Determining the validity and reliability of a novel hoof photography template in shod equines
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Valid and reliable field tests may enable the equine health team to accurately assess and monitor hoof conformation. This study aimed to assess the validity of a newly-developed template to capture a true lateral photograph of the equine hoof, compared against a latero-medial view radiograph and an estimated true lateral photo. Two veterinarians took radiographs (RAD) of both forelimbs and measured the dorsal wall heel angle (DHWA) and heel angle (HA). Two Investigators captured photographs of each forelimb: one with the template (TEMP) and one estimated true lateral sans template (PHOTO). Concurrent validity was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients alongside Spearman’s rho. Agreement was assessed using non-parametric Bland Altman plots. Reliability and inter-observer reliability were calculated through intraclass correlation coefficients. Good concurrent validity was found for the DHWA across all methods (ICC= 0.85; p < 0.001, Spearman's r = 0.88, p < 0.01, whereas moderate agreement was observed for HA (ICC= 0.65; p < 0.001, Spearman’s r = 0.8, p < 0.01). Comparing methods, Bland-Altman plots revealed good agreement between RAD-TEMP, RAD-PHOTO (median difference= 0°; −0.4°, respectively) for DHWA. For HA, good agreement between RAD-TEMP and RAD-PHOTO was discovered (median difference= −1°; 0.5°, respectively). Further, widespread scatter was present on all plots. Reliability between RAD-TEMP and RAD-PHOTO for the DHWA was excellent (ICC= 0.92; p < 0.001, ICC= 0.90; p < 0.001, respectively). Moderate reliability was found between the RAD-TEMP (ICC= 0.63; p < 0.001) and RAD-PHOTO (ICC= 0.73; p < 0.001) for HA. Mobile photography of the hoof shows promising validity and reliability when using the novel template and when taking an estimated true lateral photograph. • The novel template may help ensure the correct lateral position for accurate image acquisition and measurements. • Mobile photography has good validity and reliability for dorsal hoof wall angles. • Mobile photography is less valid and reliable for heel angles. • Inter-observer reliability is good when trained practitioners use the template.
Source: Journal of Equine Rehabilitation
Language: English
Subfield: Equine
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,050
OpenAlex ID: W4408856077