MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS AS A METHOD OF
MONITORING WEIGHT CHANGE IN THE HORSE
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Spurr H , Hollands T*, Bowen IM
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. Loughborough UK.
LE12 5RD. * School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey. Guilford UK.
[email protected]
RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Reasons for performing study: Obesity is an increasingly important issue
amongst horses worldwide and is associated with metabolic syndrome as well
as less well documented impacts on severity of degenerative joint disease
and immune function. Assessing obesity in the horse relies upon body
condition scoring, since ready-access to weigh-scales is limited. Changes in
body condition score frequently rely on considerable weight changes, and
therefore are not always helpful in motivating owners to achieve weight loss
targets.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop reliable morphometric
measurements that are sensitive to subtle changes in body composition.
Study design: Prospective clinical study.
Methods: 20 obese horses were assessed weekly to determine body weight,
bioelectrical impedance, fat score and crest measurement during a planned
weight control program. Body profiles were determined using a profile gauge.
Results: Objective assessment of fat score using the profile gauge readings
showed a significant increase in sad dle, loin and rump height (P<.05)
concurrent with weight loss. The gauge detected differences of 0.5cm, 0.8cm
and 0.9cm respectively; whilst fat score and weight tape readings remained
relatively constant. Bioelectrical impedance readings increased significantly
from 119.2 Ω to 56.5 Ω over the 4- week period (p=0.0005). Reliability of
these measures was assessed in 6 non-obese horses. The profile gauge
provided the most reliable method of assessing fat score (ICC=0.9653) and
correlated with changes in body weight (r2=0.069).
Conclusions: The study shows that morphometric analysis can detect subtle
changes in body composition where condition scores would remain constant.
15-‐18
February
2016
East
London
Convention
Centre,
East
London,
South
Africa
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