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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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Malacarne BD, Martins RR, Paz CFR, Alves JVA, Dias LA, Cavalcante MA, Santos AM, Silva AGM, Leise BS, Carvalho AM, Faleiros RR. Histological comparison of the lamellar tissue of Iberian origin breed horses created in semi-feral conditions or in an intensive system. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286536. [PMID: 37262053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the external conformation of wild horse hooves has been proposed as an ideal model for domesticated modern horses, histological signs of laminitis have been reported among them. With the hypothesis that the lamellar tissue of horses of Iberian origin raised in semi-feral is healthier than those raised in an intensive management system (stall confinement and high-calorie diet intake), the objective was to compare their lamellar tissues. Lamellar tissue samples were taken from the forelimb hoof of eight domesticated Mangalarga Marchador (MM) horses and from six semi-feral Marajoara (MJ) and Puruca (MP) horses. Primary epidermal lamella (PEL) and secondary epidermal lamella (SEL) were measured (length and width) in several regions, and their shapes were morphologically classified into different types. Breed groups were compared using analysis of variance, followed by Tukey or Dunn tests (P<0.05). Early signs of laminitis such as abnormal keratinization of the abaxial primary dermal lamella, tapered tips of the axial PELs, pointed tips of the SEL, nuclei condensation, and abnormal spatial orientation of the secondary epidermal basal cells (SELBC), were seen only in MM horses. MP horses had a greater interface of epidermis/dermis contact than MJ horses and more rounded nuclei in the round SELBC than MM horses. In agreement with the study hypothesis, semi-feral MJ and MP horses' lamellae were classified as healthier than MM horses, which showed early signs of endocrinopathic laminitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Dondoni Malacarne
- Marion DuPont Equine Medical Center, Virginia Tech, Leesburg, Virginia, United States of America
- Equinova Research Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ribeiro Martins
- Equinova Research Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Centro Universitário de Mineiros-UNIFIMES, Mineiros, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Cahuê Francisco Rosa Paz
- Equinova Research Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Antunes Dias
- Equinova Research Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Alison Miranda Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Britta Sigrid Leise
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
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Mellish MA, Lucas ZN, Puchalski SM, Kusch TA. An Estimation of Lameness in Sable Island Horses Using Radiographic Evaluation of the Distal Phalanx and Hoof Capsule. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:184-194. [PMID: 34134550 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1929231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Laminitis is a painful condition that causes lameness in horses. However, monitoring this condition in feral horses is logistically difficult. Laminitis can be detected postmortem, as inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof changes the relative location of the bony structures within the hoof capsule. Thus, evaluation of cadavers may be used to estimate laminitis prevalence in feral populations of horses. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of laminitis in feral horses inhabiting the Sable Island National Park Reserve, Canada, using radiographic imagery on the hooves of naturally deceased horses. Radiographic indicators evaluated included coronary band extensor process distance (CE), capsular rotation (CR), palmar angle (PA), ratio of the dorsal hoof wall thickness to the length of the distal phalanx (DHWT:P3) and sole depth (SLD). Each value measured indicated the following prevalence of laminitis: CE 0% (97.5% Confidence Interval (CI) 0-4.51%), 8.75% CR (95%CI 3.59-17.2%), PA 25% (95% CI 15.99-35.94%), DHWT:P3 6.25% (95%CI 2.06-14.0%) and 65% SLD (95% CI 53.52-75.33%). The majority of indices measured for laminitis were low. These findings suggest that laminitis is fairly infrequent in the Sable Island horses evaluated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A Mellish
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | | | | | - T Alexandra Kusch
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
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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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Harvey AM, Ramp D, Mellor DJ. Review of the Foundational Knowledge Required for Assessing Horse Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233385. [PMID: 36496906 PMCID: PMC9736110 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A detailed understanding of what is usual for a species under optimal conditions is critical for identifying and interpreting different features of body function that have known impacts on animal welfare and its assessment. When applying the Five Domains Model to assess animal welfare, the key starting point is therefore to acquire extensive species-specific knowledge relevant to each of the four physical/functional Domains of the Model. These Domains, 1 to 4, address areas where objective information is evaluated and collated. They are: (1) Nutrition; (2) Physical environment; (3) Health; and (4) Behavioural interactions. It is on the basis of this detailed knowledge that cautious inferences can then be made about welfare-relevant mental experiences animals may have, aligned with Domain 5, Mental State. However, this review is focused entirely on the first four Domains in order to provide a novel holistic framework to collate the multidisciplinary knowledge of horses required for undertaking comprehensive welfare assessments. Thus, inferring the potential mental experiences aligned with Domain 5, the final step in model-based welfare assessments, is not considered here. Finally, providing extensive information on free-roaming horses enables a better understanding of the impacts of human interventions on the welfare of horses in both free-roaming and domestic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Harvey
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - David J. Mellor
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Scasta JD, Hennig JD, Calkins CM. Feral horse cause-specific mortality relative to mustering (gathering) and individual demographic attributes in the USA. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextMustering (gathering) feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) often cause mortalities, yet cause-specific details are lacking.
AimsGiven the need to optimise horse welfare, we analysed public horse muster data from the USA to understand specific causes of mortalities.
MethodsWe coded 393 individual horse mortality reports for 92 cause-specific mortality terms (keywords informing the deciphering of specific causes of mortality classified as anatomical, causal or conditional) and demographic details (age, sex, and body condition). Data were derived from 50 musters across seven states with at least one horse mortality. Musters were coded for type (helicopter or bait), emergency or regular planned efforts, and number of horses mustered and shipped daily.
Key ResultsMore horses were euthanased than died naturally (330 (84.0%) and 39 (9.9%) respectively), and more horses had chronic than acute conditions (317 (80.7%) and 76 (19.3%) respectively), with both trends holding for both sexes and across ages. Body condition scores (BCS) for female horses were skewed low, whereas male horse BCS data were more normally distributed. Female horses had lower BCS than did male horses (P < 0.001). On average, each horse mortality had two cause-specific mortality terms, ranging from 1 to 7. Only 57 horses (14.5%) had terms describing anatomy, cause and condition, concurrently. Phi coefficients (φ; indicators of fidelity and constancy) for cause-specific terms were related to demographic or muster attributes and were analysed with post hoc ANOVA tests of estimated marginal means to allow for ranking. Female horses were most often described as emaciated, weak, and starving, whereas male horses were described as lame, arthritic, blind or dangerous. Bait trapping and emergency musters included horses that were starving, dehydrated and weak.
ConclusionsGenerally, disorders associated with legs and feet, eyes, necks and nutrition were the most prevalent cause-specific mortality issues. Using a machine learning approach, validation and test accuracy were high for predicting euthanasia versus natural mortalities, but low for predicting acute versus chronic mortalities. Individual horse demographics or daily muster features had a greater relative influence than did capture type or emergency status in both comparisons.
ImplicationsThese results provide practical insight for potential cause-specific mortalities relative to demographics and muster techniques.
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Senderska-Płonowska M, Zielińska P, Żak A, Stefaniak T. Do Metal Shoes Contract Heels?-A Retrospective Study on 114 Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 95:103293. [PMID: 33276918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Heel contraction is an undesired but common condition in domestic horses. Some authors indicate shoeing as a risk factor. There is a correlation between shoeing and a restriction of heel expansion, but the clinical significance is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of shoeing and other risk factors, such as age, access to paddock, and breed, on heel contraction. This study included 114 horses, 55 of which were barefoot their whole life and 59 had been shod consistently for at least the previous year. The width and length of the frog were measured. Linear mixed-effects models were performed for the width:length ratio, where the fixed effects were age, sex, breed, pasture or paddock time, shoeing and its duration, and limb. The random effects included the horse and the yard. Although heel contraction occurs more often in shod horses compared with barefoot horses, the difference between the two conditions was not statistically significant, when other factors were considered. The most important factors that impacted contraction were individual horse features and breed (P < .001). The effect of age and a yard was noticed (P < 0,5). The sex, paddock time, and the shoeing and its duration were found not to have statistical significance. The study concluded that heel contraction is multifactorial problem, mainly caused by breed and unknown features correlated with individual. It was not confirmed that horseshoeing causes heel contraction. Because of significant difference in incidence of contraction between yards, there is a need to further investigation of environmental factors causing this hoof distortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Senderska-Płonowska
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Paulina Zielińska
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Żak
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Stefaniak
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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8
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Kalka K, Pollard D, Dyson SJ. An investigation of the shape of the hoof capsule in hindlimbs, its relationship with the orientation of the distal phalanx and comparison with forelimb hoof capsule conformation. EQUINE VET EDUC 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Kalka
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Suffolk UK
| | - D. Pollard
- Centre for Preventative Medicine Animal Health Trust Suffolk UK
| | - S. J. Dyson
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Suffolk UK
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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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10
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Walmsley EA, Jackson M, Wells-Smith L, Whitton RC. Solar angle of the distal phalanx is associated with scintigraphic evidence of subchondral bone injury in the palmar/plantar aspect of the third metacarpal/tarsal condyles in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J 2019; 51:720-726. [PMID: 30793363 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subchondral bone injury at the palmar/plantar aspect of the condyles of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone (MC/MT3) commonly causes lameness and poor performance in racehorses. Injury occurs due to repetitive loading, the magnitude of which may be influenced by the position of the distal phalanx relative to the ground surface, i.e. the solar angle. The association of solar angle and injury at the palmar/plantar condyles of distal MC/MT3 therefore warrants investigation. OBJECTIVES Investigate the relationship between solar angle and radiopharmaceutical uptake at the palmar/plantar aspect of distal MC/MT3 on scintigraphic images of racehorses. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-controlled study. METHODS Scintigraphic images of Thoroughbred racehorses presented for poor performance or lameness were graded for intensity of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the palmar/plantar aspect of distal MC/MT3. Solar angle was graded (positive, neutral or negative), referring to the angle of the solar plane of the distal phalanx relative to the ground surface. Repeatability of solar angle (n = 1226 limbs) and agreement with objective radiographic evaluation (n = 52 limbs) were evaluated. Prescintigraphy performance data were collected from race records. Associations between solar angle, performance and radiopharmaceutical uptake were investigated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Repeatability of scintigraphic solar angle grading (κ = 0.89, 95% CI 0.87-0.91) and agreement of scintigraphic and radiographic solar angle (κ = 0.88, 95% CI 0.75-0.97) were excellent. Horses that performed best prior to presentation were more likely to have both greater radiopharmaceutical uptake and a neutral/negative solar angle. When controlling for prior performance, horses with neutral/negative forelimb solar angle were twice as likely to have moderate/marked radiopharmaceutical uptake than horses with positive solar angle (P<0.02). Horses with negative hindlimb solar angle were six times more likely to have moderate/marked radiopharmaceutical uptake than horses with positive/neutral solar angle (P<0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS Population bias due to preselected hospital population. CONCLUSIONS Both solar angle and race performance are independently associated with increased bone activity in the palmar/plantar aspect of the third metacarpal/tarsal condyles. The Summary is available in Portuguese - see Supporting Information.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Walmsley
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Jackson
- Melbourne Polytechnic, Preston, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Wells-Smith
- Motion Equine Podiatry Consulting, Scone, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R C Whitton
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Souza A, Kunz J, Laus R, Moreira M, Muller T, Fonteque J. Biometrics of hoof balance in equids. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-8848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Differences in hoof balance between horses, mules and donkeys were identified in order to form more specific considerations for proper management of the animals. Measurements of the natural dimensions of hooves in sixty animals were used: 20 horses from the Crioulo breed, 20 mules and 20 donkeys from the Pêga breed. Liveweight was estimated using the correlation equations in each species by heart girth. Using a caliper rule, tape measure and hoof gauge, measurements of the length and width of the frog, hoof height, angle of heel, medial and lateral dorsal length, angle of the toe and crown circumference of the hooves of forelimbs and hindlimb were taken. Within each group the hooves of the hindlimbs exhibited narrower measurements than the hooves of the forelimbs and no difference was observed between the hoof angle of both members of groups. The conformation of the hooves of donkeys is shown to be substantially different from that observed in horses, the mules being in an intermediate condition, being smaller, angled and robust frog and proportionally more developed. Similarly, the hooves of donkeys provide greater support area compared to mules and horses, in descending order, even being dimensionally smaller. We conclude that the hooves of horses, mules and donkeys, have specific patterns of geometric balance that must be taken into consideration at the time of trimming and imbalance inferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.F. Souza
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - J.R. Kunz
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - R. Laus
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - M.A. Moreira
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - T.R. Muller
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
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12
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Sampaio BFB, Zúccari CESN, Shiroma MYM, Bertozzo BR, Leonel ECR, Surjus RDS, Gomes MMM, Costa e Silva EVD. Biometric hoof evaluation of athletic horses of show jumping, barrel, long rope and polo modalities. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE E PRODUÇÃO ANIMAL 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-99402013000300017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate, through biometry, the forelimb hoof of horses participating in show jumping, barrel, long rope and polo competitions. Thirty subjects were assessed in relation to each competition (total of 120 animals). The linear measurements (cm) included the dorsal length of the toe; medial and lateral lengths of the quarter; medial and lateral heights of the quarter; lateral and medial lengths of the heel; medial and lateral heights of the heel; hoof length; hoof width; frog length; and frog width. The following angles (°) were measured: toe angle, pastern angle, heel angle and shoulder palette. The length of the horseshoe, coronet circumference and body weight were also assessed. With the use of hoof biometric evaluation was possible to identify the imbalances of forelimb in athletic horses and the most common were broken-backward hoof angle, with 96.7% of the animals showing this in the right forelimb (RFL) and 95.8% in the left forelimb (LFL); and contracted heels, with 95.0% in the RFL and 87.6% in the LFL. The competition type in which greatest numbers of hoof balance abnormalities were shown was the long rope, followed by the barrel. There were high frequencies of medial/lateral imbalance in all the sports. We conclude that animals used in functional tests have a high incidence of hoof balance abnormalities in the forelimbs.
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Hampson BA, de Laat MA, Mills PC, Walsh DM, Pollitt CC. The feral horse foot. Part B: radiographic, gross visual and histopathological parameters of foot health in 100 Australian feral horses. Aust Vet J 2013; 91:23-30. [PMID: 23356368 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been proposed that the feral horse foot is a benchmark model for foot health in horses. However, the foot health of feral horses has not been formally investigated. OBJECTIVES To investigate the foot health of Australian feral horses and determine if foot health is affected by environmental factors, such as substrate properties and distance travelled. METHODS Twenty adult feral horses from five populations (n = 100) were investigated. Populations were selected on the basis of substrate hardness and the amount of travel typical for the population. Feet were radiographed and photographed, and digital images were surveyed by two experienced assessors blinded to each other's assessment and to the population origin. Lamellar samples from 15 feet from three populations were investigated histologically for evidence of laminitis. RESULTS There was a total of 377 gross foot abnormalities identified in 100 left forefeet. There were no abnormalities detected in three of the feet surveyed. Each population had a comparable prevalence of foot abnormalities, although the type and severity of abnormality varied among populations. Of the three populations surveyed by histopathology, the prevalence of chronic laminitis ranged between 40% and 93%. CONCLUSIONS Foot health appeared to be affected by the environment inhabited by the horses. The observed chronic laminitis may be attributable to either nutritional or traumatic causes. Given the overwhelming evidence of suboptimal foot health, it may not be appropriate for the feral horse foot to be the benchmark model for equine foot health.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Hampson
- Australian Brumby Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
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Jackson AE, Metzl N. In this issue - January/February 2013. Aust Vet J 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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