| Summary: | Studies examining lameness conditions and health concerns for horse owners are
important for education and future research. To investigate this, a survey and two studies were
conducted. For the survey, a total of 152 responses were collected. Horse owners ranked
lameness as the top concern (35%), followed by colic (21%). Lameness issues were ranked as
the top (37%) veterinary expense. To validate a non-invasive ultrasound technique for imaging
the digital cushion, ten cadaver limbs were evaluated. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.73; p
= 0.02) between ultrasound and actual measurement. To establish baseline values, 25 mature,
stock-type horses were imaged. Mean values for age, weight, and BCS were 10.5 years, 477.2
kg, and 5.5, respectively. Mean values for digital cushion of the left fore and hind were 0.96 and
1.04 cm, respectively. When comparing shod versus unshod horses, no significant difference (p
= 0.13) was observed.
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