The effect of speed on the evaluation of subtle lameness

This study is comparing the effect of a slow, fast and preferred trotting speed on subjective lameness score and objective measurements of sound to mildly lame horses on a straight and circle. Visual assessment of subtle lameness on the straight, with a slow trotting speed can enhance the visual detection of a subtle asymmetry and should be added to the gait examination when the professional is uncertain of the evaluation.

Subtle lameness is difficult to quantify, technology is often more sensitive. Trotting speed often exacerbate prominent lameness but sound and mildly lame horses did not show this change.

Objective measurements were evaluated with five sensors (Xsens) attached over withers, sacrum, left and right tuber coxae and over the poll. Horses were trotted in a straight line (45 m) and in a circle (left-right and a radius of 5-6 m). Six veterinarians (mean of 11,4 year experience) evaluated video’s taken of the horses in action as long as they desired.

During trot in a straight line the average lameness score dropped at higher speeds for both forelimb and hind limb lameness. In contrast with the objective measurements with exception of movements of the head. On a circle changes in speed did not effect the lameness score. However objective measurements did change with exception of the head on the right rein.

As scores were found to be unaffected by trotting speed on the circle, lunging can aid consistency during the decision process.

> S.D Starke et al./The Veterinary Journal 197 (2013) 245-252. Click here for the Pubmed summary