined using a portable pressure measuring system with pressure foils fixed directly underneath both front hooves prior to and after perineural anesthesia of the palmar digital nerves. The individual COP paths of both forelimbs was assessed prior to and after unilateral and bilateral abaxial sesamoid nerve blocks. COP from initial contact to mid stance and breakover as well as the inter-stride variability were descriptively evaluated for each horse and limb. The individual COP path for each horse and limb during stance was shown to be highly repeatable without significant inter-stride variability. Location of initial contact, COP during midstance and breakover are not affected by unilateral or bilateral short-term loss of sensory feedback from the foot after perineural anesthesia. Anesthesia of the foot with an abaxial sesamoid nerve block does not affect the foot's COP during stance at a trot, therefore, sudden changes in gait pattern after perineural anesthesia should be interpreted with caution and warrant further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hagen
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Florian Geburek
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vasiliki Kathrinaki
- Clinic for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mohamad Al Naem
- Clinic for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Michael Roecken
- Clinic for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Johanna Hoffmann
- Clinic for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
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Al Naem M, Litzke LF, Geburek F, Failing K, Hoffmann J, Röcken M. Effect of heel elevation on breakover phase in horses with laminitis. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:370. [PMID: 33004040 PMCID: PMC7528610 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02571-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a laminitic horse, the maximal loading of the toe region occurs during the breakover phase. To date, no kinetic data demonstrates the effect of supportive orthopaedic therapy in horses with laminitis on breakover phase. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of heel elevation on the breakover phase. Eight horses with acute laminitis treated medically as well as with application of a hoof cast with heel wedge (HCHW) were included in this study. Immediately following cessation of clinical signs of acute laminitis, two measurements using the Hoof™ System were taken: the first with HCHW and the second immediately following removal of the HCHW, i.e. in barefoot condition (BFC). The hoof print was divided into three regions: toe, middle hoof, and heel. Kinetic parameters included vertical force (VF), stance duration, contact area (CA) for all hoof regions during stance phase, duration of breakover, VF in the toe region at onset of breakover and location of centre of force. Results The VF and CA were higher in the heel region (63 and 61%, respectively) and decreased significantly after removal of the HCHW (43 and 28% after removal, respectively). The breakover phase in horses with HCHW lasted 2% of stance phase and was significantly shorter than that in BFC, which lasted 6% of stance phase. The VF at onset of breakover for the toe region in horses with HCHW was significantly lower than that in BFC. The centre of the force was located at the heel region in all horses with the HCHW, and at the middle the hoof region in BFC. Conclusions Heel elevation in horses with laminitis as examined on a concrete surface significantly shortens breakover phase and decreases the vertical force in the toe region during breakover. HCHW provides adequate support to the palmar hoof structures by increasing the contact area in the heel region and incorporating the palmar part of frog and sole into weight bearing, thus decreasing the stress on the lamellae. Hoof cast with heel elevation could be a beneficial orthopaedic supportive therapy for horses suffering from acute laminitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Al Naem
- Clinic for Horses (Surgery, Orthopaedics), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Frankfurter str. 108, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Lutz-Ferdinand Litzke
- Clinic for Horses (Surgery, Orthopaedics), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Frankfurter str. 108, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Geburek
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Failing
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 95, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Johanna Hoffmann
- Clinic for Horses (Surgery, Orthopaedics), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Frankfurter str. 108, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Röcken
- Clinic for Horses (Surgery, Orthopaedics), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Frankfurter str. 108, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Malone SR, Davies HMS. Changes in Hoof Shape During a Seven-Week Period When Horses Were Shod Versus Barefoot. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9121017. [PMID: 31766684 PMCID: PMC6940763 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This crossover study tested the hypothesis that hoof shape would differ after a seven-week period of horses (n = 11) wearing shoes versus barefoot. An ANOVA appropriate to a crossover design was used to assess the differences in the change in hoof shape over the seven-week period and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results are displayed as the mean difference for horses when shod versus barefoot ± the SEM for the left (L) and right (R) front hooves. Proximal hoof circumference (PHC) decreased when horses were shod and barefoot, but this decrease was greater when horses were shod (L -0.65 ± 0.16 cm; p = 0.0026; R -0.78 ± 0.13 cm; p = 0.0002). Hoof angle increased slightly when horses were barefoot and decreased when they were shod (L -1.70 ± 0.31°; p = 0.0004; R -1.84 ± 0.54°; p = 0.0079). Sole length decreased more when horses were barefoot, but this was only significant for the right fore (R 5.07 ± 1.06 mm; p = 0.0010). Solar circumference increased when horses were barefoot but decreased when shod (L -1.19 ± 0.41 cm; p = 0.0182; R -1.50 ± 0.31 cm; p = 0.0010). This is the first study to show a significantly lower PHC when horses were shod compared to barefoot. The study suggests that shod horses may benefit from a shorter shoeing interval to help mitigate the changes in hoof angle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R. Malone
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey 08901-1281, NJ, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Helen M. S. Davies
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
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Hagen J, Kojah K, Geiger M, Vogel M. Immediate effects of an artificial change in hoof angulation on the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle and cross-sectional areas of both flexor tendons. Vet Rec 2018; 182:692. [PMID: 29599297 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Corrective shoeing is used to change hoof angulation with the intention to influence the angulation of the digital joints to reduce strain on associated tendons. The objective of this study is to examine how gradual changes in hoof angulation affect the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint (DMPJ) angulation and cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) concerning the individual toe conformation. Forelimbs of 30 horses were examined barefoot and equipped with 5°, 10° and 20° toe wedges (TWs) and heel wedges (HWs). Phalangeal angulation and lengths were measured in lateromedial radiographs of the digit. CSAs of both flexor tendons was calculated in sonographic images. Significant effects on the DMPJ and CSA of the DDFT/SDFT were measured with 10° and 20° HWs or 20° TWs. Both flexor tendons showed increasing CSA after heel elevation. Significant interindividual variations occurred. Phalangeal angulation and length influenced the responsivity of the parameters to a changed hoof angulation. Significant impact of corrective shoeing on the DMPJ and flexor tendons is related to a distinct change in hoof orientation and varies with individual toe conformation. Similar response of the DDFT and SDFT to raised and lowered hoof orientation needs further investigation for a more specific application of therapeutic shoeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hagen
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Kaid Kojah
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Michael Geiger
- University Hospital for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Mandy Vogel
- LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
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