The Atlanta Equine Clinic The Atlanta Equine Clinic The Atlanta Equine Clinic

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT ON-LINE CONSULTATION EVENTS & SEMINARS NEWSLETTER
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS CLIENT EDUCATION LIBRARY VETERINARY MEDICINE NEWS CASES OF INTERESTRELATED WEB LINKS
PHARMACY
HOME



 

 

Check out our Image Interpretation Service

 

 

Bring Life to Your Land

Back to Library

The Use of Telemedical (Remote) Lameness Observation in Equine Sports Medicine.

 

AEC Telemedical Office

 

 

Take Home Message

Information acquired through telemedical observation can be used to increase the speed and accuracy with which the equine practitioner diagnoses and manages lameness.

 

Introduction

For the better part of veterinary medical history, clinical examination was the primary method used to diagnose lameness in the horse. Through meticulous inspection and a methodical approach, the veterinarian would formulate a visual impression of the horse's movement for the purpose of discerning clinical significance(s). Individual gait characteristics were identified and subsequently "decoded", using previous correlations and experience obtained by the examining veterinarian. This approach to evaluation was more representative of "art" than medicine, but often allowed the practitioner to accurately interpret the relationship between specific gait abnormalities and probable sources of lameness. Several pioneers in the field of equine sports medicine were known for their ability to "diagnose lameness at a glance".

Our desire to extract dynamic intelligence relating to the horse's gait prompted the use of cinematographic motion analysis over 40 years ago [1-4]. More recent telemetric research has been conducted under environmental control with the intention of formulating objective "rules" for the quantification of lameness. Through kinematic and kinetic analysis, parameters such as stride length, stride height, stance phase duration, head excursion and weight distribution are assessed [5]. Although the "code" of equine locomotion is gradually being deciphered via these studies, the majority of this knowledge has yet to find regular application with regard to veterinary observation of movement in the field.

Consequently, most private practitioners are still relying on their own visual "impression" of the lame horse during clinical examination. Although this aspect of the examination has been less emphasized pursuant to the veritable explosion of newer diagnostic and imaging modalities, it remains an essential component of thorough investigation.

Fortunately, the advent of new information technologies and readily-accessible motion analysis software enables the modern equine veterinarian to visually observe lameness at a distance. This form of medicine, known as telemedicine, is currently provided to human medical patients, formula-one race car drivers and astronauts (among others) [6-10].

Telemedicine presents a variety of advantages to the equine practitioner. These include:
1. Elimination of distance barriers
2. Reduction in overall veterinary workload
3. Reduction in the need for accessory personnel
4. Elimination of physical risk (danger) to veterinary personnel
5. Reduction in veterinary evaluation time and expense
6. Reduction in reporting turnaround time
7. Synchronized networking between caretakers (owner, trainer, farrier, veterinarian, etc.)
8. Increased accessibility to a centralized pool of medical expertise

The objective of this investigation was to determine the overall value of remote lameness observation within one equine practice [a].

 

Materials and Methods

Video clips of 319 horses with a presenting complaint of decreased performance were remotely reviewed by one veterinarian between January 2011 and January 2013. In all cases cited in this study, lameness was observed telemedically using motion analysis software [b] prior to hands-on veterinary examination or diagnosis.

In each instance, probable sources of lameness were surmised and recorded by the telemedical examiner. Postulations were derived from a combination of digital examination findings and past experience. Due to the examiner's inability to differentiate between certain regionally-based problems (such as a severe foot bruise, early foot abscess, or chronic P3 fracture), more than one possible diagnosis within a specific anatomic region (e.g. below the level of the fetlock) were listed within a single classification (see below).

Specific diagnoses were subsequently made and confirmed through local (on-site) examination by a veterinarian using diagnostic modalities such as anamnesis, palpation, active flexion testing, local perineural or intraarticular anesthesia and imaging (radiographic, ultrasonographic, thermographic and/or scintigraphic). In 88 of the cases, follow-up (hands-on) evaluation was performed by the remote examining veterinarian.

Basic process elements for remote digital assessment included:

1. Acquisition of video footage. Footage was obtained by an individual (owner, trainer or local veterinarian in the physical presence of the horse. Footage in standard definition and either .avi or .mov formats was considered preferable, although the software allowed for various format conversion. Camera motion during filming was restricted to a horizontal plane; vertical movement, zooming and/or panning was discouraged as this made subtle gait abnormalities more difficult to discern. When possible, a consistent distance between the camera and subject was also maintained.

The following footage was requested:
A. With the horse standing squarely on a level surface: dorsal views of the thoracic feet and limbs together, plantar views of the pelvic feet and limbs together, lateral views of each thoracic and pelvic foot separately and right and left lateral views of the entire animal.
B. With the horse moving on a hard (e.g. asphalt) surface: cranial and lateral views of the horse walking and trotting in a straight line on a loose lead.
C. With the horse on a soft (e.g. arena) surface: lateral views of the horse at the walk, trot and canter on the lunge and under saddle.
D. In some cases, history dictated that additional footage be procured.

2. Submission of video footage. Footage was usually shared through a free file hosting service that offers synchronization of large files between users [c]. A folder containing video footage was shared between the client, farrier, attending veterinarians and other related parties.


3. Loading of footage into motion analysis software. Images within shared folders were accessed through a file management feature built into the software. Specified photographs and video clips were uploaded into a viewing panel for evaluation.


4. Digital evaluation of video footage. Once uploaded, pertinent image(s) were viewed within the motion analysis application. The software offered a variety of tools that allowed for more thorough evaluation of footage and objectification of observations when necessary (Figure 1).

Figure 1

 

The remote examiner analyzed the footage with the intention of answering a series of questions:

1) Which limb or limbs are affected?
2) What is the grade [d] of lameness?
3) What is the nature of the lameness?
4) At which gait(s) is lameness observed?
5) How does the lameness change with regard to surface?
6) How does the lameness change with regard to direction?
7) Are there any distinguishable traits to the lameness?

5. Classification and Categorization of video footage. Video clips were classified based on visible lameness characteristics and subsequently categorized into groups of similar findings. Unique gait characteristics were noted wherever depicted.

6. Electronic record creation. Observation findings were documented. Segments of video footage, photographs, diagrams and verbal commentary were often included in the patient's record, which was created within the software application.

7. Sharing the results of the evaluation. A copy of the record was published to the web using the file hosting service. A link to the record was concurrently created and sent to authorized parties to allow for online viewing and/or downloading.

 

Results

Telemedical observation findings of 319 horses were classified based on gait characteristics (Table 1). Independent thoracic and pelvic asymmetries were observed in 36 of the horses; these were evaluated and classified as separate (distinct) deficits.

 

Table 1

 

Differential diagnoses were postulated based on the observer's visual (impressionistic) classification of gait. Comparison of telemedical (remote) and confirmed (hands-on) diagnoses was then performed in an attempt to establish correlation (Table 2).

 

Table 2

 

Discussion

Although the visual diagnostic ability of the author certainly leaves "room for improvement" with regard to accuracy and specificity, this study suggests that there is considerable value that can be afforded through remote digital observation of the lame horse. Diagnoses supported the examiner's observations in 80% of cases assessed within this investigation. Based on previous experience, the examiner was able to assign a number of visible aberrations in gait to consistent sources of lameness with moderate precision. Tools built into the motion analysis software facilitated differentiation of individual gait characteristics when necessary and possible. Subsequent classification and categorization of abnormal motion patterns assisted in the establishment of a cursory relationship between personal visual impression and clinically-significant pathology.

The fact that similar gait deficits exist for a variety of problems makes remote observation an impractical strategy for reaching or confirming a diagnosis, except in the horses exhibiting a single pathognomonic abnormality (such as obvious goose-stepping in the pelvic limb). The ability to differentiate between multiple problems within the foot, for example, was not possible when based solely on the author's visual impression(s). There was a clear aptitude for distinguishing between problems in the foot and those above the fetlock joint, however. Although relatively nonspecific, this form of "regionalized" information has proven to be useful during preemptive screening prior to hands-on examination, post-treatment follow-up assessment and instant sharing of opinions between professionals affiliated with this practice.

In addition to providing a means by which to easily assess a horse during movement, telemedical availability allowed this examiner to accumulate a large number of cases within a relatively short period of time. This was attributed to the lack of time, distance and financial restrictions associated with the modality. A setting in which a single examiner can evaluate a large number of subjects has been suggested to be a crucial part of refining one's subjective diagnostic accuracy [11]. Telemedical motion analysis, therefore, may also provide a foundation on which the equine veterinarian can develop, modify, refine and translate visual impressions into meaningful clinical information. Once interpretative "rules" have been established for an observer, a more educated approach to visual evaluation (both from local and remote standpoints) is possible.

Since the recognition of gait characteristics is typically based on individual interpretation rather than objective markers, it is unrealistic to surmise that all variations in movement would be identically perceived between examiners. Lameness grade quantification among veterinary examiners has proven to be unreliable for the same reason [12]. Lameness classification and categorization designations cited in this paper were specific to the author, as was the ability to recognize individual gait aberrations. It is probable that another practitioner would use a discrete and personalized set of criteria with which to develop an overall impression, or that he/she might interpret identical information differently. Regardless of the impressionistic methodology, however, we might expect multiple experienced observers to eventually make comparable deductions with regard to differential diagnoses. Future studies to determine the diagnostic consistency among a group of veterinarians using this technique are warranted.

 

Conclusion

The dramatic increase in evaluation efficiency afforded by telemedical observation allows the equine veterinarian to provide an attentive, proactive approach to managing and preventing lameness. Progress can be assessed on a regular basis with very little investment of time and money on behalf of the practitioner. This translates into a better overall service to the client. Although telemedical assessment comprises only one facet of comprehensive lameness investigation, it's implementation may enhance the diagnostic proficiency of the equine performance veterinarian.

 

References & Footnotes

1. Tabin VI. Analysis of motion in the ulnar joint of some animals by high-speed cinematography. Arkh Anat Gistol Embriol 1965;49:46-51.

2. Fredricson I, Drevemo S. A new method of investigating equine locomotion. Equine Vet J 1971;3:137-140.

3. Fredricson I, Drevemo S, Moen K, et al. A method of three-dimensional analysis of kinematics and co-ordination of equine extremity joints. A photogrammetric approach applying high-speed cinematography. Acta Vet Scand Suppl 1972;37:1-133.

4. Bayer A. Motion analysis in trotting horses using ungulography. Zentralbl Veterinarmed 1973;20:209-21.

5. Hobbs SJ, Levine D, Richards J, et al. Motion analysis and its use in equine practice and research. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 2010;97:55-64.

6. Field MJ, Grigsby J. Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. JAMA 2002;288:423-425.

7. Katsis CD, Ganiatsas G, Fotiadis DI. An integrated telemedicine platform for the assessment of affective physiological states. Diagn Pathol 2006;1:16.

8. Bashshur R, Lovett J. Assessment of telemedicine: Results of the initial experience. Aviat Space Environ Med 1977;48:65-70.

9. Doarn CR, Nicogossian AE, Merrell RC. Applications of telemedicine in the United States space program. Telemedicine Journal 1998;4:19-30.

10. Nicogossian AE, Pober DF, Roy SA. Evolution of telemedicine in the space program and earth applications. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health 2001;7:1-15.

11. Keegan KG, Columbia MO. Objective measures of lameness evaluation, in Proceedings. ACVS Veterinary Symposium 2012;127-131.

12. Dyson, S. Can lameness be graded reliably? Equine Vet J 2011;43:379-382.

 

[a] The Atlanta Equine Clinic 1665 Ward Road Hoschton, GA 30548

[b] Equine Tec Video Analysis Software P.O. Box 1133 Monroe, GA 30655

[c] Dropbox®, Inc. 185 Berry Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

[d] Guide to veterinary services for horse shows, ed 7. Lexington, KY. American Association of Equine Practitioners, 1999.

 

 

If you have any questions regarding Telemedical (Remote) Lameness Evaluation please call our office at (678) 867-2577. We look forward to serving you!
 
THE ATLANTA EQUINE CLINIC: 1665 Ward Road, Hoschton, Georgia 30548 - ph. 678-867-2577

home | schedule an appointment | on-line consultations | events & seminars | questions & answers | client library | veterinary news | case of the month | related web links | clinic pharmacy | AEC clothing | classified ads