Equine Lameness Exams: Unlocking the Power of Technology

In this equine focused episode, our sports medicine experts James Bailey and Federica Cantatore discuss the application of technology in the lameness exam. Our guests reflect on the evolution of gait analysis systems from their lab roots to versatile, in-field tools. They consider the importance of case selection, where gait analysis systems are likely to add value and touch on their use in the pre-purchase exam. They highlight the limitations of the systems as well as their benefits such as the ability to provide objective data, overcome expectation bias and other subjective influences. 

Our Host

Adam is a EBVS and RCVS Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine having successfully becoming an ECEIM Diplomat in 2021. He has spent the majority of his early career in clinical academic practice, having several roles at the University of Nottingham. More recently Adam has ventured into private practice having worked at both Donnington Grove and Oakham Veterinary Hospital as an equine internal medicine clinician over the past 18 months. Adam currently splits his time between his clinical role at Oakham Veterinary Hospital and as Equine Development Lead within the L&D team at IVC Evidensia. 

Our Guests

James Bailey

James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, staying on to work with their musculoskeletal research group, further developing his expertise in objective gait analysis for the accurate and quantifiable assessment of lameness in horses. He has worked in 100% equine practice locally developing expertise in sports medicine and rehabilitation. He has worked with competition horses of all levels and regularly provided veterinary care at the regions FEI competitions.

James has numerous clinical publications and has presented his work at the International Conference in Equine Locomotion. He is currently working on a Horse Trust funded research project to improve management of acute and chronic pain in horses as part of The University of Nottingham’s Equine Pain Research Group.

Federica Cantatore

Federica graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine of Turin (Italy) in 2014. Immediately after, she moved to United Kingdom to perform a rotational internship at Pool House Equine Clinic. After completing the internship, she remained in the hospital as junior clinician with particular interest in lameness cases. Federica has passed her Diploma examinations and is now a boarded diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR).

In 2017 she started an alternate residency pathway between University of Veterinary Medicine of Turin and Pool House Equine Clinic. In 2022, she obtained a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Lameness Diagnosis and Therapeutics) with University of Liverpool and the following year, the Diploma on the American College of Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Links:

Pool House Equine Clinic pages: https://www.poolhouseequine.co.uk/referrals

Oakham Veterinary hospital pages: www.oakhamvethospital.co.uk/referral/equine-referrals/referral-information

Equine Gait Analysis Society: https://www.egas.academy/egas-course

BEVA: https://www.beva.org.uk/CPD-and-careers