Date of Award

2015

Publisher

North Dakota State University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Awarded

Master of Science (MS)

Program

Animal Sciences

Department

Animal Sciences

College

Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources

Faculty Advisor

Hammer, Carrie

Description

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.

Rights

NDSU policy 190.6.2

Rights Link

https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf

Handle Identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/10365/27921

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