Equine experimental lameness induction models

Abstract

Equine lameness due to musculoskeletal injury remains a common and significant cause of decreased performance. While our understanding and management of lameness have improved with advanced imaging, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic progression, a need for experimental equine models of lameness remains. Ideal features of experimentally induced models include the ability to predict severity, onset and progression of clinical signs or disease. In addition, the disease process needs to be as close biomechanically and biochemically to natural disease. To allow for objective research assessments, the identification of lameness needs to be sensitive and based on validated models. Although a wide range of both in vitro and in vivo models have been explored, the complexity of clinical disease has led to a broad scope of research with osteoarthritis as well as tendon and ligament injuries being major areas of focus. While nonsynovitis models have been widely studied, and detailed in the author's previous review, mechanical or alternate models have also been investigated. This evidence-based review will evaluate the efficacy, reproducibility and alternate considerations associated with these investigated models of joint and tendon/ligament injury to guide decision-making and improve future research.