A first exploration of perceived pros and cons of quantitative gait analysis in equine clinical practice

Abstract

Background: Quantitative gait analysis is rapidly gaining ground in equine practice, and pros and cons are regularly discussed within the scientific literature. However, no data exist on the appreciation of the technique by equine clinicians, their motivation to use it or not, and their perception of its value in daily practice. Objectives: To make a first inventory of opinions, expectances and experiences of equine veterinarians concerning the use of quantitative gait analysis in their daily general practice. Study design: Survey. Methods: A questionnaire was sent out to a group of equine orthopaedic clinicians working in an equine clinic or practice. Respondents were classified as users (having clinical experience with quantitative gait analysis) or not (nonusers). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Within the sample population, users were more positive about the usefulness of quantitative gait analysis than nonusers. Veterinarians who purchased a system were motivated by better objectivity, transparency, documentation and client service. Main reasons not to purchase a system were costs and complexity of data interpretation. A minority of both users and nonusers deemed quantitative gait analysis also suitable for equine professionals other than veterinarians. Main limitations: Users (n = 40) outnumbered nonusers (n = 32), sample size was limited (n = 72) and insufficient to allow for generalisation of results. Conclusions: Users of quantitative gait analysis were more positive about the technology than nonusers. More data are needed to allow for generalisation of the results. Regularly repeating this survey may help in monitoring, and eventually guiding the process of integration of gait analysis technology within equine clinical practice by providing valuable information for individual clinics, educational institutions and the industry producing this technology.