Validation of vertical ground reaction forces on individual limbs calculated from kinematics of horse locomotion

The purpose of this study was to determine whether individual limb forces could be calculated accurately from kinematics of trotting and walking horses. We collected kinematic data and measured vertical ground reaction forces on the individual limbs of seven Warmblood dressage horses, trotting at 3.4 m

The lipopolysaccharide model for the experimental induction of transient lameness and synovitis in Standardbred horses

An established lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model previously described in Warmbloods, was inconsistent in Standardbred horses, where lameness was not detected despite the presence of synovitis. The present study aimed to determine the dose of LPS from E. coli O55:B5 required to induce mild to moderate lameness following middle carpal joint injection in Standardbred horses and to quantitate the induced lameness over time, with and without anti-inflammatory pre-treatment. In a baseline trial, eight healthy, clinically sound Standardbred horses were used in a rule-based dose-escalation design trial, starting at a dose of 10 endotoxin units (EU). Lameness at trot was evaluated visually and quantitatively (using an inertial-sensor system and pressure plate analysis). Synovial fluid aspirates were analysed for total nucleated cell counts, total protein and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Following 2 months wash-out, the effective LPS-dose determined in the baseline trial was used to evaluate the effect of anti-inflammatory treatment. A mixed model for repeated measures with horse as random effect was used for analysis. After injection of 10 EU LPS, the desired degree of lameness was observed in the baseline trial, with maximal lameness at post-injection hour (PIH) 4, followed by a rapid decline and return to baseline by PIH 48. No lameness was observed following pre-treatment with meloxicam. In synovial fluid, PGE2 was significantly higher at PIH 8 and PIH 24 in the baseline trial compared with following meloxicam pre-treatment. In conclusion, injection of the middle carpal joint with 10 EU LPS consistently induces a transient lameness and synovitis in Standardbred horses

Descrição do movimento da articulação metacarpofalangiana de equinos pela metodologia baseada em videogrametria

Caracterizou-se, mediante análise cinemática tridimensional baseada na videogrametria, o ângulo dorsal da articulação metacarpofalangiana de equinos em sete equinos da raça Puro Sangue Árabe. A análise tridimensional do movimento foi realizada em esteira rolante. O programa Dvideo foi utilizado para a obtenção das coordenadas tridimensionais do sistema de calibração e dos marcadores reflexivos posicionados na extremidade proximal do terceiro osso metacárpico, articulação metacarpofalangiana e extremidade distal da primeira falange. A articulação metacarpofalangiana apresentou extensão máxima durante o momento de apoio, no qual a face lateral do terceiro osso metacarpiano se apresentava de forma perpendicular ao solo. Foram observados dois picos de flexão durante a fase de elevação. Concluiu-se que a instrumentação utilizada para a análise cinemática tridimensional permitiu a investigação quantitativa da variação angular do movimento de extensão e flexão da articulação metacarpofalangiana de equinos por meio de imagens digitalizadas