Traditionally, veterinarians have had to rely on subjective visual assessment as the only method available for performing lameness diagnosis.
However, subjective visual evaluation of horses with mild or multiple limb lameness is difficult. Agreement between veterinarians in these cases is poor. This is not the fault of the veterinarian and not a reflection of poor ability but a limitation of the human eye’s temporal resolution. Increasing the temporal resolution by high-frequency capturing of movement asymmetry using wirelessly transmitted data from body-mounted inertial sensors is a solution to improve the veterinarian’s ability to detect and quantify lameness in horses.
More certain detection and quantification of mild and multiple limb lameness can assist equine lameness practitioners to more efficiently use their hard-won limb palpation, nerve and joint block, and diagnostic imaging techniques to better serve their clients.
Solution:
The Lameness LocatorTM by EquinosisTM objectively detects and quantifies body movement asymmetry in a horse using small, body-mounted inertial sensors and a hand-held tablet PC. Instrumentation of the horse is quick, easy, and completely non-invasive. Data collection is in real time and veterinarians are free to perform their usual lameness evaluation routine without distraction.
Data is analyzed rapidly using a unique set of algorithms developed after 18 years of research on sound and lame horse movement. This unique set of data analysis algorithms helps to determine the affected limb or limbs, the severity of lameness within each limb and the timing of peak lameness pain within the stride cycle of each limb.
Results are then presented to the veterinarian in an intuitive graphical interface that is easy to interpret and report to clients.
Dr. David Wilson of the University of Missouri will be speaking on kinematic gait analysis and conducting a wet lab using the Lameness Locator at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Equine Lameness Conference for veterinarians and technicians March 5-7, 2010. Please visit http://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/education/ce/brochures/2010/EQLameness10.pdf for more information in an online brochure.
Equinosis will be a sponsor of Virginia Equine Imaging’s ISELP module on the elbow and shoulder March 19-21, 2010 in Middleburg, VA. ISELP is comprehensive program for veterinarians of advanced education in the field of equine lameness and osteoarticular, musculotendinous and nervous pathology, covering the different parts of the locomotor system of the horse. Participants are invited to visit our display table during the session intermissions for information on the Lameness Locator. Live demonstrations will be offered on Sunday. Visit www.iselp.org for registration information.
