1. Investigating Associations between Horse Hoof Conformation and Presence of Lameness.
- Author
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Mata, Fernando, Franca, Inês, Araújo, José, Paixão, Gustavo, Lesniak, Kirsty, and Cerqueira, Joaquim Lima
- Subjects
SHOW jumping ,DRESSAGE horses ,LAMENESS in horses ,VETERINARY nursing ,LOGISTIC regression analysis - Abstract
Simple Summary: Hoof shape can provide a visual indication of imbalanced forces being transferred through the limb; such imbalances are commonly associated with lameness. The circumference of the coronet band and the angle of the hoof wall at the toe region were measured in all four feet of 73 adult horses. The horses were categorised according to their regular work requirements as either show jumpers, dressage horses, or riding centre horses. The horses were observed in their regular work by a veterinary nurse who recorded the presence or absence of lameness. For both the show jumping and the dressage horses, having either a small coronet band circumference with a large hoof wall angle or a large coronet band circumference with a small hoof wall angle increased the probability of the horse presenting with lameness in the respective limb. A small coronet band circumference with a large hoof wall angle would imply a more upright foot, which is known to be predisposed to increased concussive forces. A large coronet band circumference with a small hoof wall angle implies a broken-back hoof–pastern axis and increased loading on the suspensory apparatus. Hoof trimming and shoeing determine the horse's hoof shape and balance. Hoof conformation plays a crucial role in limb biomechanics and can consequently prevent or predispose to injury. This study investigated the relationship between the morphometric characteristics of the horse's hoof, specifically, the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA), the coronet band circumference (CBC), and lameness in 73 horses categorised as undertaking either show jumping, dressage, or riding school activities. Results from logistic regression indicated that horses with either a combination of acute DHWA with large CBC, or more upright feet with larger DHWA and smaller CBC have higher probabilities of lameness. Show jumping and dressage horses showed a higher prevalence of lameness. Hoof morphometry should be monitored, and podiatric interventions should be regularly scheduled for the maintenance of correct hoof conformation to prevent injury. This study suggests that an aligned hoof–pastern axis managed by a DHWA of around 50 degrees may prevent lameness, with special emphasis on horses in dressage and show jumping activities. On the other hand, we can also speculate that the disturbed axis alignment of DHWA may be a cause of lameness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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