Sign Of Lameness Research Articles

Dairy farmworkers' knowledge of the causes, risk factors, and clinical signs of bovine lameness.

Observing lameness in dairy cows is the primary animal-based indicator of their overall welfare and health status. The study evaluated dairy farmworkers' understanding of bovine lameness's causes, risk factors, and clinical symptoms in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa. Eleven dairy farms provided the data through questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: The first section (A) gathered demographic data (age, gender, experience, level of study), and the second section (B) dealt with farm specifics (size, grazing method). Sections C, D, and E cover farm workers' knowledge of lameness risk factors, clinical signs of lameness, and treatment and management of lameness, respectively. About 85.5% of horses experience lameness during summer, contrasted to 15% during autumn. The seasonal results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). 93% of respondents identified a decrease in appetite as the most common sign of lameness, while 94% reported reduced milk yield and 90% increased lying time; a significant correlation was found between awareness of clinical signs and localities (p < 0.05). Age, gender, and occupation level (p < 0.05) were identified as contributing factors to the movement problem in the dairy industry, necessitating training for farm workers to enhance their knowledge. Although there is a satisfactory (81%) understanding of lameness by farm workers. There is still need for improvement, hence, farm worker training and retraining are essential for managing and reducing the instances of bovine lameness.

Alternative approach for fracture fixation following implant infection in aSalter‐Harris type‐IIfracture of the proximal phalanx in a Warmblood foal

SummaryA 2‐day‐old female Warmblood foal (70 kg) presented with a closed, displaced Salter‐Harris type‐II fracture of the proximal physis of the left hind first phalanx. The fracture was repaired with four 4.5 mm cortical screws and a wire in a figure‐of‐8 pattern applied on the lateral and medial aspect of the phalanx, respectively. A 4.5 mm cortical screw was additionally inserted in lag‐fashion to engage the lateral metaphyseal spike. Three days postoperatively, medial and proximal displacement of the distal fracture fragment and implant infection were apparent and revision surgery was performed. Previous implants were removed and two 4.5 mm transphyseal cortical lag‐screws were placed in proximolateral–distomedial and dorsoproximal–plantarodistal direction across the physis and the fracture line. Postoperatively, the fracture healed rapidly and the implants were removed 6 weeks later. Nineteen months after implant removal, the horse did not show any sign of lameness, despite a shortening of the proximal phalanx compared to the contralateral limb. In cases of postoperative implant instability and infection, implant removal often becomes necessary. However, new implants cannot be placed safely in the previous location. To avoid this problem, this report describes an alternative approach for screw positioning in case of previous implant infection in a Salter‐Harris type‐II fracture of the proximal physis of the first phalanx.

Maggot Therapy for Snakebite Necrotic Wound in a Horse

Maggot therapy is the use of sterile fly larvae in the treatment of superficial wounds in humans and animals. Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae are most commonly used for this purpose. Nowadays, larval therapy is widely used in the treatment of diabetic and infectious human wounds. Larval therapy in veterinary medicine has been used in dogs, cats, horses, and even ruminants. A 5-year-old crossbreed (Arabian and Kurdish) stallion was referred to a veterinary private sector in Tabriz city that suffered from a necrotic wound on its forelimb skin following a snakebite injury. The owner had seen the snake in the horse stable. Skin necrosis was observed on the dorsal of the right forelimb which extended to the ventral of the adjacent neck and chest. Despite this extensive skin injury, the horse was alert with a normal appetite and no sign of lameness was detected. Intravenous fluid therapy, systemic anti-inflammatory, and antibiotics were used for the horse's general condition support and topical oxytetracycline and zinc oxide were administered but had no effect on healing of necrotic wounds. Maggot therapy was performed on the necrotic skin. Unfortunately, the larvae died after inserting less than 24 hours. The maggot therapy was unsuccessful in the treatment of skin necrosis in this experience and the larvae died in this short time. However, more clinical trials on the efficacy of maggot therapy for extensive skin necrosis and studies on the effects of snake venom on the maggots are needed.

Use of Platelet-rich Plasma in the Treatment of Desmitis of Distal Interphalangeal Joint Collateral Ligament in a Horse

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been increasingly used to hasten healing of tendonitis and desmitis, allowing horse athletes to go back to practicing sports in a shorter period of time. However, its use has rarely been reported in the treatment of desmitis of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIP), which is based on the use of horseshoes and rest for at least six months. This paper describes the use of PRP as an aid in the treatment of CL-DIP in a horse athlete.Case: A male Criollo horse, 450 kg, about 15-year-old, used for team roping. The animal had a month-long history of lameness, and a visual inspection revealed an increase in volume in the lateral dorsal region of the limb proximal to the coronary band of the hoof. A specific examination of the locomotive system showed Grade III, Category 5 claudication, which became evident the beginning of the exercise and ceased after a short period. A radiographic evaluation of the distal phalanx revealed no clinically relevant changes. Therefore, and in view of the location of the increased volume, an ultrasound scan was performed, which showed an image compatible with an extensive hematoma in the region underlying the perioplic corium, while the CL-DIP presented swelling with large areas of hypoechogenicity. Considering the findings of the image, the physical examination and the history of the horse, desmitis of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint was diagnosed. The treatment plan consisted of rest, application of a therapeutic horseshoe, and infiltration of the lesion with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). First, however, warm compresses were applied to reduce the swelling. The PRP was obtained by collecting whole blood from the external jugular vein, subjecting it to double centrifugation, and separating the supernatant blood plasma. The end product was applied to the lesion by ultrasound-guided infiltration. The horseshoe was a model with extended side bar, i.e., an egg bar horseshoe. After 15 days of PRP infiltration, another ultrasound scan was performed, which showed improved echogenicity of the ligament. The animal was discharged, and rest and the use of the horseshoe for 6 months were recommended. However, the owner expressed interest in having his horse participate in a high level team roping event, which was slated to take place two months hence. In view of this plan, rest was recommended for a further 15 days, followed by a gradual return to the exercise until the moment of the competition, which should be interrupted if the animal displayed any sign of lameness. The animal performed well in the competition, showing no loss of performance due to locomotor changes. Discussion: Locomotor disorders in the digit region are common in Creole horses, and one of the affected structures in this area is the CL-DIP. Desmitis of this ligament is characterized by acute claudication in animals without radiographic abnormalities, and can be diagnosed based on ultrasound scans. The main cause of this disorder stems from biomechanical alterations, and therefore the main treatment is the use of a therapeutic bar horseshoe on the affected side. The prognosis varies between favorable and unfavorable, and the healing time lasts on average 6 months. In view of this lengthy period of time, one of the alternatives to hasten healing is to use PRP, which is commonly used in tendonitis of the flexor tendon and suspensory ligament desmitis. Nevertheless, this technique provides variable outcomes and its application to CL-DIP remains insufficiently described. In the case reported here, its use in association with conventional treatment was effective, enabling the horse to participate in competitive events without loss of performance due to claudication.

Using the Footfall Sound of Dairy Cows for Detecting Claw Lesions.

Simple SummaryClaw lesions affect the health and well-being of dairy cows and are the third most frequent reason for culling. The most common method to identify cows affected by claw lesions is the assessment of locomotion. However, this requires apart from a trained observer a lot of time. And time is an important limiting factor especially with increasing herd sizes. Thus, regarding the detection of claw lesions, a sensor-assisted, automated system to be implemented on farms should be developed. This system analyzes the footfall sound of cows to distinguish lame from non-lame animals. Using a runway with sensors for recording the footfall sound, we found that cows with non-infectious diseases such as sole ulcers showed a less forceful gait pattern than healthy ones. It is known that particular cows with non-infectious diseases have a greater sensitivity to pain. Therefore the established system is capable of selecting cows that take more cautious steps. This character of abnormal gait pattern is in turn a sign of lameness. Therefore, the automated system as developed in this study is a promising tool for detecting lameness in dairy cows on farms.An important factor for animal welfare in cattle farming is the detection of lameness. The presented study is part of a project aiming to develop a system that is capable of an automated diagnosis of claw lesions by analyzing the footfall sound. Data were generated from cows walking along a measurement zone where piezoelectric sensors recorded their footfall sounds. Locomotion of the animals was scored and they were graded according to a three-scale scoring system (LS1 = non-lame; LS2 = uneven gait; LS3 = lame). Subsequently, the cows were examined by a hoof trimmer. The walking speed across the test track was significantly higher in cows with LS1 compared to those with LS2 and LS3 and thus, they were showing a smoother gait pattern. The standard deviation of volume (SDV) in the recorded footfall sound signal was considered as a factor for the force of a cow’s footsteps. Cows with non-infectious claw lesions showed lower SDV than healthy cows and those with infectious claw diseases. This outcome confirmed the hypothesis that the evaluated cows affected by non-infectious claw lesions have a greater sensitivity to pain and demonstrate a less forceful gait pattern. These first results clearly show the potential of using footfall sound analysis for detecting claw lesions.

Lateral movement of the saddle relative to the equine spine in rising and sitting trot on a treadmill.

Saddle slip, defined as a progressive lateral displacement of the saddle during ridden exercise, has recently been given attention in the scientific press as a potential sign of lameness. The aim of this study was to objectively quantify the normal lateral movement (oscillations) of the saddle relative to the horse in non-lame horses, and associate this movement to the movements of the horse and rider. Data from seven Warmblood dressage horses competing at Grand Prix (n = 6) or FEI Intermediate (n = 1) level, ridden by their usual riders, were used. Simultaneous kinetic, kinematic and saddle pressure measurements were conducted during sitting and rising trot on a force-measuring treadmill. The maximum lateral movement of the caudal part of the saddle relative to the horse's spine (MAX) was determined for each diagonal step. A mixed model was applied, with MAX as outcome, and T6 and S3 vertical position, rigid body rotation angles (roll, pitch, yaw) of the horse’s and rider’s pelvis, vertical ground reaction forces, saddle force, and rider position (rising in rising trot, sitting in rising trot or sitting in sitting trot) as explanatory variables. The least square means for MAX were 14.3 (SE 4.7) mm and 23.9 (SE 4.7) mm for rising and sitting in rising trot, and 20.3 (SE 4.7) mm for sitting trot. A 10 mm increase in maximum pelvic height at push off increased MAX by 1.4 mm (p<0.0001). One degree increase in rider pelvis roll decreased MAX 1.1 mm, and one degree increase in rider pelvis yaw increased MAX 0.7 mm (both p<0.0001). The linear relationships found between MAX and movements of both horse and rider implies that both horse and rider movement asymmetries are reflected in the lateral movements or oscillations of the saddle in non-lame horses.

Infrared thermometry for lesion monitoring in cattle lameness

Infrared thermometry is a non-invasive tool shown to be useful in detecting claw abnormalities in cattle at an individual and herd level. This study used the technology to monitor foot...

Biomechanical Consequences of Uneven Forefeet and Hoof Conformation in Riding Horses

IntroductionThe aims of this study were to quantify the morphological differences between uneven feet, and to evaluate the biomechanical locomotor consequences compared to horses with even feet, considered as normal.MethodsEight anatomical parameters that quantified conformational differences in the distal forelimbs of horses with a varied range of hoof asymmetries (n = 36, of which 2 were lame) were compared using discriminant analysis. Forefeet were subjectively scored for unevenness by one clinician. Kinetics and distal limb kinematics of clinically sound horses (n = 34; the 2 lame horses were excluded) were collected at trot and compared between even (n = 13) versus uneven (n = 21) forefeet and between all feet when classified as flat, medium and upright using MANOVA/ANOVA. The relative influence of contralateral differences in hoof angle and of absolute hoof angle on functional parameters was analyzed by multiple regression (P&lt;0.05).ResultsUnevenness was best determined by the differences in dorsal hoof angle between the forefeet. In uneven footed horses, the flatter foot showed a significantly larger maximal horizontal braking and vertical ground reaction force, a larger vertical fetlock displacement and a suppler limb spring. A steeper hoof angle was linearly correlated with an earlier braking‐propulsion transition. No significant differences were found between individual flat, medium or upright feet.ConclusionsThe conformational differences between the forefeet were more important for loading characteristics than the individual foot conformation. The contralateral differences in vertical force could in fact imply an early, subclinical sign of lameness developing in the steeper forefoot, as these differences were smaller than those reported for subtle, clinically evident lamenesses.Ethical Animal ResearchHorse owners gave informed consent. Sources of funding: FWO grant to S. Nauwelaerts, Research Grant Qualisys to S.J. Hobbs. Competing interests: none.

Pressure distribution under three different types of harnesses used for guide dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pressure distribution under three different types of harnesses used for guide dogs (designated H1, H2 and H3). The dogs (n=8) led a trainer through a course including a range of exercises (straight line, curve left, curve right, upstairs and downstairs). All dogs were clinically sound and showed no sign of lameness. The pressures beneath the harnesses were determined by sensor strips and related to the gait. In all harnesses, the highest pressures were found in the right sternal region (H1 2.02±0.6N/cm2; H2 1.76±0.4N/cm2; H3 1.14±0.5N/cm2). In all other regions, the pressures were in the range of 0–1.32N/cm2. The right and left sternal regions were almost constantly loaded. Contrary to previous assumptions, the back regions had minimal loading. This investigation demonstrated that there were significant differences among the harnesses.

Case report: clinical and radiographic features of partial fusion of the last lumbar vertebra with the sacrum involving a German shepherd-cross bitch

A year-old German shepherd-cross bitch was presented with a history of incontinence and an abnormal posterior gait that worsened on progression. Visual examination did not show ectoparasites. The heart, pulse and respiratory rates as well as rectal temperature were normal. Palpation of the hip joints did not suggest luxation. History also revealed that the bitch was served 2 weeks earlier. The radiographic examination revealed partial fusion of the last lumbar vertebra with the sacrum. The case was handled conservatively with periodic analgesic treatment recommended. A follow-up of the case showed an improved condition, and the bitch whelped four puppies (two dead and two alive) 6 weeks later. It is concluded from this report that the lameness observed with the attendant loss of condition may have resulted from stenosis of the vertebral canal due to partial fusion of the sacrum with the lumbar vertebra which may have been acquired later in life as the animal did not suffer from any sign of lameness in its early life.

Equine laminitis: ultrastructural lesions detected 24–30 hours after induction with oligofructose

The pathology of equine laminitis has been well-documented 48 h after dosing with oligofructose when clinical lameness and lamellar disintegration is well advanced. Further analysis of the earliest lesions, by collecting lamellar samples at the first sign of foot lameness after oligofructose dosing is required in order to increase understanding of the disease. To investigate lamellar epidermal hemidesmosome damage and basement membrane dysadhesion by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Eight clinically normal, mature Standardbred horses were divided randomly into 2 groups of 4. The treatment group were dosed with oligofructose (10 g/kg bwt) and subjected to euthanasia when shifting weight from one foot to other commenced and at the first sign of lameness during walking and turning. This occurred at 24 h in 3 horses and 30 h in one. The sham treatment control group were dosed with water and subjected to euthanasia after 48 h. Lamellar tissues of the front feet were harvested and processed for ultrastructural study using TEM. Examination by TEM showed excessive waviness of the basement membrane zone and pointed tips of some secondary epidermal lamellae, an ultrastructural lesion typical of laminitis. The average number of hemidesmosomes/microm of basement membrane was decreased and their distance from the centre of the lamina densa of the basement membrane was increased. Laminitis lesions are detectable 24 h after oligofructose administration. Hindgut events occurring in the first 24 h after dosing have begun the destruction of the hoof lamellar interface. Prevention and treatment strategies should precede lameness if they are to be efficacious.

Bilateral Calcaneal Epiphysiolysis in a Dog

Ununited epiphyses were seen in the calcanei of a 13‐month‐old Rottweiler with abnormal rear limb conformation. Histologic examination of the tissues showed a nonunion with neoarthrosis formation. Surgical management included use of tension band and lag screw techniques to achieve epiphysiodesis that was radiographically evident 12 weeks postsurgery. There was no sign of lameness when examined 8 months after surgery. Similarities exist between this case and that of osteochondrosis in other domestic species, and with Osgood‐Schlatters disease in humans. Osteochondrosis and/or abnormal angulation of the hocks were suspected as the underlying cause of the epiphyseal separations.