Repeatability of subjective evaluation of lameness in horses

摘要: Summary Reasons for performing study: Previous studies have suggested that agreement between equine veterinarians subjectively evaluating lameness in horses is low. These were limited to small numbers of horses, movement on the treadmill or previously-recorded videotape. Objectives: To estimate practitioners evaluations live, over ground setting. Methods: 131 mature evaluated by 2–5 clinicians (mean 3.2) with a weighted-average 18.7 years experience. Clinicians graded each limb using AAEP scale first watching horse trot straight line only and then after full evaluation. Agreement was estimated calculation Fleiss' (κ). Evaluators agreed if they picked same as lame not regardless severity perceived lameness. Results: After whether 76.6% time (κ= 0.44). evaluation 72.9% 0.45). forelimb slightly higher than hindlimb lameness. When mean score >1.5 93.1% 0.86), but when ≤1.5 61.9% 0.23) time. given task picking worst evaluation, 51.6% 0.37) time. Conclusions: For mild subjective very reliable. Potential relevance: A search development more objective reliable methods justified should be encouraged supported.