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Bowen AG, Tabor G, Labens R, Randle H. Visually Assessing Equine Quality of Movement: A Survey to Identify Key Movements and Patient-Specific Measures. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2822. [PMID: 37760222 PMCID: PMC10525514 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Outcome measures are essential for monitoring treatment efficacy. The lack of measures for quality of movement in equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation impairs evidence-based practice. To develop a new field-based outcome measure, it is necessary to determine movements most frequently observed during assessment of rehabilitation and performance management cases. An online survey of 81 equine sports medicine veterinarians and equine allied-health clinicians was conducted. The key movements identified included walk and trot on both firm and soft surfaces in a straight line and on a small circle, plus step back, hind leg cross-over, transitions and lunging at walk, trot and canter. The main barriers to observing some movements are access to suitable surfaces and the training level of the horse and handler. Subjective visual assessment of live or videoed horses was the most common method used to track progress of complex movements. The majority (82%) of survey participants agreed or strongly agreed that a modified Patient-Specific Functional Scale would be useful for measuring complex movements. Comments from all professions show a desire to have outcome measures relevant to their needs. This survey identified 24 in-hand movements, which can be used to form the foundation of a simple field-based outcome measure for quality of movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette G. Bowen
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; (R.L.); (H.R.)
| | - Gillian Tabor
- Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, Gloucestershire, UK;
| | - Raphael Labens
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; (R.L.); (H.R.)
| | - Hayley Randle
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; (R.L.); (H.R.)
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Śniegucka K, Soroko-Dubrovina M, Zielińska P, Dudek K, Žuffová K. The Effect of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT) on the Skin Surface Temperature of the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle in Clinically Healthy Racing Thoroughbreds: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2028. [PMID: 37370538 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) is increasingly being used to treat musculoskeletal injuries in horses. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of rESWT on the skin surface temperature of the longissimus dorsi muscle in clinically healthy racing horses. A total of 24 thoroughbreds were divided into a study group (n = 12) and an rESWT-sham group (n = 12). The study group underwent rESWT, whereas the rESWT-sham group had rESWT without probe activation in the treated area. Both groups underwent thermographic examination before and just after rESWT to determine and compare skin surface temperatures. Palpation examination was performed after the first and second thermography examination to assess longissimus dorsi muscle tone. Additionally, thermographic examination was repeated 10 min after the rESWT. In both groups, there was an increase in skin surface temperature just after rESWT, and a decrease 10 min after it to below the initial value. In the study group, the skin surface temperature just after rESWT was higher than in the rESWT-sham group. Additionally, in the study group the average muscle tone before rESWT was significantly higher than just after the procedure, whereas in the rESWT-sham group the average change in muscle tone was not significant. The results proved that rESWT increases skin surface temperature of the longissimus dorsi muscle in clinically healthy horses. Further research is necessary in order to configure shockwave treatment with appropriate parameters for effective and safe therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Śniegucka
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maria Soroko-Dubrovina
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Zielińska
- Department of Surgery, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Dudek
- Center for Statistical Analysis, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kristína Žuffová
- Equine Clinic, Brno University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 612-42 Brno, Czech Republic
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Edge-Hughes L, Kramer AL, Acciani R. Select Manual Assessment Techniques and Clinical Reasoning Skills Used in Canine Physical Rehabilitation Before Engaging in Manual Therapy Treatment. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023; 53:743-756. [PMID: 36997409 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Manual therapy is a cornerstone of physical therapy and canine physical rehabilitation. Although veterinary literature has tackled the topic of manual therapy treatments in animal patients, less attention has been paid to the assessment techniques and clinical reasoning skills that guide a practitioner toward determining if, when, and where manual therapies will be most effective. This article tackles the topics of clinical reasoning, the functional diagnosis, observational skills, and physical evaluation techniques that serve as prerequisites to the use of manual therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Edge-Hughes
- The Canine Fitness Centre Ltd, 4515 Manhattan Road. Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 4B3, Canada.
| | - Amy Lee Kramer
- Beach Animal Rehabilitation Center, 18837 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90504, USA
| | - Ria Acciani
- Advanced Canine Rehabilitation Center, 166 Mountainview Road, Warren, NJ 07059, USA
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Maldonado MD, Parkinson SD, Story MR, Haussler KK. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Limb Lameness and Concurrent Axial Skeleton Pain and Dysfunction in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202845. [PMID: 36290230 PMCID: PMC9597761 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chiropractic care is a common treatment modality used in equine practice to manage back pain and stiffness but has limited evidence for treating lameness. The objective of this blinded, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of chiropractic treatment on chronic lameness and concurrent axial skeleton pain and dysfunction. Two groups of horses with multiple limb lameness (polo) or isolated hind limb lameness (Quarter Horses) were enrolled. Outcome measures included subjective and objective measures of lameness, spinal pain and stiffness, epaxial muscle hypertonicity, and mechanical nociceptive thresholds collected on days 0, 14, and 28. Chiropractic treatment was applied on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. No treatment was applied to control horses. Data was analyzed by a mixed model fit separately for each response variable (p < 0.05) and was examined within each group of horses individually. Significant treatment effects were noted in subjective measures of hind limb and whole-body lameness scores and vertebral stiffness. Limited or inconsistent therapeutic effects were noted in objective lameness scores and other measures of axial skeleton pain and dysfunction. The lack of pathoanatomical diagnoses, multilimb lameness, and lack of validated outcome measures likely had negative impacts on the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela D. Maldonado
- Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Samantha D. Parkinson
- Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Melinda R. Story
- Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Kevin K. Haussler
- Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Correspondence:
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Dyson S, Thomson K. The recognition of pain and learned behaviour in horses which buck. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Dyson S, Bondi A, Routh J, Pollard D. An investigation into the relationship between equine behaviour when tacked‐up and mounted and epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, girth region hypersensitivity, saddle‐fit, rider position and balance, and lameness. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. Routh
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health TrustSuffolk
- University of Surrey School of Veterinary MedicineGuildfordUK
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Dyson S, Bondi A, Routh J, Pollard D, Preston T, McConnell C, Kydd JH. An investigation of behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting in ridden sports and leisure horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Dyson
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket UK
| | | | - J. Routh
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket UK
| | | | - T. Preston
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
| | - C. McConnell
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
| | - J. H. Kydd
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
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Dyson S, Martin C, Bondi A, Ellis AD. The influence of rider skill on ridden horse behaviour, assessed using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, and gait quality. EQUINE VET EDUC 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Martin
- Writtle University College ChelmsfordUK
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Haussler KK. Pressure Algometry for the Detection of Mechanical Nociceptive Thresholds in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122195. [PMID: 33255216 PMCID: PMC7760268 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is difficult to measure pain in horses. As animals are not able to verbalize what they feel, we are left with trying to interpret the different signs that they display when they are in pain. Many of these signs are vague (e.g., not eating their food), but some are more readily identified if the animal moves away or lifts their leg when pressure is applied to a sensitive area. Pressure algometry is a tool used to detect responses to applied mechanical stimuli within painful and nonpainful tissues. Pressure algometry has been used in many different studies, but there is no consensus on how to synthesize this information to better diagnose and treat pain in horses. The purpose of this study was to summarize the results of these studies. Based on that review, we conclude that there is good evidence that pressure algometry is a reliable and objective method to measure pain responses. This information will help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of pain in horses. Abstract The clinical assessment of pain is subjective; therefore, variations exist between practitioners in their ability to identify and localize pain. Due to differing interpretations of the signs or severity of pain equine practitioners may assign varying levels of clinical significance and treatment options. There is a critical need to develop better tools to qualify and quantify pain in horses. Palpation is the most common method to detect local tenderness or sensitivity. To quantify this applied pressure, pressure algometry has been used to gradually apply pressure over specified landmarks until an avoidance response is noted, which is defined as the mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT). Numerous studies have used pressure algometry in different applications to measure MNTs in horses. There is an acute need to establish normative values within different body regions and to develop standardized methods of testing MNTs to better guide practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of pain. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence for the use of pressure algometry in horses. There is good evidence that pressure algometry is a repeatable, semi-objective method that can be used in a wide array of clinical and research applications to assess MNTs in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Haussler
- Equine Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and Its Relationship with Gait in a Convenience Sample of 60 Riding Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1044. [PMID: 32560486 PMCID: PMC7341225 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) comprising 24 behaviours has been developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal pain. The aim was to further test the RHpE by its application to a convenience sample (n = 60) of sports horses and riding school horses in regular work and assumed by their owners to be working comfortably. All horses performed a purpose-designed dressage-type test of 8.5 min duration in walk, trot and canter, with their normal rider. The RHpE was applied retrospectively to video recordings acquired in a standardised fashion. Seventy-three percent of horses were lame (≤ grade 2/8) on one or more limbs; 47% had gait abnormalities in canter. Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram scores ranged from 3 to 16/24 (median 9); rider skill score ranged from 2.5 to 8/10 (median 4.75). The effect of horse age, breed, sex, work-discipline, epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, an ill-fitting saddle, rider skill score, the presence of lameness or gait abnormalities in canter on the RHpE score was assessed using Poisson regression. Two variables were retained in the final multivariable analysis, rider skill score as a continuous variable (p < 0.001), and lameness (p = 0.008). A RHpE score ≥8 was a good indicator of the presence of musculoskeletal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Dyson
- Independent Consultant, The Cottage, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, UK
| | - Danica Pollard
- Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Department, Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK;
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Abstract
Objective measurement should be incorporated into all areas of physiotherapy including within the assessment and treatment of horses, as there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment intervention objectively. Whilst objective measures are available in a research laboratory setting it appears that in clinical practice mostly subjective methods of recording assessment and reassessment data are used. This article reviews the objective measures currently available to equine physiotherapists for use in clinical practice, beyond those available in a research laboratory setting. Within the literature there are studies reporting the reliability and validity of objective measures for the assessment of pain, gait, posture, range of motion, palpation and muscle size in horses. Whilst these validated objective measurement tools are available, they are not presently used consistently in clinical practice. In addition, the non-verbal nature of the equine patients precludes the use of self-reporting, meaning that there are no reported functional outcome scores possible similar to use with human patients. However, the combined use of pain responses, behavioural changes and objective measures collected during clinical assessment, both pre and post treatment, could be useful in practice. Equine physiotherapists should integrate more objective methods of recording data from assessments of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Tabor
- Hartpury University, GL19 3BE, Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - J. Williams
- Hartpury University, GL19 3BE, Gloucester, United Kingdom
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Generation of Domains for the Equine Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Outcome Score: Development by Expert Consensus. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020203. [PMID: 31991716 PMCID: PMC7070405 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Within rehabilitation, measurements taken before, during and after treatments are used to judge patient progress and the effectiveness of prescribed treatments. To know which measurements to use for a given health condition, practitioners must have knowledge of what should be measured, which measurement tools are available and accurate, alongside what they intend to measure. Composite outcome measures (OMs) are tools which use grouped measurement tests to monitor patient progress; they have been tested for a variety of human and canine conditions but none have been designed or tested for use in physical rehabilitation in horses. This study asked leading equine veterinarians, physiotherapists and researchers which measures should be included in an OM for use in the rehabilitation of horses. Using a process to evaluate agreement, ten areas of measurement were included in the final model: lameness, pain at rest, pain during exercise, behaviour during exercise, muscular symmetry, performance/functional capacity, behaviour at rest, palpation, balance and proprioception. Existing reliable tests used to measure these areas were evaluated and potential new measures discussed and now should be taken forward to testing as a composite outcome score to see if they are effective in measuring effectiveness of treatment. Abstract Outcome measures (OMs) are a requirement of professional practice standards in human and canine physiotherapy practice for measurement of health status. Measures such as pain and functional capacity of specific regions are used to track treatment impact and can be used to develop optimal management strategies. To achieve comparable patient care in equine physiotherapy, OMs must be incorporated into practice; however, no reliable and valid OMs exist for equine rehabilitation. This study utilised the experience and opinion of a panel of experts working in the equine rehabilitation sphere to gain consensus on the core areas (domains) to be included in a model, to lead to an OM scale for horses undergoing rehabilitation. The Delphi method and content validity ratio testing was used to determine agreement with domains reaching the critical value required for inclusion. The expert panel agreed on ten domains to be included in the OM scale: lameness, pain at rest, pain during exercise, behaviour during exercise, muscular symmetry, performance/functional capacity, behaviour at rest, palpation, balance and proprioception. An OM with these domains would provide a holistic objective assessment tool which could be used by equine rehabilitation professionals in clinical practice.
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