Circumferential hoof clamp method of lameness induction in the horse.

Authors: Swaab M E, Mendez-Angulo J L, Groschen D M, Ernst N S, Brown M P, Trumble T N

Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)

DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.026 PubMed: 26045357Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Circumferential Hoof Clamp Method of Lameness Induction Researchers evaluated a circumferential hoof clamp technique as a method for inducing controlled, reversible lameness in horses' forelimbs, recognising the need for reproducible lameness models in equine research. Eight horses were fitted with clamps that were progressively tightened whilst lameness was assessed both objectively using force plate analysis (measuring peak vertical forces and impulses) and subjectively through video evaluation by blinded observers using a 0–5 lameness scale. Clamp tightening reliably induced visible lameness across all horses, with peak vertical force measurements showing statistically significant decreases from baseline (P<0.01) and subjective lameness scores rising from 0 to a median of 2; however, lameness did not immediately resolve upon clamp removal (median score 1.5), though horses returned to baseline within approximately three days. Whilst this technique offers researchers a standardised, reproducible method for studying lameness without permanent tissue damage, farriers and veterinarians should recognise that reversibility requires several days rather than being instantaneous, and further investigation into the underlying mechanisms—such as pressure-related soft tissue inflammation rather than true structural pathology—would help clarify how findings from this model translate to naturally occurring equine lameness encountered in clinical practice.

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Practical Takeaways

•The circumferential hoof clamp is a reliable and reversible experimental method for inducing controlled lameness in horses for research purposes
•Lameness induction is immediate and consistent with visual changes, but recovery takes several days even after clamp removal—relevant for research planning and animal welfare protocols
•This method provides both objective (force plate) and subjective (visual scoring) lameness confirmation, useful as a standardized research tool

Key Findings

•Circumferential hoof clamps reliably induced consistent, visible lameness in all 8 horses when tightened
•Lameness was objectively confirmed by significant decreases in peak vertical force (P<0.01) compared to baseline
•Lameness was subjectively scored at median 2/5 during induction versus baseline 0/5, and did not immediately reverse after clamp loosening (median 1.5/5)
•Residual lameness resolved within approximately 3 days of clamp removal, with median scores returning to 0.5/5

Conditions Studied

induced lamenessforelimb lameness

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