Scoring analysis of three world championship three-day events

The objective of this study was to analyze scoring factors in world championship three-day events relative to athletic performance and international event rules. Performance records were collected on-site for all 216 competitors at the 1988, 1990, and 1992 world championship three-day events. Scoring variables including finishing status, finishing quartile, rider gender, rider age, horse age, horse gender, nationality, order within nation, falls, rider weight, scores for each phase of competition, timing variables, and dressage judges' scores for specific movements were tabulated, and subjected to statistical analyses. The order in which a rider competed for a team was not significantly related to the finishing score quartile. The proportion of riders that finished the event was 72.7% across the 3 events and did not differ between events. There were 20% to 23% female riders, and the proportion of females differed between regional groupings of nations. Female riders were, on the average, 8.7 cm shorter than their male competitors, weighed an average of 9.3 kg less, and had a higher incidence of falls in cross-country jumping. Horse age and gender did not differ significantly according to finishing status. Day 2 Phase D Cross-country partial scores had the highest association with overall performance (correlation coefficients +0.67 to +0.97), while Day 1 Dressage scores (+0.38 to +0.43), Day 2 Phase B Steeplechase timing variables (+0.31 to +0.49) and Day 3 Stadium Jumping Total Penalties (+0.25 to +0.37) were moderately related to overall performance. There was no significant correlation between order of competitor and placing of finishers. Dressage judges' partial scores were only significantly related to scores in which they comprised a portion of the total. The relative percentages of Total Penalty Points were in a ratio of 5.9:8.3:1, which contrasts sharply with the relative emphases of 3:12:1 specified by the current rules.     

Canter lead change kinematics of superior olympic dressage horses

Limb contact variables of the gaits of superior dressage horses were determined for competitors at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games in the finals of the Individual Dressage competition. Two 16-mm motion picture cameras were aimed perpendicular to the plane of motion along the HXF and KXM diagonals of the standard dressage arena, and filmed at 100 fps. Nineteen of the horses selected as finalists for individual dressage medals were filmed during the Grand Prix Special test executing one-stride canter lead changes, two-stride canter lead changes and the left lead extended canter. Velocities, stride lengths and stride durations were 7.03±.07 m/s, 4.15±.05 m and .592±.004 s for the extended canter. Across all stride frequencies, score was optimized with extended canter strides of the greatest length, with no upper limit detected to optimal stride length. Canter strides with lead changes had lower velocities, shorter strides and longer durations than strides without a lead change, with velocities, stride lengths and stride durations, respectively, of 3.36±.05 m/s, 2.08±.04 m and .617±.003 s for one-stride canter lead change strides; 3.65±.07 m/s, 2.21±.04 m and .605±.003 s for pre-change canter two-stride lead change strides; and 3.95±.07 m/s, 2.44±.04 m and .621±.004 s for post-change canter two-stride lead change strides. This study provided the first objective documentation of the canter limb contact patterns of world-class dressage horses.     

Memory decay and performance-related information bias in the reporting of scores by event riders

We used data from a case–control study investigating risk factors for horse falls in the cross-country phase of eventing in Great Britain (GB) to examine evidence for memory decay and information bias. Responses to two questions obtained by telephone for 173 cases and 521 controls were examined for evidence of differential reporting according to the respondent’s case–control status and performance in the dressage and cross-country phases of competitions. Information bias was found in the accuracy of reporting dressage penalty scores when analysed as a function of performance level (good/poor). Poor dressage performers were less likely to report accurate dressage scores than good performers. The accuracy of reporting dressage scores decreased as the time between the event and questionnaire completion increased, with no case–control interaction. Competitors who incurred cross-country jumping penalties at the event preceding the selected event reported their cross-country scores with less accuracy when compared with competitors who incurred no penalties. No information bias was found when the reporting of dressage and cross-country scores were analysed as a function of respondent category (case/control).     

Stationary performance testing of stallions from the Dutch Warmblood riding horse population. 1. Estimated genetic parameters of scored traits and the genetic relation with dressage and jumping competition from offspring of breeding stallions

The stationary performance testing (SPT) of stallions as breeding candidates in the Dutch Warmblood riding horse population is evaluated. Genetic and phenotypic parameters of traits scored during SPT and the genetic correlation of these traits with performances in dressage and jumping competition from offspring of breeding stallions are estimated.Data from 1978–1988 are used, covering scores from 337 3-year-old stallions. Eight subjectively scored traits are considered. These traits are: walk; trot; canter; riding ability; show jumping; free jumping; cross country; character. SPT lasts for a period of 100 days. Data from SPT are analysed using an animal model. The relations between SPT of stallions and performances in jumping and dressage competition are analysed with an animal model for SPT data and a sire model for competition data. Variance and covariance components are estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedures. Estimates of heritability are high (0.64) for gaits and riding ability, intermediate (0.41) for cross country and medium-high (0.31) for jumping. Estimated genetic correlation between show jumping scored during SPT and jumping in competition from offspring of breeding stallions is 0.84; for dressage this relation is 0.83. Some possible bias due to selection and the subjectivity of scoring is discussed. It is indicated that selection on SPT of stallions before entering breeding service is an effective tool to breed for ability of performance in competition.     

The effect of occlusal equilibration on sport horse performance

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of routine dental occlusal equilibration treatment on dressage horse performance. Sixteen horses (11 treated; 5 untreated) ridden by a single rider performed a standardized dressage test twice and were scored by two experienced dressage judges according to recognized movements and rider cues. All horses were sedated and a full-mouth speculum was used to facilitate a complete oral examination. Treated horses had dental equilibration performed using a motorized dental instrument. The horses performed a second test 48-hours after dental equilibration, exactly as the baseline test, with the judges and rider blinded as to treatment group. The total test score as well as the individual movement scores were evaluated for equality of variance and statistical tests were applied to determine the influence of treatment. There was no significant improvement in the test score of horses that had received occlusal equilibration.     

Variability of scores in the 2008 Olympic dressage competition and implications for horse training and welfare

Olympic dressage involves “an intimate unity between a human and a non-human” and is scored by a subjective judging process, under the auspices of the Fédération Equestre Internationale whose Code of Conduct declares the welfare of the horse as paramount. Dressage is of particular interest to equitation scientists and equine ethologists because it embodies the full range of the stimulus-response contingencies that operate in all of the Olympic disciplines. In Fédération Equestre Internationale dressage competition, collective marks are awarded across four domains immediately after each performance. Collective marks are designed to summarize the performance of horse and rider and must reflect the qualities of the entire performance. They are derived from the observation of the judges of the separate test movements. The 4 collective marks include: (1) paces; (2) impulsion; (3) submission; and (4) the rider's position and seat; correctness and effect of the aids (rider signals). The definition of submission in this context makes reference to lightness and other qualities that align with optimal ridden horse welfare. We assessed the characteristics of these marks in horses competing in the 2008 Olympic Games Grand Prix (GP; n = 46) and Grand Prix Special (GPS; n = 25) dressage competitions. We also examined the effect of judge location and used Pearson correlation coefficients to explore relationships between collective marks and test-movement scores. All 4 collective marks correlated with each other significantly (P < 0.001). The weakest correlation was between paces and submission (r = 0.22) and the strongest between impulsion and rider position scores (RPS) (r = 0.59). In the GP, paces and submission scores were less correlated with test movement scores than the impulsion and RPS scores. In the GPS, submission scores were less correlated with individual movements than the other collective marks. Indeed, they failed to significantly correlate with 19 of 32 movement scores (P < 0.05). RPS varied most in the GP (standard deviation = 0.73) whereas submission scores varied most in the GPS (standard deviation = 0.65). A REML analysis across both competitions showed all collective marks were significant in predicting final percentage scores but submission (F = 31.27) made the least significant contribution (paces, F = 61.3; impulsion, F = 69.77; RPS F = 53.01; P < 0.001 for all values). These results speak of considerable variability in judging and suggest that, despite the relevance of submission to horse welfare, judges have considerable difficulty scoring in this domain and aligning their scores with overall performance.     

Modelling repeated competition records in genetic evaluations of Danish sport horses

Genetic evaluations of sport performance typically consider competition records of ranking points in each competition, accumulated lifetime points or annual earnings. Repeated observations have the advantage of allowing for adjustment of effects associated with each competition such as rider experience, judge and competing horses, but also demands more computer capacity than single‐trait records, which could prohibit multiple‐trait evaluations. The aim of the study was to compare CPU times, estimated breeding values (EBVs), reliabilities and model prediction abilities when modelling repeated competition ranking points (run A), mean ranking points (runs B and C), mean ranking points precorrected for effects associated with each competition (run D) and accumulated lifetime points (run E) for Danish Warmblood horses. CPU times for run A were 632–776 times (show jumping) and 59–96 times (dressage) as high as for runs B–E. EBVs of run D were perfectly correlated (1.00) with those of run A. Reliabilities were highest in runs E and A. Best model prediction ability and least bias were found in run C (dressage) and run E (show jumping), but the best choice in each discipline was not preferable for the other. Run D was the second best in both disciplines (D), and is expected to increase in performance over time as omission of a relatively large amount of historic data becomes less important.     

Effect of Competition on Nitric Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Levels in Training Horses

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of exercise on nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and cyclic guanosyl monophosphate (cGMP) levels in jumping and dressage horses involved in competition. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 100 horses involved in jumping or dressage competition at three time points: baseline at rest, on reaching the schooling but before exercise, and over a jump or dressage course. Fourteen healthy horses not involved in competition were used as control group. Exercise increased plasma CO concentration in both jumping and dressage horses, and this effect was more apparent in dressage horses. Exercise also increased NO plasma concentration in jumping horses, whereas it did not significantly modify NO plasma concentration in dressage horses. After exercise, plasma cGMP concentration was higher in both groups. Our results show that different signaling pathways are initially activated by exercise and that this activation is specific to the different modes of exercise. This information can be used to optimize warm-up and cool-down procedures for sport horses or to optimize training programs for equine athletes.     

Evaluation of Dynamic Structural Disorders in the Upper Airways and Applied Rein Tension in Healthy Dressage Horses During Riding in Different Gaits and Head–Neck Positions

Flexion of the horse’s head and neck during dressage riding reduces the pharyngeal lumen with the risk of increased upper airway resistance and upper airway obstructions. According to the Fédération Equestre Internationale, hyperflexion is achieved through force, whereas the position low–deep–round is nonforced. The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) applied rein tension and (2) dynamic structural disorders in the upper airways in dressage horses in different gaits and different head–neck positions (HNPs). Overground endoscopy (OGE) and rein tension were evaluated in 13 clinically healthy and high-performance Warmblood dressage horses while being ridden in a standardized program comprised of four different gaits (halt, walk, trot, and canter) and in four HNPs (unrestrained, competition frame, hyperflexion, and low–deep–round). All included horses were able to achieve the desired HNPs. The HNP low–deep–round showed significantly lower rein tension than competition frame (P < .001) and hyperflexion (P < .001). An association was found between dynamic structural disorders in the upper airway tract evaluated by OGE and head–neck flexion, but this association was not linked to the degree of flexion. The HNP hyperflexion was neither associated with greater rein tension nor severe dynamic structural disorders than the HNP competition frame. This study confirms that low–deep–round is a nonforced position, in contrast to hyperflexion. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether dynamic structural disorders are a result of flexion or if the degree of flexion has an impact.     

Kinetics and kinematics of the passage

Reasons for performing study: The load acting on the limbs and the load distribution between fore‐ and hindlimbs while performing specific dressage exercises lack objective assessment. Hypothesis: The greater a horse's level of collection, the more load is shifted to the rear and that during the passage the vertical load on the limbs increases in relation to the accentuated vertical movement of the centre of mass. Methods: Back and limb kinematics, vertical ground reaction force and time parameters of each limb were measured in 6 Grand Prix dressage horses performing on an instrumented treadmill at the trot and the passage. Horses were ridden by their own professional rider. Results: At the passage, horses moved at a slower speed (?43.2%), with a lower stride frequency (?23.6%) and, therefore, higher stride impulses (+31.0%). Relative stance duration of fore‐ and hindlimbs and suspension duration remained unchanged. While at the trot the diagonal limbs impacted almost simultaneously, the hindlimbs always impacted first at the passage; the time dissociation between landing and lift‐off remained unchanged. Because of the prolonged stride duration, stride impulse and consequently limb impulses were higher at the passage in the fore‐ as well as in the hindlimbs (+24.8% and +39.9%, respectively). Within the diagonal limb pair, load was shifted from the forehand to the hindquarters (percentage stride impulse carried by the forehand ?4.8%). Despite the higher impulses, peak vertical forces in the fore‐ and hindlimbs remained unchanged because of the prolonged absolute stance durations in fore‐ and hindlimbs (+28.1% and +32.2%, respectively). Conclusions: Based on the intralimb timing, the passage closely resembles the trot. Compared to other head‐neck positions, the higher degree of collection resulted in a pronounced shift in impulse towards the hindquarters. Despite the higher limb impulses, peak forces acting on the limbs were similar to those observed at the trot. Potential clinical relevance: An understanding of load distribution between fore‐ and hindlimbs in relation to different riding techniques is crucial to prevent wear‐and‐tear on the locomotor apparatus.     

Immunization with Trichophyton verrucosum Vaccine in Hunter/Jumper and Dressage Horses with Naturally Occurring Trichophyton equinum Infection: A Prospective,Randomized, Double-Blinded,Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of Trichophyton verrucosum vaccine in hunter/jumper and dressage horses with trichophytosis caused by Trichophyton equinum (cross immunity). A total of 25 hunter/jumper and dressage horses between the ages of 2 and 14 years, naturally infected with Trichophyton equinum, were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a placebo or an intramuscular lyophilized Trichophyton verrucosum vaccine group. Clinical evaluations were done by the same investigator, who scored clinical healing at the beginning, during, and at the end of the treatment and was blinded to allocation to the groups. At the end of the trial, vaccine treatment significantly decreased the investigator's clinical scores (P < .001), and no significant changes were detected in the placebo treatment group. In all of the horses vaccinated, the lesions improved gradually within 7 to 12 days after vaccination. Complete clinical remission was detected within 28 to 42 days, and all treated horses became culture negative within 25 days of starting treatment. No clinical healing was observed in nine untreated control horses throughout the study. No recurrence was observed in treated horses within 10 months after therapy. Results of the current study indicate that inactivated Trichophyton verrucosum vaccine may be a safe and effective therapy for horses with Trichophyton equinum infection.     

Investigations of the reliability of observational gait analysis for the assessment of lameness in horses

The objectives of this study were to assess the reliability of a numerical rating scale (NRS) and a verbal rating scale (VRS) for the assessment of lameness in horses and to determine whether they can be used interchangeably. Sixteen independent observers graded the severity of lameness in 20 videotaped horses, and the agreement between and within observers, correlation and bias were determined for each scale. The observers agreed with each other in 56 per cent of the observations with the NRS and in 60 per cent of the observations with the VRS, and the associated Kendall coefficient of concordance was high. Similar trends were evident in the agreement between two observations by each observer. The correlation between and within observers was high for both scales. There were no significant differences (bias) among the observers' mean scores when using either scale. There was a significant correlation between the lameness scores attributed when using the two scales, but the differences between the scores when plotted against their overall mean were unacceptable for clinical purposes. The results indicate that the NRS and VRS are only moderately reliable when used to assess lameness severity in the horse, and that they should not be used interchangeably.     

Heritability of foot conformation and its relationship to sports performance in a Dutch Warmblood horse population

Reasons for performing study: Warmblood horse studbooks aim to breed horses with a conformation that will enable elite future performance, but reduce the risk of injuries and lameness. Negative conformational traits, such as asymmetrical or ‘uneven’ forefeet would possibly diminish performance. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and heritability of uneven feet and its genetic relationship to other conformation traits as well as to sporting performance later in life in Warmblood riding horses. Methods: The databases of the Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook (KWPN, n = 44,840 horses) and Royal Dutch Equestrian Sports Federation (KNHS, n = 33,459 horses in dressage and n = 30,474 horses in showjumping) were linked through the unique number of each registered horse. Therefore, heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations could be estimated from the scores of the jury at studbook admission and the sports performance of that population in dressage and jumping over the period 1990–2002. Results: The prevalence of uneven feet was 5.3% on average, and increased from under 4.5% during the first 3 years of recording to over 8% in the years from 2000 onwards. Heritability estimates of foot conformation traits were moderate and ranged from 0.16 for heel height to 0.27 for hoof shape. The genetic correlation between the trait of uneven feet and performance in competition was negative but weak: ?0.09 with dressage and ?0.12 with showjumping. Conclusions: Predisposition to uneven feet can be reduced by selection. Because of weak genetic correlations, the increased prevalence is not directly associated with selection for better sports performance or higher conformation grade. If the trait ‘uneven feet’ arises from a disproportionate relationship between height at the withers and neck length, then selection on conformation grade might result in development of uneven feet. In general, limb conformation has a moderate genetic relationship to conformation grade and foot conformation traits have a genetic relationship to sporting performance. Reducing occurrence of uneven feet by selection is possible, without limiting progress in sport performance.     

Competitor densities,habitat, and weather: effects on interspecific interactions between wild deer species

There is a growing interest on the potential interplay between weather, habitat, and interspecific competition on population dynamics of wild herbivores. Favorable environmental conditions may buffer the negative effects of competition; conversely, competition may be expected to be stronger under harsh environmental conditions. We investigated relationships between competitor abundance, weather, and habitat cover on density and local distribution of a medium-sized herbivore, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus, as well as its spatial overlap with fallow deer Dama dama in a Mediterranean protected area. Over 11 years (2007–2017), roe deer density was not affected by spring–summer rainfall in the previous year and decreased with increasing density of fallow deer in the previous year. Hence, over the considered temporal scale, results supported a major role of competition over weather in influencing population trends of roe deer. At a finer spatial scale, roe deer occupancy was negatively affected by local abundance of fallow deer, especially in “poorer” habitats. We found a slight support for a positive effect of fallow deer density on interspecific spatial overlap. Moreover, fine-scale spatial overlap between deer species increased with decreasing rainfall in spring–summer. Fallow deer were introduced to our study area in historical times and their role as superior competitors over roe deer has been found also in other study areas. We suggest a potential role of harsh weather conditions during the growing season of vegetation (i.e. scarce rainfall) in triggering the potential for ecological overlap, emphasizing the negative effects of interspecific competition.     

Investigation of the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccination on Thoroughbred racing performance

Objective

To evaluate the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccine on Thoroughbred racing performance.

Design

Retrospective pre‐post intervention study.

Methods

Thoroughbreds with at least one start at one of six major south‐eastern Queensland race tracks between 1 July 2012 and 31 December 2016 and with starts in the 3‐month periods before and after Hendra virus vaccinations were identified. Piecewise linear mixed models compared the trends in ‘Timeform rating’ and ‘margin to winner’ before and after initial Hendra virus vaccination. Generalised linear mixed models similarly compared the odds of ‘winning’, ‘placing’ (1st–3rd) and ‘winning any prize money’. Timeform rating trends were also compared before and after the second and subsequent vaccinations.

Results

Analysis of data from 4208 race starts by 755 horses revealed no significant difference in performance in the 3 months before versus 3 months after initial Hendra vaccination for Timeform rating (P = 0.32), ‘Margin to winner’ (P = 0.45), prize money won (P = 0.25), wins (P = 0.64) or placings (P = 0.77). Further analysis for Timeform rating for 7844 race starts by 928 horses failed to identify any significant change in Timeform rating trends before versus after the second and subsequent vaccinations (P = 0.16) or any evidence of a cumulative effect for the number of vaccines received (P = 0.22).

Conclusion

No evidence of an effect of Hendra virus vaccination on racing performance was found. The findings allow owners, trainers, industry regulators and animal health authorities to make informed decisions about vaccination.     

An electronic instructor for gross anatomy dissection

Gross anatomy is time consuming to teach and to learn. Because the process of dissection takes up so much student time, assistance in the form of an in-lab instructional DVD program might improve student performance. The DVD could be viewed with a portable device by individual dissection groups at their tables. Groups could dissect at their own pace, with access to step-by-step demonstrations and answers to frequently asked anatomical questions. We created an instructional DVD program demonstrating dissection of the canine ventral neck and thoracic limb. The effect on student exam scores of using the DVD versus not using it was measured in a controlled, two-sample study using incoming first-year veterinary students as volunteers. Volunteers were told the study was of two different dissection methods; the DVD was not specifically mentioned until after the students were separated into two groups (Blue/DVD group and Orange/No DVD group), and then only to volunteers in the Blue group. Except for the DVD, the two groups had the same resources. The difference in scores on an exam given after a single dissection period did not differ sufficiently to conclude that DVD use raised the mean score; however, 73% of the DVD group scored 60% or higher, while only 38% of the No DVD group scored 60% or higher. The difference in mean scores overall was 2.3 points out of a possible 49, suggesting that the DVD helped students, especially those with lower scores, to earn two to three more points than they would have otherwise.     

Combined Impacts of Native Grass Competition and Introduced Weevil Herbivory on Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)

Invading exotics typically face new competitors and an absence of specialized herbivores in their new ranges. Biological control attempts to reunite invasive weeds with coevolved herbivores and restoration can reduce the return of invaders by maximizing competition from native species. The integration of both approaches is seldom examined in detail, although the two should complement each other. We investigated the potential to suppress an important invasive plant, Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense [L.] Scop.), by integrating biological control and competition from two native grasses frequently used in rangeland restoration. We evaluated the impacts of Ceutorhynchus litura F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a weevil used for Canada thistle biological control, alone and in combination with either needle and thread grass (Hesperostipa comata [Trin. & Rupr.] Barkworth) or alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides [Torr.] Torr.) in greenhouse competitive plantings. Weevil herbivory reduced root, but not shoot, biomass of Canada thistle. Competition from H. comata did not reduce biomass of thistles, but combinations of the weevil and H. comata greatly reduced thistle root biomass. S. airoides suppressed Canada thistle root biomass independent of weevils. Weevils had a positive indirect effect on the cool-season grass H. comata, presumably by reducing the competitive ability of thistles, but had no effect on biomass of the warm-season grass, S. airoides. Benefits of weevil presence as an augmentation of grass competition appear to depend on appropriate timing, and weevils provided the most benefit to the cool-season competitor. Our results suggest that restoration efforts can be complemented with insect biocontrol agents, although the timing of impact will depend on the particular weed species, grass competitors, and biocontrol insect agents involved.     

Measuring the height of ponies at the withers: influence of time of day, water and feed withdrawal, weight-carrying, exercise and sedation

Measuring the height at the withers of a pony is one of the requirements of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), before competitors can participate in an official pony event. A pony has to be measured each year until it is eight years old. With and without shoes the height at the withers must be below 149.0cm and 148.0cm, respectively. When a pony exceeds the regulated height, it is excluded from participating in FEI pony competitions. Besides being excluded from competing, the selling price of the pony decreases dramatically, because the animal is then classified as a horse. For these reasons some owners may be tempted to try to influence wither height. The aim of the study was to determine whether the height of a pony at the withers can be influenced by variables such as time of day, water and feed withdrawal, weight carrying, exercise or sedation. To see if there was any influence of these variables on the measured height, the animals were measured at the beginning of the experiment and after completion, according to a standardized protocol. Fifteen healthy horses aged 7-17 years old and 16 healthy ponies aged 5-18 years were used for the study. A statistical evaluation determined whether there was a significant difference between the height at the withers before and after the experiment (P<0.05). Time of day, water and feed withdrawal, carrying weight, exercise and sedation all tended to decrease the height at the withers, but, with the exception of the data collected from the sedation-trial, the results were not significant. At the beginning of the experiment, the mean height at the withers of all eight animals was 165.0+/-4.6cm; 15min after giving a standard dose of 5microg/kg detomidine-HCl per horse IV, the mean height had decreased to 163.7+/-4.5cm. Even 2h after administration of the sedative, the mean height at the withers was still 163.7+/-4.6cm. However, at both measuring points, it was still clinically apparent that the animals were sedated. The results demonstrate that it is not possible for owners to significantly influence the height at the withers except by administrating a sedative.     

Evaluation of agreement between numerical rating scales, visual analogue scoring scales, and force plate gait analysis in dogs

Objective— To evaluate the accuracy of numerical rating (NRS) and visual analogue (VAS) scoring scales compared with force plate gait analysis and agreement between observers for each scoring scale.
Study Design— Experimental study.
Animals— Mixed breed dogs (n=21) with a right limb tibial osteotomy repaired with an external fixator.
Methods— Three small-animal veterinarians with orthopedic training scored lameness using NRS and VAS before surgery, and at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Peak force and impulse were determined at the same time points using a force plate. Agreement between observers and with force plate data was assessed. Significance was set at P ≤.05.
Results— Agreement was generally low among observers for both NRS and VAS scores. When evaluated at each time point, an acceptable level of agreement was present only at 4 weeks after surgery. Only impulse had a significant relationship with some of the observers' subjective scores. No significant relationships between any observer's scores and force plate data existed if very lame dogs were omitted.
Conclusions— Subjective scoring scales do not replace force plate gait analysis. Agreement is low unless lameness is severe, and each observer uses an individually unique scale. Subjective scoring scales most accurately reflect force plate gait analysis when lameness is severe.
Clinical Relevance— Subjective lameness scoring scales may not accurately reflect lameness and do not replace force plate gait analysis. Observers must stay the same during the duration of a study for accurate analyses.     

The effect of the pH of meat on the boiling test

The effect of the pH on the boiling test was studied in 68 beef and 108 pork muscles. The pH had a significant effect on the sensory scores obtained from the boiling test. The effect was particularly pronounced in the odour of meat. In beef the odour scores remain steady for samples with a pH value under about 6.2 and start to increase rapidly in higher pH values. In pork the increase in scores appears to be linear. The odour observed in high pH meat was described by the judges as abnormal and ammonialike. In the case of meat with a high pH, the results of the boiling test at meat inspection should be interpreted with extreme caution.