The Q System
The proprietary Equinosis® Q with Lameness Locator® analysis uses the motion data transmitted by the sensors and algorithms developed from research at the University of Missouri.
That research utilized treadmills and high-speed cameras to mathematically characterize normal and impaired gait, measuring vertical acceleration of the torso to determine asymmetries in head and pelvic position between left and right halves of stride. Translational research adapted the analysis to be used as a convenient, robust, miniaturized system in the field. Data is transmitted wirelessly in real time as the horse is trotted. The comprehensive lameness assessment is immediately available to the practitioner.
Available Packages
Equinosis provides two standard system packages – the Classic (right) and the Lite (left).
The Classic includes two full sensor sets and a rugged outdoor tablet – currently Mobile Demand T-1600 or Xplore Xslate R12, depending on availability. The Lite includes one set of sensors and a light duty tablet – currently a Microsoft Surface Pro.
What’s Included
Systems are shipped in a compartmentalized, hard shell carrying case (shown here).
In addition to the tablet and sensors, systems also contain sensor charging station(s), long-range Bluetooth transceiver (s), a backup thumb drive, either one or two sets of sensor attachment accessories (including head bonnet, pastern wrap, and pelvic clip), client brochures, and a starter supply of frequently used of exam consumables.
FAQs
The Equinosis® Q with Lameness Locator® provides the veterinarian with an objective assessment of a horse’s movement. Subtle changes in symmetry of movement can be missed due to the limited temporal resolution of the human eye. Multiple limb or compensatory lameness can further complicate what is observed. Equinosis Q inertial sensors sample 10x faster than the human eye, allowing for detection of very subtle differences in symmetry between the right and left halves of stride. Objective quantification of improvement can be obtained while blocking horses with diagnostic analgesia, enabling the veterinarian to better assess whether the lameness has been localized. Sequential evaluations also provide objective information on response to therapies, or improvement of an injury during a rehabilitation process.
The analysis informs the veterinarian of asymmetries in vertical head and pelvic positions between right and left halves of stride indicative of lameness. It indicates which limb or limbs are exhibiting lameness, the amplitude of fore and or hind limb lameness, and lastly, when peak pain is occurring during the stride cycle, i.e. is it a lameness that is primarily “felt” by the horse at impact, mid-stance or push off. The analysis is supplied in a single page report, providing an overall qualitative assessment in a graphical stride plot diagram, as well as individual calculations of asymmetry variables for both fore and hind limbs.
Yes, with a few caveats.
- Many horses do not lunge well. Horses that do not lunge well or that misbehave excessively during the lunge will generate unreliable results.
- Thresholds for lameness on the Lameness Locator reports are determined for the straight line trot and should not be used to determine the presence or absence of lameness during the lunge.
- Lunging in one direction should not be analyzed alone. Instead, lunging in one direction should always be compared to lunging in the other direction. Lameness Locator software provides a dual reporting capability that is ideal for this comparison.
- Many horses lunge with the torso tilted toward the center of the lunging circle. This results in expected head and pelvic vertical movement asymmetries and are further dependent upon surface (hard or soft). These expected asymmetries should be learned and recognized to assist in interpretation of the results.
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Yes. However, it is best to compare the results of flexion tests with results of a controlled trial, without flexion, with the horse trotting off in one direction for 8-10 strides. Use of thresholds and 95% confidence intervals determined by a collection of at least 25 strides is not recommended.
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Yes. The dual reporting capability of Lameness Locator software is ideal for this purpose. Significant positive results of blocking are indicated by a shifting of variable amplitude outside the 95% confidence interval range (see training resources).
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Data is collected in real time.
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Data is analyzed immediately after collection. Analysis time ranges from a few seconds to about 15 seconds depending on the number of strides collected.
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The limiting factor is the tablet computer. Our current recommended rugged models are rated for use between -10C and 55C.
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Yes. The rugged tablet and sensors have a water-resistant design. However, neither are “water proof” – meaning they should not be submerged in water – but they are designed and intended for use in rainy, muddy conditions.
Yes, which is why Lameness Locator (LL) compensates for size programmatically. LL evaluates the expected vertical torso movement for an individual horse which correlates to its size and applies a correction factor.
Even miniature horses can be accurately evaluated using LL.
Featured Articles
Read featured articles written by inventor Dr. Kevin G. Keegan, highlighting key features of the Equinosis Q with Lameness Locator® technology.
QED Assessment
When your technical questions have been answered and it is time to move on to the business topics, we invite you to participate in a Q Economics & Differentiation (QED) Assessment. Objectively assess how the Q can differentiate your practice and build loyal clients.
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