The Experts below are selected from a list of 2322 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Theresia Licka - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
influence of support boots on Fetlock joint angle of the forelimb of the horse at walk and trot
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010Co-Authors: C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Christian Peham, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Support boots are thought to reduce tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the horse and are frequently recommended for horses convalescing after tendonitis, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective: To document the effects of 4 different types of support boots on Fetlock joint angle in comparison to the unprotected Fetlock. Methods: In 26 horses, the kinematics of the forelimb Fetlock joint angle was measured at walk and trot on a treadmill when wearing 3 different types of support boots and 1 protective boot, as well as without boots. As outcome parameters, maximum extension of the Fetlock joint and the moment at which maximum extension occurred in the stride cycle were determined. Results: At walk, 2 of the support boots reduced the maximum extension significantly by 0.8 and 0.9°, respectively (P<0.05). Additionally, one type of boots also delayed the occurrence of maximal extension within the stride cycle. At trot, all support boots reduced maximum extension significantly by 0.56–1.44° (P<0.01), and the protective boot reduced maximum extension by 0.56° (P<0.05). Conclusions and potential relevance: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of support boots in reducing maximum extension of the Fetlock, which can be assumed to reduce tension in the suspensory apparatus and SDFT. The delay of the moment of maximal extension may be relevant in reducing dynamic forces. However, it should be noted that the long-term consequences of reduction of maximum Fetlock extension are still uncertain. Such a reduction over a prolonged period might negatively affect fibre alignment in the healing tendon.
-
Influence of support boots on Fetlock joint angle of the forelimb of the horse at walk and trot.
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010Co-Authors: C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Christian Peham, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Support boots are thought to reduce tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the horse and are frequently recommended for horses convalescing after tendonitis, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective: To document the effects of 4 different types of support boots on Fetlock joint angle in comparison to the unprotected Fetlock. Methods: In 26 horses, the kinematics of the forelimb Fetlock joint angle was measured at walk and trot on a treadmill when wearing 3 different types of support boots and 1 protective boot, as well as without boots. As outcome parameters, maximum extension of the Fetlock joint and the moment at which maximum extension occurred in the stride cycle were determined. Results: At walk, 2 of the support boots reduced the maximum extension significantly by 0.8 and 0.9°, respectively (P
-
raising heels of hind hooves changes the equine coffin Fetlock and hock joint angle a kinematic evaluation on the treadmill at walk and trot
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2006Co-Authors: Christian Peham, C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Raised heels are commonly recommended for various equine orthopaedic conditions. However, the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the different joint angles of the equine hindlimb throughout the motion cycle has not been previously evaluated. Objective: To document the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the joint angles of the equine hindlimb coffin, Fetlock and hock joints. Methods: Eight sound, adult, Warmblood horses were evaluated barefoot and with a heel wedge of 8 or 16°, walking and trotting on a horizontal treadmill. Markers placed on the dorsal and cranial aspect of the hindlimb were traced using a 3D high speed video system and joint angles calculated. Results: The effects of raising the hindlimb heels by 8 or 16° on the angles of the hindlimb during the stance phase are a reduction of the plantar combined coffin joint and pastern joint angle, a reduction of maximum extension in the Fetlock joint, and an increase in maximum hock flexion. The relation between angles did not change significantly during the course of the stance phase in the three measurement situations, with only small differences in time of occurrence of each joint angle maxima and minima. Conclusions: Raising the heels of hind hooves increases flexion of the coffin and hock joints during the stance phases of walk and trot, and a doubling of the angle of the raised heels also doubles the effect on the joint angles investigated. Raised heels reduce the maximum extension of the Fetlock joint during the the stance phase at walk and trot. Potential relevance: This study provides evidence for the therapeutic use of raised shoes with heels in horses with pain on maximum hock extension, e.g. spavin.
Ottmar Distl - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Genetic parameters for osteoarthrosis, radiographic changes of the navicular bone and sidebone, and their correlation with osteochondrosis and osteochondral fragments in Hanoverian warmblood horses
Livestock Science, 2014Co-Authors: Dorothea Hilla, Ottmar DistlAbstract:In the present study, results of radiographic examinations were used for estimation of genetic parameters for osteoarthrosis (OA) in distal interphalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, Fetlock, hock and stifle joints, radiographic changes in the navicular bones of the forelimbs (RCNB) and sidebone in 7396 Hanoverian Warmblood horses. Radiographic changes were recorded as ordinal traits in dependence of the number of joints affected or, in case of RCNB, of their severity score. In addition, their genetic correlations with osteochondrosis (OC) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in Fetlock, hock and stifle joints as well as palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments (POFs) and dorsodistal osteochondral fragments in Fetlock joints were determined. The prevalence for OA in hock joints was 21.4%, for OA in Fetlock joints 7.4%, for RCNB 33.6% and for sidebone 9.6%. Horses with OA in most cases were affected at only one limb while RCNB and sidebone in most cases were found bilaterally. The heritabilities estimated in a linear animal model and transformed onto the liability scale were at 0.17 for OA in Fetlock joints, 0.40 for OA in hock joints, 0.19 for RCNB and 0.59 for sidebone. Additive genetic correlations among OA in Fetlock joints, OA in hock joints, RCNB and sidebone were moderate (rg=−0.19 to rg=0.18). The highest additive genetic correlations were found between OA in Fetlock joints and OC in Fetlock joints (rg=0.71) as well as OCD in Fetlock joints (rg=0.62). RCNB showed positive genetic correlations with OC and OCD in the different joints as well as with OFs in hock and stifle joints. POFs and RCNB were genetically negatively correlated. The size of the heritability estimates for OA in Fetlock joints, OA in hock joints, RCNB and sidebone seems to be sufficient high that breeding measures can be recommended in order to reduce their prevalence.
-
the candidate gene xirp2 at a quantitative gene locus on equine chromosome 18 associated with osteochondrosis in Fetlock and hock joints of south german coldblood horses
Journal of Heredity, 2009Co-Authors: Catherine Wittwer, Henning Hamann, Ottmar DistlAbstract:A whole-genome scan for radiological signs of osteochondrosis (OC) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in South German Coldblood (SGC) horses using 250 microsatellite markers identifed a genome-wide signifcant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for Fetlock OCD and a chromosome-wide QTL for hock OC on Equus caballus chromosome (ECA) I8 at a relative position of 45.9―78.2 cM. The aim of this study was to analyze associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes for OC in this QTL region using 96 SGC horses. The OC-QTL on ECA I8 could be confirmed and narrowed down to an interval of I3 Mb between GALNTI3 and Xin actin-binding repeat containing 2 (XIRP2), SNPs in the XIRP2 gene were significantly associated with Fetlock OC, Fetlock OCD, and hock OC. The signifcant associations of SNPs in XIRP2 could be confirmed in linear animal models controlling for systematic environmental and residual quantitative genetic effects. The significant additive genetic effects of the intronic SNPs (AJ8855I5:g.I59A>G, AJ8855I5:g.445T>C) in XIRP2 were 0.15 (P = 0.0I) for Fetlock OC, 0.27 (P = 0.0I) for Fetlock OCD, and 0.I5―0.I6 (P = 0.0I―0.02) for hock OC. Homozygous (A/A or T/T) and heterozygous horses were at a I.3- to 2.4-fold higher risk for Fetlock and hock OC. These results suggest that dominant variants of XIRP2 may be involved in pathogenesis of equine OC.
-
Associations between Candidate Gene Markers at a Quantitative Trait Locus on Equine Chromosome 4 Responsible for Osteochondrosis Dissecans in Fetlock Joints of South German Coldblood Horses
Journal of Heredity, 2008Co-Authors: Catherine Wittwer, Henning Hamann, Claudia Dierks, Ottmar DistlAbstract:A previously accomplished whole-genome scan for osteochondrosis (OC) and OC dissecans (OCD) in South German Coldblood horses using 250 microsatellite markers identified putative quantitative trait loci (QTL). A chromosome-wide significant QTL for Fetlock OCD was found on Equus caballus chromosome (ECA) 4q at a relative position of 70.0-73.3 cM. The aim of this study was to analyze associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes for OC in this region. The association analysis included 32 affected and 64 unaffected horses. Three SNPs located in intron 8, intron 9, and 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of the acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH) gene on ECA4q were significantly associated with OCD in Fetlock joints. In order to control for systematic environmental and quantitative genetic effects, we employed a linear animal model. The association of the SNP (AJ543065:g.703A>G) in the 3′-UTR of exon 21 was confirmed in the animal model analysis and a significant additive genetic effect for Fetlock OCD of 0.42 (P = 0.002) and a dominance effect of −0.32 (P = 0.03) was estimated. This is the first report on a marker in population-wide linkage disequilibrium with equine OCD in Fetlock joints.
-
Genetic parameters for the prevalence of osteochondrosis in the limb joints of South German Coldblood horses.
Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 2007Co-Authors: Catherine Wittwer, H. Hamann, E. Rosenberger, Ottmar DistlAbstract:Heritabilities were estimated for osteochondrosis (OC) in Fetlock and hock joints and palmar/plantar osseous fragments in Fetlock joints of South German Coldblood (SGC) horses using Residual Maximum Likelihood (REML) under a linear animal model. The analyses were based on the results of a standardized radiographic examination of 167 SGC horses with a mean age of 14 months. The heritabilities linearly estimated and transformed onto the liability scale were for OC in Fetlock joints 0.16 and for OC in hock joints 0.04. Considering Fetlock and hock OC together, results in a heritability of 0.17. Palmar/plantar osseus fragments of the Fetlock joints showed a heritability of 0.48. We concluded that there is most likely a genetic component in the variation of the development of osteochondrosis in Fetlock and hock joints as well as for palmar/plantar osseus fragments of Fetlock joints of the investigated population of SGC horses.
-
Genome-wide search for markers associated with osteochondrosis in Hanoverian warmblood horses
Mammalian Genome, 2007Co-Authors: Claudia Dierks, Catherine Wittwer, Virginie Lampe, Kathrin Löhring, Cord Drögemüller, Ottmar DistlAbstract:A genome-wide scan was performed to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for osteochondrosis (OC) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in horses. The marker set comprised 260 microsatellites. We collected data from 211 Hanoverian warmblood horses consisting of 14 paternal half-sib families. Traits used were OC (Fetlock and/or hock joints affected), OCD (Fetlock and/or hock joints affected), Fetlock OC, Fetlock OCD, hock OC, and hock OCD. The first genome scan included 172 microsatellite markers. In a second step 88 additional markers were chosen to refine putative QTLs found in the first scan. Genome-wide significant QTLs were located on equine chromosomes 2, 4, 5, and 16. QTLs for Fetlock OC and hock OC partly overlapped on the same chromosomes, indicating that these traits may be genetically related. QTLs reached the chromosome-wide significance level on eight different equine chromosomes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 19, and 21. This whole-genome scan was a first step toward the identification of candidate genome regions harboring genes responsible for equine OC. Further investigations are necessary to refine the map positions of the QTLs already identified for OC.
C Kicker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
influence of support boots on Fetlock joint angle of the forelimb of the horse at walk and trot
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010Co-Authors: C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Christian Peham, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Support boots are thought to reduce tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the horse and are frequently recommended for horses convalescing after tendonitis, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective: To document the effects of 4 different types of support boots on Fetlock joint angle in comparison to the unprotected Fetlock. Methods: In 26 horses, the kinematics of the forelimb Fetlock joint angle was measured at walk and trot on a treadmill when wearing 3 different types of support boots and 1 protective boot, as well as without boots. As outcome parameters, maximum extension of the Fetlock joint and the moment at which maximum extension occurred in the stride cycle were determined. Results: At walk, 2 of the support boots reduced the maximum extension significantly by 0.8 and 0.9°, respectively (P<0.05). Additionally, one type of boots also delayed the occurrence of maximal extension within the stride cycle. At trot, all support boots reduced maximum extension significantly by 0.56–1.44° (P<0.01), and the protective boot reduced maximum extension by 0.56° (P<0.05). Conclusions and potential relevance: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of support boots in reducing maximum extension of the Fetlock, which can be assumed to reduce tension in the suspensory apparatus and SDFT. The delay of the moment of maximal extension may be relevant in reducing dynamic forces. However, it should be noted that the long-term consequences of reduction of maximum Fetlock extension are still uncertain. Such a reduction over a prolonged period might negatively affect fibre alignment in the healing tendon.
-
Influence of support boots on Fetlock joint angle of the forelimb of the horse at walk and trot.
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010Co-Authors: C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Christian Peham, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Support boots are thought to reduce tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the horse and are frequently recommended for horses convalescing after tendonitis, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective: To document the effects of 4 different types of support boots on Fetlock joint angle in comparison to the unprotected Fetlock. Methods: In 26 horses, the kinematics of the forelimb Fetlock joint angle was measured at walk and trot on a treadmill when wearing 3 different types of support boots and 1 protective boot, as well as without boots. As outcome parameters, maximum extension of the Fetlock joint and the moment at which maximum extension occurred in the stride cycle were determined. Results: At walk, 2 of the support boots reduced the maximum extension significantly by 0.8 and 0.9°, respectively (P
-
raising heels of hind hooves changes the equine coffin Fetlock and hock joint angle a kinematic evaluation on the treadmill at walk and trot
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2006Co-Authors: Christian Peham, C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Raised heels are commonly recommended for various equine orthopaedic conditions. However, the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the different joint angles of the equine hindlimb throughout the motion cycle has not been previously evaluated. Objective: To document the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the joint angles of the equine hindlimb coffin, Fetlock and hock joints. Methods: Eight sound, adult, Warmblood horses were evaluated barefoot and with a heel wedge of 8 or 16°, walking and trotting on a horizontal treadmill. Markers placed on the dorsal and cranial aspect of the hindlimb were traced using a 3D high speed video system and joint angles calculated. Results: The effects of raising the hindlimb heels by 8 or 16° on the angles of the hindlimb during the stance phase are a reduction of the plantar combined coffin joint and pastern joint angle, a reduction of maximum extension in the Fetlock joint, and an increase in maximum hock flexion. The relation between angles did not change significantly during the course of the stance phase in the three measurement situations, with only small differences in time of occurrence of each joint angle maxima and minima. Conclusions: Raising the heels of hind hooves increases flexion of the coffin and hock joints during the stance phases of walk and trot, and a doubling of the angle of the raised heels also doubles the effect on the joint angles investigated. Raised heels reduce the maximum extension of the Fetlock joint during the the stance phase at walk and trot. Potential relevance: This study provides evidence for the therapeutic use of raised shoes with heels in horses with pain on maximum hock extension, e.g. spavin.
Catherine Wittwer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
the candidate gene xirp2 at a quantitative gene locus on equine chromosome 18 associated with osteochondrosis in Fetlock and hock joints of south german coldblood horses
Journal of Heredity, 2009Co-Authors: Catherine Wittwer, Henning Hamann, Ottmar DistlAbstract:A whole-genome scan for radiological signs of osteochondrosis (OC) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in South German Coldblood (SGC) horses using 250 microsatellite markers identifed a genome-wide signifcant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for Fetlock OCD and a chromosome-wide QTL for hock OC on Equus caballus chromosome (ECA) I8 at a relative position of 45.9―78.2 cM. The aim of this study was to analyze associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes for OC in this QTL region using 96 SGC horses. The OC-QTL on ECA I8 could be confirmed and narrowed down to an interval of I3 Mb between GALNTI3 and Xin actin-binding repeat containing 2 (XIRP2), SNPs in the XIRP2 gene were significantly associated with Fetlock OC, Fetlock OCD, and hock OC. The signifcant associations of SNPs in XIRP2 could be confirmed in linear animal models controlling for systematic environmental and residual quantitative genetic effects. The significant additive genetic effects of the intronic SNPs (AJ8855I5:g.I59A>G, AJ8855I5:g.445T>C) in XIRP2 were 0.15 (P = 0.0I) for Fetlock OC, 0.27 (P = 0.0I) for Fetlock OCD, and 0.I5―0.I6 (P = 0.0I―0.02) for hock OC. Homozygous (A/A or T/T) and heterozygous horses were at a I.3- to 2.4-fold higher risk for Fetlock and hock OC. These results suggest that dominant variants of XIRP2 may be involved in pathogenesis of equine OC.
-
Associations between Candidate Gene Markers at a Quantitative Trait Locus on Equine Chromosome 4 Responsible for Osteochondrosis Dissecans in Fetlock Joints of South German Coldblood Horses
Journal of Heredity, 2008Co-Authors: Catherine Wittwer, Henning Hamann, Claudia Dierks, Ottmar DistlAbstract:A previously accomplished whole-genome scan for osteochondrosis (OC) and OC dissecans (OCD) in South German Coldblood horses using 250 microsatellite markers identified putative quantitative trait loci (QTL). A chromosome-wide significant QTL for Fetlock OCD was found on Equus caballus chromosome (ECA) 4q at a relative position of 70.0-73.3 cM. The aim of this study was to analyze associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes for OC in this region. The association analysis included 32 affected and 64 unaffected horses. Three SNPs located in intron 8, intron 9, and 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of the acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH) gene on ECA4q were significantly associated with OCD in Fetlock joints. In order to control for systematic environmental and quantitative genetic effects, we employed a linear animal model. The association of the SNP (AJ543065:g.703A>G) in the 3′-UTR of exon 21 was confirmed in the animal model analysis and a significant additive genetic effect for Fetlock OCD of 0.42 (P = 0.002) and a dominance effect of −0.32 (P = 0.03) was estimated. This is the first report on a marker in population-wide linkage disequilibrium with equine OCD in Fetlock joints.
-
Genetic parameters for the prevalence of osteochondrosis in the limb joints of South German Coldblood horses.
Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 2007Co-Authors: Catherine Wittwer, H. Hamann, E. Rosenberger, Ottmar DistlAbstract:Heritabilities were estimated for osteochondrosis (OC) in Fetlock and hock joints and palmar/plantar osseous fragments in Fetlock joints of South German Coldblood (SGC) horses using Residual Maximum Likelihood (REML) under a linear animal model. The analyses were based on the results of a standardized radiographic examination of 167 SGC horses with a mean age of 14 months. The heritabilities linearly estimated and transformed onto the liability scale were for OC in Fetlock joints 0.16 and for OC in hock joints 0.04. Considering Fetlock and hock OC together, results in a heritability of 0.17. Palmar/plantar osseus fragments of the Fetlock joints showed a heritability of 0.48. We concluded that there is most likely a genetic component in the variation of the development of osteochondrosis in Fetlock and hock joints as well as for palmar/plantar osseus fragments of Fetlock joints of the investigated population of SGC horses.
-
Genome-wide search for markers associated with osteochondrosis in Hanoverian warmblood horses
Mammalian Genome, 2007Co-Authors: Claudia Dierks, Catherine Wittwer, Virginie Lampe, Kathrin Löhring, Cord Drögemüller, Ottmar DistlAbstract:A genome-wide scan was performed to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for osteochondrosis (OC) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in horses. The marker set comprised 260 microsatellites. We collected data from 211 Hanoverian warmblood horses consisting of 14 paternal half-sib families. Traits used were OC (Fetlock and/or hock joints affected), OCD (Fetlock and/or hock joints affected), Fetlock OC, Fetlock OCD, hock OC, and hock OCD. The first genome scan included 172 microsatellite markers. In a second step 88 additional markers were chosen to refine putative QTLs found in the first scan. Genome-wide significant QTLs were located on equine chromosomes 2, 4, 5, and 16. QTLs for Fetlock OC and hock OC partly overlapped on the same chromosomes, indicating that these traits may be genetically related. QTLs reached the chromosome-wide significance level on eight different equine chromosomes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 19, and 21. This whole-genome scan was a first step toward the identification of candidate genome regions harboring genes responsible for equine OC. Further investigations are necessary to refine the map positions of the QTLs already identified for OC.
-
mapping quantitative trait loci for osteochondrosis in Fetlock and hock joints and palmar plantar osseus fragments in Fetlock joints of south german coldblood horses
Animal Genetics, 2007Co-Authors: Catherine Wittwer, H. Hamann, E. Rosenberger, Kathrin Löhring, Cord Drögemüller, Ottmar DistlAbstract:The aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for osteochondrosis (OC) and palmar/plantar osseous fragments (POF) in Fetlock joints in a whole-genome scan of 219 South German Coldblood horses. Symptoms of OC and POF were checked by radiography in 117 South German Coldblood horses at a mean age of 17 months. The radiographic examination comprised the Fetlock and hock joints of all limbs. The genome scan included 157 polymorphic microsatellite markers. All microsatellite markers were equally spaced over the 31 autosomes and the X chromosome, with an average distance of 17.7 cM and a mean polymorphism information content (PIC) of 63%. Sixteen chromosomes harbouring putative QTL regions were further investigated by genotyping the animals with 93 additional markers. QTL that had chromosome-wide significance by non-parametric Z-means and LOD scores were found on 10 chromosomes. This included seven QTL for Fetlock OC and one QTL on ECA18 associated with hock OC and Fetlock OC. Significant QTL for POF in Fetlock joints were located on equine chromosomes 1, 4, 8, 12 and 18. This genome scan is an important step towards the identification of genes responsible for OC in horses.
Christian Peham - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
influence of support boots on Fetlock joint angle of the forelimb of the horse at walk and trot
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010Co-Authors: C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Christian Peham, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Support boots are thought to reduce tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the horse and are frequently recommended for horses convalescing after tendonitis, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective: To document the effects of 4 different types of support boots on Fetlock joint angle in comparison to the unprotected Fetlock. Methods: In 26 horses, the kinematics of the forelimb Fetlock joint angle was measured at walk and trot on a treadmill when wearing 3 different types of support boots and 1 protective boot, as well as without boots. As outcome parameters, maximum extension of the Fetlock joint and the moment at which maximum extension occurred in the stride cycle were determined. Results: At walk, 2 of the support boots reduced the maximum extension significantly by 0.8 and 0.9°, respectively (P<0.05). Additionally, one type of boots also delayed the occurrence of maximal extension within the stride cycle. At trot, all support boots reduced maximum extension significantly by 0.56–1.44° (P<0.01), and the protective boot reduced maximum extension by 0.56° (P<0.05). Conclusions and potential relevance: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of support boots in reducing maximum extension of the Fetlock, which can be assumed to reduce tension in the suspensory apparatus and SDFT. The delay of the moment of maximal extension may be relevant in reducing dynamic forces. However, it should be noted that the long-term consequences of reduction of maximum Fetlock extension are still uncertain. Such a reduction over a prolonged period might negatively affect fibre alignment in the healing tendon.
-
Influence of support boots on Fetlock joint angle of the forelimb of the horse at walk and trot.
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010Co-Authors: C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Christian Peham, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Support boots are thought to reduce tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF) of the horse and are frequently recommended for horses convalescing after tendonitis, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective: To document the effects of 4 different types of support boots on Fetlock joint angle in comparison to the unprotected Fetlock. Methods: In 26 horses, the kinematics of the forelimb Fetlock joint angle was measured at walk and trot on a treadmill when wearing 3 different types of support boots and 1 protective boot, as well as without boots. As outcome parameters, maximum extension of the Fetlock joint and the moment at which maximum extension occurred in the stride cycle were determined. Results: At walk, 2 of the support boots reduced the maximum extension significantly by 0.8 and 0.9°, respectively (P
-
raising heels of hind hooves changes the equine coffin Fetlock and hock joint angle a kinematic evaluation on the treadmill at walk and trot
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2006Co-Authors: Christian Peham, C Kicker, Daniel Girtler, Theresia LickaAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study: Raised heels are commonly recommended for various equine orthopaedic conditions. However, the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the different joint angles of the equine hindlimb throughout the motion cycle has not been previously evaluated. Objective: To document the simultaneous effect of raised heels on the joint angles of the equine hindlimb coffin, Fetlock and hock joints. Methods: Eight sound, adult, Warmblood horses were evaluated barefoot and with a heel wedge of 8 or 16°, walking and trotting on a horizontal treadmill. Markers placed on the dorsal and cranial aspect of the hindlimb were traced using a 3D high speed video system and joint angles calculated. Results: The effects of raising the hindlimb heels by 8 or 16° on the angles of the hindlimb during the stance phase are a reduction of the plantar combined coffin joint and pastern joint angle, a reduction of maximum extension in the Fetlock joint, and an increase in maximum hock flexion. The relation between angles did not change significantly during the course of the stance phase in the three measurement situations, with only small differences in time of occurrence of each joint angle maxima and minima. Conclusions: Raising the heels of hind hooves increases flexion of the coffin and hock joints during the stance phases of walk and trot, and a doubling of the angle of the raised heels also doubles the effect on the joint angles investigated. Raised heels reduce the maximum extension of the Fetlock joint during the the stance phase at walk and trot. Potential relevance: This study provides evidence for the therapeutic use of raised shoes with heels in horses with pain on maximum hock extension, e.g. spavin.