Evaluation of hoof morphometry in normal and lame polo horses at Ibadan Polo Club.

Abstract

This study evaluated the changes in hoof morphometric parameters between normal and lame polo horses. Cross-sectional survey of hoof morphometric parameters of polo horses was conducted at the Ibadan Polo club. Also, each horse was physically examined and severity of lameness scored based on the criteria by American Association of Equine Practitioners. Differences in morphometric parameters between sex, lameness status and shoeing status were analyzed using Student’s t test and values were considered significant at p< 0.05) higher in females (118.8 ± 9.3mm; 117.1 ± 8.3mm) than male horses (109.8 ± 6.1 mm; 106.8 ± 12.1 mm). Hoof wall angles did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the sexes. Majority of the hoof morphometric parameters were significantly (p< 0.05) higher in shod horses compared to unshod horses. In addition, the dorsal hoof wall angle of the right hind limb was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in lame (61.3 ± 11.50) than normal horses (53.6 ± 8.30). It was concluded that shoeing conditions and lameness significantly alters hoof morphometric parameters of polo horses.