Is there a difference in kinematics between postoperative colic horses and clinically healthy horses during 3 minutes of in-hand walking that could indicate the presence of pain?

Abstract

Mobilisation of post-operative colic horses is a standard part of the rehabilitation protocol, however, not much is known about the effects of mobilisation on these horses. In this study the kinematics of post-operative colic horses and clinically healthy horses are measured using inertial measurement units. The aim of this study is to identify significant differences in kinematic parameters that may indicate compensation patterns or pain caused by colic surgery.

In this study five post-operative colic horses were measured during their stay at the clinic. Additionally, a control group consisting of five clinically healthy horses was measured twice on two different days. Several kinematic parameters, including speed, range of motion of the withers and sacrum, stance and swing duration ratios, sagittal range of motion ratios, and protraction and retraction ratios, were analysed. Results showed a significantly higher speed in the colic group (p <0.05), but no significant differences in the other kinematic parameters. The influence of different handlers was identified as a potential confounding factor in speed variation.

The higher mean speed in the colic group could be attributed to multiple factors, including environmental stress or discomfort associated with post-operative pain. However, no further significant kinematic differences related to pain or discomfort were found. It remains unclear whether discomfort and pain were the definitive factors that influenced the speed differences. Further research is therefore needed.