bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of individual competition level on back kinematics of horses jumping a vertical fence
Authors: CASSIAT G. , POURCELOT P. , TAVERNIER L. , GEIGER D. , DENOIX J.‐M. , DEGUEURCE D. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The costs and investments required for the purchase and training of showjumpers justify the need to find selection means for jumping horses. Use of objective kinematic criteria correlated to jumping ability could be helpful for this assessment.Objectives: To compare back kinematics between 2 groups of horses of different competition levels (Group 1, competing at high level;Group 2competing at low level) while free jumping over a 1 m vertical fence.Methods: Three‐dimensional recordings were performed using 2 panning cameras. Kinematic parameters of the withers andtuber sacrale(vertical displacement, vertical and horizontal velocities), backline inclination and flexion‐extension motion of the 3 main dorsal segments (thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral) were analysed.Results:Group 2horses had a lower displacement of their withers andtuber sacralefrom the end of the last approach stride until the first departure stride (P<0.05). As a result, they increased the flexion of their thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions during the hindlimb swing phase before take‐off (P<0.05). However, withers andtuber sacralevelocities were slightly modified.Group 1horses pitched their backline less forward during the forelimb stance phase before take‐off and straightened it more after landing (P<0.05), probably indicating a more efficient strutting action of their forelimbs.Conclusions and potential relevance: Because significant differences in back motion were found between good and poor jumpers when jumping a 1 m high fence, criteria based on certain back kinematics can be developed that may help in the selection of talented showjumpers.
Influence of the load of a rider or of a region with increased stiffness on the equine back: a modelling study
Authors: PEHAM C. , SCHOBESBERGER H. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Knowledge of load effects is crucial for the understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of equine back problems. Objective: To investigate different load scenarios of the equine back, such as being ridden or increased muscle tone, using biomechanical simulations. Methods: Kinetic and kinematic data of 15 sound horses and the electromyelograph of their long back muscles were recorded. A biomechanical simulation model was used for simulations under different biomechanical scenarios (ridden/unridden, localised increased stiffness) using ADAMS. Results: The vertical forces acting through a rider were: walk 3.83 N/kg, trot 5.18 N/kg and gallop 5.60 N/kg. No significant changes in transversal forces were found between ridden and unridden horses. Profound changes were seen in the torques at the segment following a region of increased stiffness: in walk, lateral peak torques increased from 342 to 1723 Nm, and in trot from 393 to 1004 Nm, and dorsoventral from 386 to 3705 Nm (walk) and 458 to 4340 Nm (trot). Conclusions and potential relevance: The simulation shows that the stress of a rider is lower than that of pathological processes such as partial increased stiffness of the back. Study of revised models with improved anatomical realism might help to raise the plausibility of model results.
Three‐dimensional analysis of patterns of skin displacement over the equine radius
Authors: SHA D. H. , MULLINEAUX D. R. , CLAYTON H. M. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Surface markers are usually used to track bone movement. However, skin movement related to the bone has a large effect on the analysis of skeletal kinematics. A 2‐dimensional (2D) skin displacement correction model has been successfully developed, but no 3D skin displacement model exists.Objectives: To develop a 3‐dimensional (3D) skin displacement model for the equine radial segment during trot.Methods: The 3D trajectories of 6 skin‐based markers and a bone‐fixed triad were captured at trot in 4 horses. Skin displacements in the bone‐based coordinate system were calculated using a singular‐value decomposition method. The truncated Fourier series models were developed for the skin displacements using a generalised cross‐validatory spline.Results: Mean ± s.d. of peak skin displacement of the 3 markers on the proximal radius as percentage of radial length was 10.7 ± 0.5, 4.6 ± 1.5 and 14.5 ± 2.9% in x, y and z direction, respectively. For the 3 markers on the distal radius, the equivalent displacements were 4.7 ± 0.6, 1.7 ± 0.8 and 7.3 ± 1.8% in x, y and z direction, respectively.Conclusions: The 3D skin displacement model for correction of skin marker motion over the equine radius relative to the bone can be established using a truncated Fourier series, which has previously been used successfully to develop 2D models.Potential relevance: This method of determining 3D skin displacement correction needs to be extended to the entire fore‐ and hindlimbs to provide a more sensitive measure of kinematic analysis. Accurate descriptions of the 3D motions of the limb segments and interactions between adjacent segments at the joints are necessary for understanding of the mechanics of different gaits and the gait aberrations that manifest as lameness.
Effects of athletic taping of the fetlock on distal limb mechanics
Authors: RAMÓN T. , PRADES M. , ARMENGOU L. , LANOVAZ J. L. , MULLINEAUX D. R. , CLAYTON H. M. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Athletic taping is used frequently by human athletes to stabilise, maintain or strengthen soft tissue structures, but empirical evidence supporting any changes in equine kinematics is lacking.Objectives: To assess the effects of athletic taping of the fetlock applied by an experienced athletic trainer on forelimb mechanics in healthy horses.Hypotheses: That athletic taping of the distal forelimb reduceshyperextension of the fetlock joint during stance,flexion of the fetlock joint during swing and 3) ground reaction forces during stance.Methods: Ground reaction force and kinematic data were obtained for 6 healthy horses trotting at 3 m/sec for 4 sequential conditions (baseline, untaped; pre‐exercise, taped; post exercise, taped post 30 mins trotting exercise; transfer, 4 h after tape removal). Data were analysed using 2‐way mixed ANOVAs (condition; joint).Results: A statistically significant interaction was identified for the fetlock during the swing phase (mean ± s.d. peak flexion at baseline 157 ± 4°, reduced with taping to 172 ± 4°; P<0.05) compared with no differences across conditions for the other joints. Peak vertical force reduced significantly (P<0.05) with taping.Conclusions: Athletic taping of the fetlock does not alter the kinematics of the forelimb during stance, but does limit flexion of the fetlock during the swing phase. The decreased peak vertical force may be due to an increased proprioceptive effect.Potential relevance: Reduced peak vertical forces may be of benefit in preventing or reducing injury. Further investigation remains necessary before it can be concluded that taping should be applied for tendinous or ligamentous rehabilitation in equine patients.
Relationships between fore‐ and hindlimb ground reaction force and hoof deceleration patterns in trotting horses
Authors: GUSTÅS P. , JOHNSTON C. , ROEPSTORFF L. , DREVEMO S. , LANSHAMMAR H. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The transmission of shockwaves following hoof impact is proposed to be one major source of stress to the limb. In the forelimb, there are indications that the period of horizontal deceleration of the hoof is related to the attenuation of shockwaves. In the hindlimb, information about the hoof deceleration has been lacking.Objective: To compare hoof deceleration patterns between the fore‐ and hindlimbs.Methods: Seven Standardbreds were trotted by hand over a force plate covered with sand, with triaxial accelerometers mounted on the fore and hind hooves. Variables representative of decelerations (first 2 main vertical deceleration peaks; characteristic minimum and maximum values in the craniocaudal deceleration; hoof braking time) and ground reaction forces (vertical loading rates; maximum and the following local minimum of the craniocaudal force) of the initial part of the stance phase, and the differences between individual fore‐ and hindlimb time and amplitude variables were used for statistical analyses.Results: Force plate data showed significantly greater vertical loading rate (mean ± s.d. 6.5 ± 5.9 N/sec) and horizontal loads (190.4 ± 110.2 N) in the forelimb than the hindlimb, but the parameters from accelerometer data showed no significant differences.Conclusions: No significant difference was found in the hoof deceleration, but the deceleration curves displayed a common pattern that described in detail the kinematics of the fore and hind hooves during the initial period of hoof braking.Potential relevance: These results contribute to further knowledge about the characteristics of these potential risk factors in the development of subchondral bone damage in the horse. Further studies are required on the influence of hoof braking pattern at higher speed, different shoeing and ground surfaces with different properties.
In vitromeasurement of internal hoof strain
Authors: HOBBS S. J. , MATHER J. , ROLPH C. , BOWER J. A. , MATUSZEWSKI B. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Strains during stance on the hoof wall surface have been measured by a number of authorsin vitroandin vivo. Histological structure and mechanical properties vary through the wall thickness (radially); radial strain measurements may therefore aid the understanding of mechanical function of the capsule and adjacent tissues.Objectives: To develop instrumentation capable of measuring internal hoof strain, and to carry out a preliminary comparison of normal and laminitic hooves.Methods: Six forelimbs from 4 horses, including 2 with laminitis from the same horse, were tested using an Instron test rig designed to simulate the walk at impact, midstance and breakover. Internal strains were measured at a dorsal site using strain gauges moulded into a plug made of 007 fast‐set structural adhesive. In addition, kinetic and kinematic data were collected from each specimen.Results: When simulating the walk, a significant (P<0.0001) increase in gradient of radial tensile strain was found in a normal hoof wall, from 5.6 ± 73.9 με at the outer gauge to 418.5 ± 170.6 με at the inner gauge. However, radial strains measured at the inner gauge site in limbs with laminitis were found to be significantly (P<0.0001) compressive, with values of ‐406.7 ± 156.3 and ‐109.9 ± 72.4 με forSpecimens 1and2, respectively.Conclusions and potential relevance: These preliminary data indicate that a marked redistribution may well occur in the wall of laminitic hooves. With a larger sample size, the results should have relevance to the treatment and management of laminitis.
The role of conformation in musculoskeletal problems in the racing Thoroughbred
Authors: ANDERSON T. M. , McILWRAITH C. W. , DOUAY P. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: The relationship of conformation to future potential injury is a standard approach in practise but, at present, is largely based on subjective observations.Objective: To measure conformation in 3‐year‐old Thoroughbreds and objectively test its relationship with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.Methods: Conformation measurements were taken from photographs using specific reference points marked on the horses and processed on the computer. Clinical observations were recorded for each horse on a regular basis. Stepwise (forward) logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the binary response of the clinical outcomes probability and the conformation variables by the method of maximum likelihood.Results: Clinical outcomes significantly (P<0.05) associated with conformational variables included effusion of the front fetlock, effusion of the right carpus, effusion of the carpus, effusion of the hind fetlock, fracture of the left or right carpus, right front fetlock problem and hind fetlock problem.Conclusions: Offset knees (offset ratio) contributed to fetlock problems. Long pasterns increased the odds of a fracture in the front limb. An increase in the carpal angle as viewed from the front (carpal valgus) may serve as a protective mechanism, as the odds for a carpal fracture and carpal effusion decreased with an increase in the carpal angle.Potential relevance: This study demonstrates relationships between conformation and musculoskeletal disease in the racehorse. The information may be useful in selection and management of the racing Thoroughbred.
Ultrasonographic examination of the equine sacroiliac region
Authors: KERSTEN A. A. M. , EDINGER J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Little information exists about the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the equine sacroiliac region, but knowledge of the ultrasonographic anatomy is necessary to understand the possible pathological changes in sacroiliac diseases.Objectives: The normal ultrasonographic appearance of soft tissues and bony structures of the sacroiliac region in horses was studied in order to establish clinically relevant reference parameters.Methods: Thirteen cadaver specimens were examined using a transcutaneous approach above thetubera sacraleto image the dorsal sacroiliac ligament and the tendon of thelongissimus dorsimuscle. A rectal approach was used to outline the sacroiliac joint and its adjacent structures. Thirteen sound horses with no history of back pain were examined following the same protocol as for thepost mortemexaminations.Results: The tendon of thelongissimus dorsimuscle can clearly be distinguished from the dorsal sacroiliac ligament, especially in longitudinal images. Transrectal examination of the sacroiliac joint consists of evaluation of the bony surfaces of the sacrum and ilium in comparison with the contralateral side.Conclusions: Ultrasonographic examination of the sacroiliac region provided clear images of the caudomedial border of the sacroiliac joint and its adjacent structures and is a useful aid in the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint diseases and adjacent lesions. The study has shown ultrasonography to be a useful method for examining and differentiating thelongissimus dorsimuscle and the dorsal sacroiliac ligament at the level of thetubera sacrale.Potential relevance: Diagnostic ultrasound is available to most practitioners. These reference ultrasound parameters may help to improve the diagnosis of sacroiliac diseases.
Immunological response to long‐term transport stress in mature horses and effects of adaptogenic dietary supplementation as an immunomodulator
Authors: STULL C. L. , SPIER S. J. , ALDRIDGE B. M. , BLANCHARD M. , STOTT J. L. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Little information exists on the immunological effects of transport or the use of supplements to minimise transport stress.Objectives: To establish baseline ranges and evaluate immunophenotypic and functional changes associated with transport and a nutritional ‘adaptogen’ supplement.Methods: Horses received either supplement (n = 10) or placebos (n = 9) during the 30 day study. After 28 days in stalls, 12 horses (6 supplement; 6 placebo) were transported for 24 h, then unloaded and recovered. Venous blood samples were collected on Days 1, 14 and 28 to establish baselines, and on Days 28, 29 and 30 to examine changes during transport and recovery.Results: Transport prompted elevations (P<0.05) in cortisol concentration, neutrophil count and white blood cell counts, while lymphocyte subpopulation counts (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD21+) decreased (P<0.05). Normal phenotypic lymphocyte profiles returned within 24 h of recovery. Supplement effects on immunophenotype (CD21+and CD8+) were observed in stabled horses (P<0.05), but not in transported horses.Conclusions: These results provide insights into the immunological mechanisms associated with long‐term transport.Potential relevance: The existence of a small window of immunological uncertainty follows long‐term transportation, enhancing the potential risk of infectious disease in susceptible individuals.
Effects of manipulating intrauterine growth on post natal adrenocortical development and other parameters of maturity in neonatal foals
Authors: OUSEY J. C. , ROSSDALE P. D. , FOWDEN A. L. , PALMER L. , TURNBULL C. , ALLEN W. R. 
Published: April 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) impairs post natal adaptive responses and is associated with increased adrenocortical activity in many species. Objectives: To determine whether a restricted or enhanced intrauterine environment affects neonatal adaptation and adrenocortical function in horses. Methods: Embryos from large (577 kg) Thoroughbred (TB) mares were transferred to smaller (343 kg) pony (P) mares and vice versa, to create a restricted (TB‐in‐P, n = 11) or enhanced (P‐in‐TB, n = 8) intrauterine environment. Control groups (TB‐in‐TB, n = 8; P‐in‐P, n = 7) were also included. Results: Thirty foals were born live at full term (range 314‐348 days) and 4 (3 TB‐in‐P, 1 P‐in‐TB) were stillborn between 275 and 335 days. TB‐in‐P foals were significantly (P<0.05) lighter than TB‐in‐TB, but heavier than P‐in‐P foals. TB‐in‐P foals took longer to first stand and suck and some had fetlock hyperextension and low (<4 g/l) plasma immunoglobulin G concentrations. Other foal groups showed normal behavioural responses. Haematological parameters were normal in all 4 groups of foals. Plasma ACTH levels were high at birth and plasma cortisol concentrations increased after delivery and returned to baseline within 6 h post partum in all but the TB‐in‐P foals, which had elevated levels until 48 h post partum. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased in all groups following exogenous ACTH administered on Days 1 and 5 post partum. Conclusions: The TB‐in‐P foals showed IUGR and impaired post natal adaptive responses with basal hypercortisolaemia. Potential relevance: Foals born following IUGR may require clinical assistance in the early post natal period, but appear mature with respect to adrenocortical function.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation: normal values of magnetic motor evoked potentials in 84 normal horses and influence of height, weight, age and sex
Authors: Nollet H. , Deprez P. , Van Ham L. , Dewulf J. , Decleir A. , Vanderstraeten G. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: Cervical spinal cord dysfunction is a common problem in equine medicine and the currently available tests give no objective information about the functionality of the nervous tracts. Therefore, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was performed in 84 healthy horses of different height in order to have an objective measure for the integrity of the descending motor tracts in normal horses.Objectives: To obtain reference values for onset latency and peak‐to‐peak amplitude of magnetic motor evoked potentials (MMEPs) and to evaluate the possible effect of height, age and gender on the neurophysiological measures.Methods: All horses were sedated and stimulated transcranially by using a magnetic coil placed on the forehead. The stimulator triggered the sweep of an electromyogram machine that recorded MMEPs bilaterally from needle electrodes in theextensor carpi radialisand cranial tibial muscles. In that way, it was possible to measure latency between stimulus and onset of response.Results: A significant difference was found between recordings made in the fore‐ and hindlimbs; MMEPs recorded in the front legs had a shorter onset latency and higher peak‐to‐peak amplitude. Mean ± s.d. normal values for onset latency of 19.32 ± 2.50 and 30.54 ± 5.28 msecs and peak‐to‐peak amplitude values of 9.54 ± 3.73 and 6.62 ± 3.62 mV were obtained forextensor carpi radialisand cranial tibial muscles, respectively. The left‐to‐right difference in onset latency and peak‐to‐peak amplitude was not significant. In the same horse, differences up to 0.82 and 1.53 msecs for theextensor carpi radialisand cranial tibial muscles, respectively, lie within the 95% confidence limit and are considered normal. In contrast to onset latency, peak‐to‐peak amplitude showed a very large intra‐ and interindividual variability, even in the same muscle. To reduce the variability and predict normal values of new individual cases, influence of height, weight, age and sex on the MMEPs were determined. No significant effects of sex were observed on onset latency and peak‐to‐peak amplitude. The age of the horse had only a small but significant effect on peak‐to‐peak amplitude, with larger responses in older horses. Height at the withers and weight of the horse, parameters that strongly correlate with the size of the horse, had an important significant influence on onset latency but not on peak‐to‐peak amplitude.The age of the horse and height at the withers were used to predict peak‐to‐peak amplitude and onset latency, respectively, in normal horses.Conclusions and potential relevance: TMS is an excellent addition to the few tools we have for noninvasive imaging of the equine nervous system. Magnetically evoked potentials are highly reproducible and recent advances suggest that the applications of TMS in horses will continue to grow rapidly.
Idiopathic muscular hypertrophy of the oesophagus in the horse: a retrospective study of 31 cases
Authors: Benders N. A. , Kroeze E. J. B. Veldhuis , Van Der Kolk J. H. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryReasons for performing study: To present the first report of a case series concerning equine idiopathic muscular hypertrophy of the oesophagus (IMHO).Objectives: To investigate the clinical and pathological features of the disorder.Methods: The medical records of 31 horses suffering from the disorder were reviewed retrospectively. In all these animals the diagnosis was confirmed atpost mortemexamination.Results: The median age of the affected horses was 12.5 ± 5.6 years (range 1–26) without sex or breed predilection. Only 2 out of 31 horses showed clinical signs associated with oesophageal dysfunction, indicating that the muscular hypertrophy was rather a coincidentalpost mortemfinding. Histology revealed thickening of the distal portion of the oesophagus mainly involving the circular layer of thetunica musculariswithout fibrosis or inflammation. In 8 cases, the disorder was seen in concurrence with idiopathic hypertrophy of thetunica muscularisof various other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.Conclusions: In the majority of patients, IMHO was a coincidental finding atpost mortemexamination usually confined to the smooth, circular muscle layer of thetunica muscularis externa.Potential relevance: Further research is necessary to study the precise effect of IMHO on oesophageal function.