(click on an image to enlarge)

The first image: A report generated today using the Equinosis Lameness Locator showing a significant right front lameness (also a right hind lameness). The reports indicates this right front lameness by: a distribution of rays almost exclusively in the “RF beginning” quadrant; an A1/A2 ratio well above the .5 threshold for the right front; and significant head diff max and min values.

The second image: A report generated today using the Equinosis Lameness Locator on the same horse after a High Two Point block of the right front. You can see the right front lameness resolves significantly after this block: a more equal distribution of rays in all quadrants; A1/A2 ratios below the .5 threshold; and significantly decreased head diff max and min values compared to baseline. The exact meaning of each of these values takes some amount of explanation, but the exciting point here is the demonstration of the quantifiable nature of lameness using the Lameness Locator technology — the ability to objectively evaluate the effect of the block. In this horse, after blocking her out using the High Two Point block, an ultrasound revealed pathology of the RF suspensory ligament.

Eggleston Equine recently acquired the Lameness Locator®, an objective lameness diagnostic technology manufactured by Equinosis, LLC. The system, developed at the University of Missouri’s Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, objectively detects and quantifies body movement asymmetry in a horse using small, body-mounted wireless inertial sensors and custom-written software on a hand-held tablet PC. Eggleston Equine is excited to be the first practice in the New England region to acquire this technology.

“The horse-owning public demands a high level of competency in the care and treatment of their animals,” says James Ruder, CEO of the company. “New digital radiography, stem-cell therapy and the like have elevated the to-market services the horse owner has come to expect; lameness evaluation is no exception. Lameness Locator® delivers measurable, quantifiable results, allowing the equine practitioner the opportunity to focus on identifying the cause and treatment of the lameness.”

More information on the system can be found at www.equinosis.com. The technology is somewhat difficult to grasp in the abstract. To that end, Eggleston Equine is putting together several clinics demonstrating the technology. We will post more information as it becomes available. If you are interested in hosting a demonstration clinic or simply wish to schedule an appointment to have your horse evaluated with the Lameness Locator®, please email dr@egglestonequine.com.