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ONTRACKEQUINE Case Study: Retired Intermediate Event Horse
(Original publication by "September 2008, "The Practitioner")
While researching and documenting an experiment dealing with a chronic lameness, Dr. Craig Roberts, DVM and farrier Scott Lampert explored the effects of trimming and balancing the hoof, using the ONTRACKEQUINE software program. Developed for practical use in the field, the software allows the user to examine digital images including radiograph, ultra sound, MRI and standard digital images, along with video manipulation capabilities including slow motion and zoom features. For this experiment, a 16 year old, retired Intermediate level event horse was used.
Digital evidence was collected to document the baseline, lameness and treatment results using standard digital still pictures, radiographs and videos.
Baseline: Using the slow motion analysis feature in the ONTRACKEQUINE software, the baseline video illustrated a significant lateral toe landing. Image 1 demonstrates the approximate amount by which the lateral toe lands with respect to the flat ground. Measurements showed the angle to be over 15 degrees, with over a 30mm medial gap. The dorsal-palmer radiograph, image 2, highlights the coffin bone tilt and shift of over 12 mm medially. Still images provided evidence of a flared lateral quarter, specifically around the toe quarter, which was likely caused by mechanical leverage of landing on the lateral toe of the foot.
Consultation and Treatment: Using radiographs, it was determined that lifting and supporting the medial aspect of the hoof would realign the bony column to a more desirable position, improve locomotion and would ultimately improve the balance of the hoof. A bead of SuperFast, approximately 20 mm wide, was placed along the medial quarter, approximately 10mm thick from the medial toe to the medial heel. The hoof was wrapped with elastican to assist with material support. No trimming, shoeing or blocking of the foot was used in this experiment.
Results: A second dorsal-palmer radiograph was taken to compare and showed the coffin bone had been re-positioned laterally over 5mm and improved the alignment of the bony column and the coffin joint (image 3). Video and still images confirmed that by manipulating the medial quarter, the horse was able to land flat thus reducing torque and shift on the bony column. Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate the before and after images compared side by side for both the radiographs and the video. Notice the trajectory of the limb and the position of the foot just before ground contact.
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Figure 3
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Figure 4
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Figure 5
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This experiment and software demonstrates the benefits of how providing practical information to the veterinarian and farrier as a team achieves a positive result. These same principles of documenting and reviewing are equally effective for pre-purchase and lameness exams, surgical treatments and rehabilitation.
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