Hoof Boots to Detect Lameness

An experimental study by German researchers evaluated the utility of instrumented hoof boots (IHB) for the detection of naturally occurring lameness before and after diagnostic anesthesia was successfully used to localize the lameness in a clinical setting.

Twenty-six horses, mostly warmbloods and all over 3 years of age with a Grade 1-2 (scale 0-5) lameness in a front or hind limb that improved after regional nerve or intra-articular blocks were included in the study.

The horses were fitted with four sneaker-type hoof boots that included pressure sensors embedded in the sole along with body-mounted inertial sensors (BMIS) and readings were obtained before and after diagnostic anesthesia was performed. Horses were examined trotting in-hand, in a straight line and on hard ground.

Before diagnostic anesthesia, peak vertical pressure and impulse were different between lame and contralateral limbs. Following the diagnostic blocks, loading was more symmetrical and there were no differences in these parameters between lame and contralateral limbs.

The authors concluded that IHB was useful in identifying when the lameness was present and when diagnostic anesthesia effectively blocked the lameness. This would help veterinarians localize lameness with objective data during clinical lameness exams.

— Keller J et al. The Vet J 2026. DOI:10.1016/j.tvjl.2026.106614

Vibration for Back Pain

Researchers at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a small experimental trial of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy with eight horses diagnosed with thoracolumbar pain and pathology.

The clinical problems WBV involves standing the patient on two metal plates that vibrate at a specific frequency and amplitude for 30 minutes to stimulate muscle contractions, which is thought to increase muscle strength and relieve pain. Pain levels before, immediately after and 24 hours after WBV treatment were assessed by measuring mechanical nociceptive thresholds, which are a measure of avoidance to pressure applied to the muscles along the sides of the spine.

Immediately after the WBV therapy, there was no significant difference in the mechanical nociceptive thresholds from the pretreatment values. At 24 hours after treatment, the mechanical nociceptive thresholds significantly decreased (indicating an increase in pain levels) regardless of the initial location and cause of the back pain. The authors advise using WBV with caution for horses with back pain.

— Giancola SC and Ellis KL. JEVS 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105919

Turnout Makes Better Athletes

Researchers conducted a prospective cohort study of 129 Thoroughbred foals in the United Kingdom and Ireland to investigate gestational and early life factors associated with racing success through 4 years of age.

All foals born on the six participating stud farms were enrolled in the study before data collection. A detailed record of daily activities including turnout, veterinary intervention, medication and other management activities was maintained for each foal. Training and racing data were obtained from the stud farms, as well as records of racing authorities.

By the end of their fourth year, 95% of the horses had registered with a trainer and 76% had raced at least once. By the end of their third year the number of starts ranged from one to 23 (median seven starts) with £0 to £197,600 ($266,500) in prize money (median was £6,898 [$9,300]).

Increasing average daily turnout time (hours) and turnout area (acres) were associated with an increased likelihood of racing and increased total prize money earned. Age at weaning (days) was positively associated with increased odds of racing and increased number of starts. The authors suggest increased turnout during the first 6 months of age, a critical development period, may positively influence musculoskeletal tissue adaptation, growth and development.

— Mouncey R et al. EVJ 2025. DOI: 10.1111/evj.70084

Measuring Club Feet in Donkeys

Researchers from Cairo University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Egypt published a descriptive study of measurements and radiographic changes associated with flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (club feet) in donkeys.

The objectives were to describe the radiographic abnormalities present, identify measurements associated with club feet and the radiographic changes noted and examine correlations between toe and heel measurements.

Twenty-three front feet showing evidence of flexural deformity were collected from cadavers of 18 animals that died for reasons unrelated to their hooves. Standardized lateral digital images and lateromedial and dorsopalmar X-rays were taken of each foot. Measurements including toe and heel lengths and angles were obtained among others assessing the base of support, toe and heel differences and ratios and the hoof-pastern axis.

All the feet had osteolytic reactions evident on the solar aspect of P3, and 91% had osteolysis at the tip of P3. About a third (35%) had evidence of osteolytic changes and osteophyte formation on P2 while similar reactions were seen on the navicular bones of 26%.

Mineralization of the collateral ligaments of the coffin joint were present in 17% and degenerative joint disease of the coffin joint and bony exostoses were present at the tip of P3 for 17% and 8% of the feet, respectively.

Toe length was negatively correlated with both toe angle and heel angle, heel length was negatively correlated with heel angle, while toe length was positively correlated with heel length and toe angle was positively correlated with heel angle. Increased toe and heel angles and decreased toe and heel lengths decreased dorsal coronary band height. Decreased hoof-pastern axis were associated with the flexural deformity along with a broken forward hoof-pastern axis.

— El-Marakby AI et al. BMC Vet Res 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12917-026-05633-2