Objective lameness assessment of 235 horses undergoing lameness examination in Brazil: A retrospective study
Authors: A. Rodrigues, Ricardo Pozzobon, Grasiela De Bastiani, F. D. De La Côrte, M. S. Azevedo
Journal: Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Objective Lameness Assessment in 235 Brazilian Horses A retrospective analysis of lameness examinations conducted between 2016 and 2020 used wireless inertial sensor technology to objectively quantify gait asymmetries in 235 horses, establishing baseline prevalence and distribution patterns for a Brazilian population. The comprehensive examination protocol included clinical assessment, static and dynamic evaluation, flexion testing, lunge work, diagnostic analgesia, and imaging, with objective data generated via body-mounted sensors determining lameness classification, affected limb, type (impact versus push-off), intensity grade, and anatomical location. Among the cohort, 93.6% presented detectable lameness, with forelimb involvement predominating at 59.5% versus 40.5% hindlimb cases; the most common presentation was primary lameness in one limb coupled with secondary compensation in the contralateral limb, whilst impact lameness dominated both foreand hindlimbs and moderate-to-severe intensity was most prevalent. Distal forelimb structures bore the greatest burden of disease, whereas proximal-lower hindlimb regions were most frequently affected, highlighting distinct anatomical vulnerability patterns between fore- and hindquarters. These findings underscore the value of objective sensor-based assessment for standardising lameness diagnosis and monitoring, whilst the regional prevalence data may inform targeted diagnostic protocols and preventative strategies aligned with the specific biomechanical stresses experienced by working horses in southern Brazil.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Forelimb lameness is significantly more common than hindlimb lameness in this Brazilian population; prioritize distal forelimb structures (foot, pastern, fetlock) in diagnostic workup
- •Impact lameness dominates the presentation pattern—focus on landing asymmetry and structures involved in impact absorption when planning diagnostic blocks and imaging
- •Most lame horses present with moderate-to-severe intensity and mixed primary/secondary patterns; expect multi-limb involvement rather than isolated single-limb cases in your examination protocols
Key Findings
- •93.6% of 235 horses presented lameness during examination
- •59.5% of lame horses had forelimb lameness versus 40.5% with hindlimb lameness
- •Impact lameness was the most frequent type in both forelimbs and hindlimbs
- •Distal forelimb regions were most affected while proximal lower hindlimb regions were most affected