The Cutting Edge Veterinary Podcast

STUDENTS: Emily Russ and Jessica Dixon

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Thilo Pfau

There is no shortage of research showing that even the experts struggle to diagnose equine lameness, simply due to the limits of the human eye in detecting movement asymmetry. To further complicate the picture, there is inherent bias in interpreting flexions or diagnostic blocks due to knowledge of the procedures being performed. It becomes clear that, in order for us to advance in our accurate detection and therefore appropriate management of lameness, we must advance our diagnostic capabilities. This is where gait analysis technology comes in. Also known as the “lameness locator”, gait analysis utilizes motion sensors to precisely detect and map movement asymmetry. These sensors are able to sample much faster than the human eye, which allows for detection of very subtle asymmetries. In addition to detection and localization of lameness, they also can quantify the amplitude of lameness and the timing within the stride cycle where lameness is occurring. By quantifying gait asymmetry, gait analysis technology serves as an objective method to guide and support the veterinarian’s clinical assessment in the diagnosis of equine lameness. This innovative technology continues to become more practical, accessible, and as we advance in the field of equine sports medicine, a necessity.