OklahomaHorses Magazine May 2021

May/June 2021 • OklahomaHorses 23 As the horse is trotted by an assistant, Dr. Mike Schoonover subjectively evaluates the horse for lameness while simultaneously the inertial sensors evaluate for asymmetry of head and pelvic movement. analysis because both evaluate for lameness in a similar fashion—through kinematics. Inertial sensors are easily utilized in a clinical lameness examination because the sensors can collect data simultaneously with the veterinarian’s subjective evaluation. This information, combined with the remainder of the clinical exam, can provide a more complete assessment of a horse’s lameness. The Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine Service at the OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital utilizes an iner- tial sensor system in addition to subjective evaluation for almost all clinical lameness evaluations. Addition- ally, the OSU Equine Research Park is home to a force plate commonly used for lameness research. Not only do these technologies provide a better service to our clients and patients, but our veterinary students also benefit from comparative lameness analy- sis. They no longer have to rely and learn solely on the subjective opinion of the clinicians. These technologies are not meant to replace the veterinarian’s role in the lameness evaluation, but they can expose any errors or subconscious bias that may appear due to the subjec- tive nature of the traditional lameness examination. About the author: Mike J. Schoonover, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA, DACVSMR, is an associate professor of equine surgery and sports medicine at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is board certified in both equine surgery and sports medicine and rehabilitation.