Dr. Allen Page, an assistant professor specializing in equine health, is dedicated to advancing research in musculoskeletal conditions and inflammation in horses. In collaboration with Equisym, he utilizes innovative tools to detect subtle variations in lameness, improving both research outcomes and clinical care. His insights emphasize the potential of technology to enhance equine welfare and diagnostic precision.
Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Allen Page, an assistant professor specializing in inflammation and equine health, focusing on musculoskeletal conditions in horses.
Why did you choose to work with Equisym in the first place?
In our research, we are particularly interested in detecting subtle variations in lameness, especially in experimental models. That’s why we are exploring various tools and technologies that are available. We are looking for solutions that best fit our needs, delivering objective measurements that allow us to monitor changes in lameness over time in response to treatments, inflammation, and other factors.
How has your experience with Equisym been so far?
Our experience with Equisym has been excellent. The system is user-friendly, the sensor holders work effectively, and we find the app interface very intuitive. The ability to use an iPad to access all the data, record videos of the horses, and analyze their strides in slow motion alongside the captured data is particularly interesting. Additionally, having the option to review the data online adds to the convenience, making the entire process seamless and efficient.
Can you share a case where Equisym and the Arioneo team helped you?
We’ve been collaborating closely with the Arioneo team, in France, and they’ve been incredibly helpful in interpreting data and providing insights on better understanding the outputs from both the app and the web interface. One notable case involved a horse trotting in a straight line. Using Equisym, we identified bilateral hindlimb lameness that typically would have required additional tests such as lunging or flexion assessments to detect. Thanks to the precise values provided by Equisym, we could pinpoint the bilateral lameness—a diagnosis that wasn’t apparent using other systems we were testing.
Would that be because we have a sensor on the withers? Do you think the withers affect the quality of the measures?
I think having a sensor on the withers is an interesting and somewhat novel approach to diagnosing lameness. The horses have tolerated the device on their withers very well, which is great, especially since we work with research horses, many of which aren’t accustomed to saddles or equipment around their girth. I also think it’s beneficial because it shifts the focus away from the head. This reduces the impact of variability caused by handlers holding the lunge too tightly or by horses throwing their heads. With the withers sensor, you don’t have to worry about those factors affecting the measurements.
How do you see the future of objective locomotion tools?
I believe objective lameness detection holds tremendous potential, not only for advancing research but also for enhancing clinical practice. These tools can significantly improve the care and welfare of our equine patients, providing more accurate and reliable insights into their locomotion and overall health.
Key Words: Arioneo, Equisym, girth, locomotion, equine, horse, lameness
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