b'results if used or interpreted incorrectly,evaluations, Moorman says. I still relytreatment, having seen other kinds of our sources agree. This could be due toprimarily on subjective assessments but,lameness recently, or simply being in a something as simple as sensor placement,in certain situations like multiple limbdifferent mood or mental state. Having says Valerie Moorman, DVM, PhD, Dipl.lameness, the objective data can addthat objective data can be really helpful.ACVS-LA, assistant professor of equinemore information that could assist inThat comparison can also confirm surgery and lameness at the Coloradomaking a diagnosis. what the clinician sees with nerve blocks, State University College of VeterinaryObjective data can also give doubtfuladds Dyson. These tools are useful for Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Ortho- owners a sense of proof that the issuevalidating clinical assessments, both for paedic Research Center, in Fort Collins.is at a particular site. Ive had ownersdiagnosis when comparing before and A slight change in placement onwho, because of past experience withafter nerve blocks and for pre- and post-the limb or pelvis can cause dramaticanother horse, were convinced the paintreatment comparisons, she says. differences. But even correctly placedwas coming from the stifle, even though sensors might have difficulty readingfor me in a subjective exam it was clearlyTake-Home Messageasymmetry in a bilaterally lame horse.the horses back, she says. So runningObjective measurement systems and We need to be cognizant that what wean objective analysis helps support mysubjective lameness evaluations each see ourselves might be different fromdiagnosis and reassures the owner. have their strengths and weaknesses. As what the objective system finds, and notTreatment follow-up can benefit froma result, neither on its own can offer a accept those results blindly, she says.objective analysis, as well, by addingperfect, error-free solution for diagnosing numbers for comparison. If I say theand monitoring lameness in horses. But Man & Machine: The Ideal Combo horse has Grade 3 lameness beforecareful application of the two methods Given both objective and subjectivetreatment, and a few months later saycould draw out the best features of both. systems strengths, the question isnt,he has Grade 2, I have to be aware of myAs IMUs and their algorithms evolve, Which is better? but, rather, How canown bias, Moorman says. Subjectivesay our sources, the combination of we use both in harmony? bias is just part of human nature, shesubjective and objective systems, along Objective evaluations remain a verysays, regardless of experience, and canwith proper user training, could lead to complementary tool to subjective clinicaloccur from being optimistic about themore accurate lameness examinations. hAAEP Booth 2236TheHorse.com|The HorseNovember 201865'