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Changes in shape of the Standardbred distal phalanx and hoof capsule in response to exercise

Authors :
W. Sears
Norman B. Konyer
WW Bignell
CD Cruz
J. J. Thomason
H Dobson
Babak Faramarzi
Source :
Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology. 3:199-208
Publication Year :
2006
Publisher :
Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2006.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine whether the equine distal phalanx changes in shape in response to exercise and to relate any osseous changes to those in the hoof capsule. Eighteen mature Standardbred horses were randomly divided into exercise and control groups. Exercised horses were jogged on a straight track at individual mean speeds between 4 and 8 m sāˆ’ 1for 10ā€“45 min, 4 days per week for 16 weeks. Both groups were similarly shod and pastured on the same field. Before and after the training period, each horse had digital photographs and magnetic resonance images (MRI) made of the right forehoof. Five linear measurements of the distal phalanx were recorded from the MRI and 24 measurements of the hoof capsule were made on the digital photographs. Small but significant changes in bone width (P = 0.039) were found in the controls and in two sagittal measurements of bone length (P = 0.039, 0.001, respectively) for the exercise group. These changes were slight and did not correlate with changes in shape of the hoof capsule, suggesting that the bone acts as a stable platform for supporting the capsule and withstanding loads.

Details

ISSN :
1479070X and 14780615
Volume :
3
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........4a7f6754dcdbdc110a70905767abe5b7
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/s1478061506617258