The development of locomotor kinetics in the foal and the effect of osteochondrosis

Abstract

SummaryReason for performing studyFoals stand and walk immediately after birth, but insight into the subsequent longitudinal development of their gait kinetics in the early juvenile phase and the possible influence of osteochondrosis thereon is lacking.ObjectivesTo quantify gait kinetics in foals during the first half year of life, taking into account their osteochondrosis status.Study designProspective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm.MethodsPressure plate measurements at walk and trot from 11 Dutch Warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to determine body mass normalised peak vertical force, normalised vertical impulse and stance duration. Coefficients of variation of peak vertical force and stance duration were used as measures for gait maturity. Radiographs of tarsocrural and femoropatellar joints were taken at age 4–6 weeks and after 6 months to check for osteochondrosis. A linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of age, limb, presence of osteochondrosis and speed on gait parameters.ResultsMean walking and trotting velocity increased over time as did stance duration and normalised vertical impulse, normalised peak vertical force values however remained relatively constant. During the first weeks of their life only the coefficient of variation of stance duration decreased significantly, while the coefficient of variation of peak vertical force did not. None of the foals was visibly lame, but the presence of osteochondrosis resulted in a temporarily but significantly reduced normalised peak vertical force.Main limitationsThis study is a relatively small sample size of one breed from a single stud farm. A stand‐alone pressure plate was used and body mass was estimated rather than measured.ConclusionsDespite being precocious, foals need time to mature their gait. During growth, velocity at walk and trot increases, but normalised peak vertical force remains relatively constant. Although not visibly lame, a temporary reduction in normalised peak vertical force was detected in osteochondrosis positive foals using a pressure plate.

The development of hoof balance and landing preference in the post‐natal period

“…Already during the first weeks of life, a significant reduction in variability was observed. This is in line with the rapid initial improvement of static balance [3] and the significant reduction in variability of the stance duration [2] observed in young foals and is likely due to better control thanks to the maturation of the neuromuscular system. In a stabilographic study cranio-caudal sway amplitudes that were larger than those in medial-lateral direction shortly after birth [3].…”

“…Osteochondrosis was not a significant factor in our models, while there was a small, yet significant effect of OC on kinetic parameters in our previous study . Hence, the minor changes observed in kinetic parameters due to subclinical lameness (resulting in a reduction of nPVF in the affected limb) are not reflected in the hoof‐balance ASI.…”

“…This also applies to their static balance, as stabilographic measurements showed that both amplitude and velocity of the body's centre of pressure (COP) movements decrease rapidly after birth [3]. Simultaneously, the variability of stance duration at walk and trot is reduced, suggesting maturation of the musculoskeletal system and gait control [2]. It is not unlikely that dynamic balance, i.e.…”

Science in brief: Highlights from the equine abstracts at the Eighth International Conference on Canine and Equine Locomotion

“…Speed at walk and trot increased, whereas peak vertical force, normalised to body weight, stayed constant. Foals with subclinical osteochondrosis lesions showed a temporary reduction in peak vertical force [11]. These studies suggest that pressure plates may represent useful tools for the regular monitoring of horses and may have the potential to detect subclinical lameness.…”

Clinical insights: Biomechanics and lameness diagnosis

“…Another study by the same authors aimed at quantifying gait kinetics in foals during the first half year of life, taking into account their osteochondrosis status. This showed that during growth, velocity at walk and trot gradually increases, while maintaining normalised peak vertical force; and that a temporary reduction in normalised peak vertical force was detected in osteochondrosis positive foals in the absence of lameness . These findings in young horses should be taken into account when foals are presented with gait disturbances.…”