Effects of forelimb instrumentation on lameness detection in horses using a portable inertial sensor-based system.

Objective: To investigate the effects of a small sensor attached to the pastern region of a forelimb on lameness detection and quantification with a portable inertial sensor-based system (PISBS) for lameness detection and quantification in horses.

Animals: 20 adult horses (body weight, 410 to 650 kg) with no visible lameness at the walk.

Procedures: In a crossover study design, horses were evaluated at the trot twice using the PISBS with the gyroscope alternately attached to the right forelimb pastern region (as recommended by the manufacturer) or to the left forelimb pastern region (with the sensor flipped 180° on the frontal plane relative to the standard position).