There is an association between hind limb lameness and low plantar angles of the distal phalanx (PAPD) of the hind limb. Anecdotally, veterinary prescription shoeing for hind limb lameness will often encourage shortening the toe of the hoof and adding caudal heel support with the shoe. Many veterinarians, farriers and horse owners assume that providing horses with more caudal support in the hind limbs is beneficial for performance and a longer competitive life. This study investigates whether horses that are shod in a longer fitting shoe at the heel (caudal support) will have an increased PADP compared to being shod in a standard length shoe. This study also investigates whether horses that are shod with caudal support will move more symmetrically compared with being shod in a standard length shoe. Horses were examined over three shoeing conditions, Baseline (original shoes), shoe 1 (standard fitting shoe) and shoe 2 (caudal support). Lateral radiographs were taken after each shoeing condition to measure shoe length and the PAPD. Each horse was fitted with a validated inertial sensor-based gait analysis system to quantify the effects of shoe size on movement symmetry by measuring weight bearing and push off symmetry between the three shoeing conditions. A pairwise comparison was used for the shoeing conditions with a level of significance of p=<0.05
Abstract
The Effects of Caudal Support on the Plantar Angle of the Distal Phalanx and Hind Limb Symmetry
Recording of the Live Q&A with Daniel Harman
