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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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Zaha C, Schuszler L, Dascalu R, Nistor P, Florea T, Rujescu C, Sicoe B, Igna C. Thermographic Image of the Hoof Print in Leisure and Cross-Country Warmblood Horses: A Pilot Study. Vet Sci 2023; 10:470. [PMID: 37505874 PMCID: PMC10385432 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070470] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of veterinary medicine lacks information on equine thermal hoof printing, and few data on the same subject are available in dogs. In human medicine, thermography is used to detect heat emitted by the foot when it comes in contact with a flat surface to detect the abnormalities of the foot balance. The hypothesis states that the thermal pattern of the hoof print in Warmblood horses is detectable and it does not vary among the four limbs in leisure and cross-country Warmblood horses in terms of mean temperature of the hoof print surface. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the accuracy of thermography in temperature detection of the hoof print and to investigate the occurrence of possible differences in the mean value of six selected areas and whether there are any differences in the mean temperature of the hoof print between leisure and cross-country Warmblood horses. METHODS The study included sixty non-lame Warmblood horses with all limbs taken into consideration (n = 240). The selection criteria for the horses were: no alterations in posture and no muscle group asymmetry during visual examination, no lateral or medial deviation of the carpus or hock, no reaction to the flexion tests, negative reactions to the hoof tester, no lameness during walking, trotting or lunging, no anti-inflammatory medication in the last three weeks prior to examination and rectal temperature between 37 °C and 38 °C. The hoof print of each hoof was measured with the horse in the standing position, all four limbs on the ground, using a FLIR E50 thermal camera. Six areas of temperature from the hoof print were taken into consideration, and for each of them, the mean value was identified using FLIR Tools software for photo interpretation. The One-Way ANOVA test was used to test the differences between the mean temperatures obtained for each selected area from all limbs and to compare the hoof print temperature values between the leisure horses and cross-country horses. Data were statistically processed using SAS Studio. RESULTS Thermography can detect the temperature emitted by the hoof but the thermal patterns of the hoof print show no difference for all four studied limbs. No significant statistical differences were noticed between the mean temperatures identified for each studied area. Also, there were no statistical differences between the mean temperature of the selected areas from the forelimbs and hindlimbs from the horses used for leisure and those used for cross-country. Based on this aspect, the mean temperature of one selected area can be determined in any of the four limbs, without visible variations. CONCLUSIONS Thermography can detect the hoof print on a flat surface and the mean temperature for each studied area can be proposed as a reference temperature value. There were no differences in the mean temperature of the hoofprint between leisure and cross-country Warmblood Horses. Further investigations are required to clarify whether there are any differences in the thermal pattern of hoof prints from other breeds or from horses with musculoskeletal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Zaha
- Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Larisa Schuszler
- Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Dascalu
- Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paula Nistor
- Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tiana Florea
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rujescu
- Management and Rural Development Department, Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Bogdan Sicoe
- Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cornel Igna
- Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", 300645 Timisoara, Romania
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Sellke L, Patan-Zugaj B, Ludewig E, Cimrman R, Witter K. Comparison of Six Different Methods for Measuring the Equine Hoof and Recording of its Three-Dimensional Conformation. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 121:104195. [PMID: 36535437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104195] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Different measuring techniques have been used to objectify the classification of hoof shape. The MicroScribe is a novel tool that might prove useful for measuring hooves without prior reconstruction or compensation of projection artefacts. The aim of this study was to compare biometric data of the equine hoof collected by the MicroScribe tool and measurements collected directly from hooves, scaled photographs and radiographs, from photogrammetry models and computed tomography datasets. The suitability of MicroScribe generated data to differentiate individual hoof conformations was tested. A total of 62 measures were recorded from 16 forehooves. 21 linear and nine angular measures were collected by at least four methods each, and evaluated further by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Ratios and differences of these measures were calculated as suitable for the definition of hoof shapes and analysed as well. Absolute equivalency of methods was detected for five linear and none of the angular measurements. The precision of the tested measurement methods was comparable. In some cases, different methods measure different structures. Radiographs tended to overestimate, while computed tomography slides to underestimate distances. Photogrammetry and scaled photographs were less suitable for measuring hoof angles. The MicroScribe tool can readily be used for hoof measurements. Its values for linear measures showed good equivalency with other methods based on real hooves. For angular measurements, the uneven hoof surface might introduce imprecision. Not all hoof conformations could be detected based on measuring results alone. Diagnosis by a skilled veterinarian is still essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sellke
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Morphology, Workgroup Anatomy, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bianca Patan-Zugaj
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Morphology, Workgroup Anatomy, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eberhard Ludewig
- Clinical Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals and Horses, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Cimrman
- New Technologies Research Centre, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kirsti Witter
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Morphology, Workgroup Anatomy, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, McCoy AM, Selberg KT. Recent advances in conservative and surgical treatment options of common equine foot problems. Vet J 2018; 237:9-15. [PMID: 30089549 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Foot problems are very common causes of lameness in horses. With the recent diagnostic advances to evaluate and treat foot pathology as well as to monitor response to therapy, it is now possible to more accurately evaluate the effectiveness of many of these treatments. This review details some of the recent advances of the most common conservative and surgical treatment options for foot problems in horses, including an overview of evidence on the efficacy to support the use of these treatment options and on factors that may affect prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Gutierrez-Nibeyro
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - A M McCoy
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - K T Selberg
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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A Preliminary Review of Equine Hoof Management and the Client–Farrier Relationship in the United Kingdom. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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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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Nauwelaerts S, Hobbs SJ, Back W. A horse's locomotor signature: COP path determined by the individual limb. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0167477. [PMID: 28196073 PMCID: PMC5308775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ground reaction forces in sound horses with asymmetric hooves show systematic differences in the horizontal braking force and relative timing of break-over. The Center Of Pressure (COP) path quantifies the dynamic load distribution under the hoof in a moving horse. The objective was to test whether anatomical asymmetry, quantified by the difference in dorsal wall angle between the left and right forelimbs, correlates with asymmetry in the COP path between these limbs. In addition, repeatability of the COP path was investigated. Methods A larger group (n = 31) visually sound horses with various degree of dorsal hoof wall asymmetry trotted three times over a pressure mat. COP path was determined in a hoof-bound coordinate system. A relationship between correlations between left and right COP paths and degree of asymmetry was investigated. Results Using a hoof-bound coordinate system made the COP path highly repeatable and unique for each limb. The craniocaudal patterns are usually highly correlated between left and right, but the mediolateral patterns are not. Some patterns were found between COP path and dorsal wall angle but asymmetry in dorsal wall angle did not necessarily result in asymmetry in COP path and the same could be stated for symmetry. Conclusion This method is a highly sensitive method to quantify the net result of the interaction between all of the forces and torques that occur in the limb and its inertial properties. We argue that changes in motor control, muscle force, inertial properties, kinematics and kinetics can potentially be picked up at an early stage using this method and could therefore be used as an early detection method for changes in the musculoskeletal apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nauwelaerts
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Jane Hobbs
- Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Willem Back
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Taylor D, Sperandeo A, Schumacher J, Passler T, Wooldridge A, Bell R, Cooner A, Guidry L, Matz-Creel H, Ramey I, Ramey P. Clinical Outcome of 14 Obese, Laminitic Horses Managed with the Same Rehabilitation Protocol. J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gordon S, Rogers C, Weston J, Bolwell C, Doloonjin O. The Forelimb and Hoof Conformation in a Population of Mongolian Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Jackson AE. Scientific and clinical. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:279-80. [PMID: 24635626 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00813.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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