Does hoof deformation differ between horses with collapsed heels and horses with non-collapsed heels?

Abstract

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 33 (2013) 838–859 859 of lame horses. We hypothesized that some conformational parameters are significantly different between different types of foot pathology. Materials and Methods: Conformational parameters were measured onmagnetic resonance images in themidsagittal plane of 179 lame horses with lesions involving the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), navicular bone (NB), collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joints, or other digital structures. Results: Conformational parameters were significantly different between lesion groups. A greater sole angle decreased the likelihood of combined DDFT and NB lesions, but not NB lesions alone. A more acute angle of the DDFT around the NB was related to DDFT and NB lesions, and a decrease in heel height index was related to DDFT injury. The smaller the sole angle, the higher the likelihood of a DDFT lesion (odds ratio: 0.86) or NB lesion (odds ratio: 0.90). Discussion and Conclusions: Foot conformation is different in horses with DDFT and NB lesions. Optimization of foot conformation is likely to be key in the management of horses with foot lameness, and also an essential preventative measure in the sound horse. 027 Does hoof deformation differ between horses with collapsed heels and horses with non-collapsed heels? Peter Day, Daniel Butts, Thilo Pfau, Chris Pardoe, and Renate Weller Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, UK Take-home message: Feet with collapsed heels show less hoof deformation in the heel region, thus decreasing the shock-absorbing effect and possibly influencing the region’s blood supply and predisposing to other foot pathology. Introduction: Collapsed heels are a common problem in horses, especially Thoroughbreds, and are associated with decreased performance and lameness. However, little is known about the mechanism behind this condition. In this study, we investigated the relationship between collapsed heels and hoof deformation and hypothesized that hoof deformationwill be decreasedwith increased heel collapse. Materials and Methods: Twelve cadaver legs with (n1⁄46) and without (n1⁄46) collapsed heels were used, the distinction based on radiographic characteristics. Hoof deformation during loading was determined with a 3D optical motion analysis system. Hoof deformation in both heels was compared between the two groups using an independent t-test (p 2 years of age were evaluated and the presence of SB graded according to the 0–5 point scale of Ruohoniemi et al. (1993). The cartilage with the highest degree of SB determined the score for that horse. Prevalence of SB was compared with earlier reports from these breeds. The BLUP index and reliable sports data were collected from the databases of the Swedish and Norwegian trotting associations. Data were analyzed using general linear models; the models also included the gender of the horse, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The incidence of SB of any degree was 95% in the Ardennes horses and 65% in the trotters. Significant effects of gender were demonstrated on performance, but no correlations were found between different degrees of SB and number of starts, career earnings, running pace, race winnings, number of races completed in a regular gait, or body size. Mean BLUP index was 104 for horses with and without SB. Discussion and Conclusions: Despite the breeding program, there has been no decrease in the prevalence SB in the Swedish cold-blooded horse population. No clinical relevance of SB could be shown in the examined populations.