Behavioural observations and comparisons of non-lame horses and lame horses before and after resolution of lameness by diagnostic analgesia

Differentiation between alteration in behaviour which is the result of pain and that reflecting other behaviour is potentially challenging in ridden horses. A ridden horse ethogram has been developed, tested, and combined with a pain score. Non-lame horses generally had lower pain scores than lame horses, although there was small overlap. To determine if the ethogram could be used to differentiate lame horses before and after diagnostic analgesia had substantially improved lameness and to verify its use in comparison of non-lame and lame horses a Retrospective study was done.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research