Lameness Locator Instrument

[IPEsq]

Like with any technology, there are limitations. It does not know how to evaluate the canter gait, for example. And it requires purchasing software and the system. I don’t know if there are subscription fees or a one time thing, but it’s another expense for smaller practices.

I’ve used it a few times. Honestly, almost every time it said the horse was sound (WNL), albeit potentially with some asymmetries. But after finding the issue (particularly if the issue is in the axial skeleton) and treating it, running the program again, the horse became more sound with less noise on the graph. And then during a setback, the main problem leg was finally isolated to being consistently mildly off (assuming most of the compensation patterns had calmed down with the initial treatment and rehab).

So, on the one hand, it could be good at picking up subtle lameness. It could also be good to confirm responses to flexions or blocks by removing some human bias. But the algorithm does tolerate a range of asymmetry that may or may not be clinical and so is just as hard to interpret as watching the horse without the device.

[cnd8]

Eh, I don’t feel like it is all that useful. It still requires a vet pretty well versed in equine lameness to interpret the results. So, either way, I still need to haul to the specialist for more reliable answers than my local vet who uses this device.

So, I guess in short, I think it is only as useful as the vet using it.

[ASB_Stars]

@cnd8

So, I guess in short, I think it is only as useful as the vet using it.

I think that is the case with any diagnostics. They’re only as good as the people reading the data. or observing the issues.

[SmlHpy1]

This was a very interesting thread. I’ve hauled my horse to University of MO a few times to see Dr Keegan. I think the lameness locator was helpful each time. The human eye is subjective. A computer is not. But it definitely takes training to interpret the results. My very first appointment was in 2017 and after a super long day of diagnosis including some while riding if I remember correctly, my horse was diagnosed with neck arthritis. He was a very interesting case actually. I would not hesitate to have this used on my horse by someone that has had the training interpreting the results and is a good lameness vet to begin with. I know several other people in my area that have also hauled to Mizzou to work with Dr Keegan. All had wonderful experiences and none of us would hesitate to return. We are all very thankful to have this resource fairly close by.