Effekten av traktkil på det distala benets rörelsemönster hos travhäst

Abstract: Changing of the hoof angle is a common method for the treatment of many lameness-related conditions (Moyer 1980; Stashak 2002). Various studies in the literature have indicated different results of the effect of changing the hoof angle on the movement of the distal limb. Our study investigated the effect of raising the heel of the forelimbs by 10,7 mm on the movement of the distal limb. Horses trotted on a treadmill at several predetermined speeds. The kinematics of the distal limb was determined and variables including the extension of the fetlock joint were determined. The kinematics of the distal limb were significantly altered. The results indicated that at higher speed the fetlock joint is less extended. These results were counter intuitive and need validation. These results are though interesting as they do not support the common supposition that raising the heel would result in increased extension. Therefore, therapies using changes in hoof angle need to be validated as to their true effect.