Four Weeks of Incline Water Treadmill Exercise Can Contribute to Increase Epaxial Muscle Profile in Horses

Background. Water treadmill (WT) exercise is a popular modality for the training and rehabilitation of horses. However, evidence-based literature regarding the use of WT exercise, particularly using inclines, is lacking. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of recurring inclined WT sessions on equine epaxial muscle development. Methods. Six horses completed 24 sessions of 15 minutes of WT activity over four weeks. Horses walked with water at the midcannon level at a treadmill incline of 4%. Back traces were measured at three and seven centimetres ventral to the dorsal midline at T5, T9, T14, and T18, prior to the first session (W0) and weekly for 4 weeks (W1–4). Results. Overall, the back traces demonstrated progressive increases in muscle development ( p  < 0.05), starting at W2 up to W4. At three centimetres ventral to the dorsal midline, the most to least significant increases in gross muscle development were at T18, T5, T9, and T14, respectively, and when measured at seven centimetres ventrally, the most to least significant increases were demonstrated at T5, T18, and T14. It was noted that increases in thoracic back profile musculature were mainly observed within two to four weeks of the WT intervention. Conclusions. It has been concluded that repeated WT exercise on an inclined setting has a significant effect on the rate and size of growth of equine thoracic back profile musculature. Muscle hypertrophy due to resistance training in the WT starts at 2 weeks within the programme, and it progresses as exercise continues to be performed

Kinetics and kinematics of dog walk exercise in agility dogs of different experiences

The injury rate in agility dogs is relatively high compared to the general population. No study to date has considered the biomechanical effects of the dog walk obstacle in agility trials, highlighting a research need. This study assessed forelimb joint kinematics and peak ground reaction forces (PVF) over a dog walk agility obstacle and correlate with experience. Ten (n = 10) dogs were filmed running across a Kennel Club (KC) standard dog walk for kinematics analysis. Two pressure sensors were secured to the (1) dog walk contact area at exit and (2) ground at the end of the dog walk (landing area) for kinetics analysis. Forelimb joints angles and PVF at the contact zone at the walk exit and landing were analysed. A key finding is that the way a dog will move across the obstacle changes depending on their level of experience, with experienced dogs showing faster obstacle negotiation and increased flexion of the elbow joint compared to inexperienced competitors. Higher speeds over the dog walk also resulted in significantly increased elbow joint flexion. Another important finding is that PVF at landing are higher is dogs that are faster and also in dogs performing running technique in comparison to stopped technique. Overall, dog walk obstacle created more forelimbs joint flexion and similar PVF in comparison with previously studied agility contact obstacles which leads us to conclude that further research is required to ascertain the long term health implications for dogs used in agility trials.</p

Impact of Forage Presentation on the Equine Brachiocephalicus Mechanical Nociceptive Threshold (MNT) and Forelimb Kinematics

Aims: This investigation aimed to specify whether haynet feeding or floor feeding causes different areas of sensitivity/tensions in the m. brachiocephalicus. The secondary aim was to elucidate whether specific areas of tension within the m. brachiocephalicus would affect the protraction and retraction of the forelimb. Methodology: Ten horses (seven geldings; three mares) were used in the study with an age range of 614. Horses were split into two groups of their already established feeding methods (five haynet feeders; five floor feeders). Each horse was assessed for points of sensitivity in the m. brachiocephalicus at its origin, insertion, and muscle belly, by the use of a pressure algometer. The horse was then walked past a camera for kinematic analysis. Motion analysis software was used to measure the protraction and retraction of each forelimb. Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to measure normal distribution. Data that was deemed normally distributed was analyzed using Independent T-Tests. Data that was not deemed normally distributed was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The results of the study suggest that the use of haynet feeding has a negative impact on the muscular tensions of the m. brachiocephalicus, most significantly at its insertion. Additionally, haynet groups indicated increased levels of tension in both the muscle belly and origin. It was not significant the effect of the points of tension seen throughout the m. brachiocephalicus have over the kinematics of the forelimb. It can be concluded that haynet feeding increases m. brachiocephalicus sensitivity/tension, which could impact horse welfare and performance

Optimising soft tissue in-growth in vivo in additive layer manufactured osseointegrated transcutaneous implants

Osseointegrated transcutaneous implants could provide an alternative and improved means of attaching artificial limbs for amputees, however epithelial down growth, inflammation, and infections are common failure modalities associated with their use. To overcome these problems, a tight seal associated with the epidermal and dermal adhesion to the implant is crucial. This could be achieved with specific biomaterials (that mimic the surrounding tissue), or a tissue-specific design to enhance the proliferation and attachment of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis is a new device with a pylon and a flange, which is specifically designed for optimising soft tissue attachment. Previously the flange has been fabricated using traditional machining techniques, however, the advent of additive layer manufacturing (ALM) has enabled 3-dimensional porous flanges with specific pore sizes to be used to optimise soft tissue integration and reduce failure of osseointegrated transcutaneous implants. The study aimed to investigate the effect of ALM-manufactured porous flanges on soft tissue ingrowth and attachment in an in vivo ovine model that replicates an osseointegrated percutaneous implant. At 12 and 24 weeks, epithelial downgrowth, dermal attachment and revascularisation into ALM-manufactured flanges with three different pore sizes were compared with machined controls where the pores were made using conventional drilling. The pore sizes of the ALM flanges were 700, 1000 and 1250 μm. We hypothesised that ALM porous flanges would reduce downgrowth, improve soft tissue integration and revascularisation compared with machined controls. The results supported our hypothesis with significantly greater soft tissue integration and revascularisation in ALM porous flanges compared with machined controls.</p

Hybrid external fixator for treatment of a tibial proximal comminuted diaphyseal fracture in a foal

A 15‐day‐old colt was presented with grade 5 lameness (American Association of Equine Practitioners ‐ lameness scale), oedema of the right pelvic limb and stifle joint instability. A radiographic examination revealed a complete comminuted fracture of the proximal right tibia. To treat this, a surgical reduction was performed using a hybrid external fixator. The hybrid external fixator consisted of two rings placed above the proximal and distal epiphyseal plates, respectively, which were then linked with threaded rods. Within 24 hours of the surgery, the foal started weight‐bearing again. After 6 days, the hybrid external fixator rings were distracted by 1 mm per day for 17 days, which helped to increase the bone length. Once the hybrid external fixator was removed, a small shortening of the tibia (1 cm) was observed compared to the contralateral limb, but the epiphyseal cartilage was maintained.</p

2D Kinematic Analysis of the Esbarrada and Volta Sobre Patas Manoeuvres of Criollo Breed Horses Competing in Freio de Ouro

The esbarrada and volta sobre patas manoeuvres are critical in Criollo horse equestrian activities, yet their kinematics remain largely unexplored. This observational study aimed to kinematically describe the manoeuvres in Criollo breed horses and explore the relationship between static goniometry and dynamics. A 2D kinematic analysis was conducted on 31 Criollo horses performing the manoeuvres using high-speed cameras. Joint angles were measured using static goniometry and analysed in relation to dynamic performance. The esbarrada covered a distance of 4.28 ± 0.99 m in 1.15 ± 0.11 s at a velocity of 3.77 ± 0.55 m/s. Joint angles showed a mean fetlock extension of 75.4° ± 5.3° and hock flexion of 43.2° ± 4.1°. In the volta sobre patas, significant differences were found in turn duration (first: 0.96 ± 0.07 s, second: 1.12 ± 0.09 s, p = 0.03) and thoracic limb suspension (first: 0.23 ± 0.02 s, second: 0.28 ± 0.03 s, p = 0.02). Static goniometry indicated that limb conformation did not significantly correlate with protraction angles during the esbarrada (p = 0.27). The volta sobre patas demonstrated prolonged duration and increased thoracic limb suspension in the second turn. Also, the findings suggest that static conformation does not predict dynamic limb movement during the esbarrada

Blood gas profile of horses disqualified from endurance races

Venous blood gases and components from 15 horses disqualified after completing 30, 40, 60km or 72, 90 and 140km endurance races are described. Horses were evaluated before any intervention to promote recovery. Partial oxygen pressure, carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, bicarbonate ion concentration, pH, hematocrit and total plasma protein in venous blood were measured. Adaptive metabolic and respiratory responses were observed as a result from dehydration induced by racing as well as obvious changes in hematocrit and TPP. Increase in hematocrit values and total plasma proteins revealed a moderate hypovolemia due to exercise. Blood gas analysis results were not different between groups and were similar to horse finalists in other endurance races. We assume that different racing distances were not determinants for disqualification whereas individual fitness level was