Hoof kinetic patterns differ between sound and laminitic horses

Abstract

Background: No kinetic data on hoof loading in laminitic horses are available, despite their importance for optimising supportive shoeing therapies. Objectives: To quantify the load distribution pattern in laminitic and sound horses. Study design: Controlled observational study. Methods: Fifty-four sound and laminitic horses were assigned to three groups: control group (sound horses), group 1 (G1) horses with acute laminitis, evaluated immediately after acute clinical signs subsided, and group 2 (G2) horses that had been free of acute laminitis signs for 6-12 weeks. Measurements on both forelimbs in barefoot condition were performed during walk using the Hoof™ System. Kinetic parameters were recorded and compared between hoof regions and groups using covariance analyses and t tests (P