Molograph 4.0: A demonstration of a non-invasive, automated system for evaluating aspects of the masticatory process in the horse
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: • Direction of the chewing motion in horses was recorded, using a non-invasive system. • Unilateral chewing may indicate pathologies and may result in diagonal incisor malocclusion or shear mouth. • All changes in chewing direction were associated with chewing pauses, but not vice versa. • High inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s Kappa) was determined compared to a human observer. • The system can be used without prior medical knowledge. Results can be forwarded to a veterinarian. We outlined a monitoring system as a demonstration of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in horses that provided the ability to record aspects of the equine chewing process. Here we take up the idea of a Molograph, which was already proposed in the mechanical form in 1941 by Leue and transferred into today’s world. As a substantial practical advantage, the system now involved a non-invasive measurement that was taken in the horse’s familiar environment. All patients were fed roughage. In terms of the examination scenario, we focused on the determination of the direction of chewing. The system relieves the strain of the examination by automating an otherwise time-consuming and tedious observation, while the results were comparable to those of a human observer. Firstly, examinating the horse with the Molograph 4.0 may provide indications like predominant unilateral chewing that justify a more detailed dental inspection by a veterinarian. The expert may identify the root cause and thus prevent pathologies like diagonal incisor malocclusion or shear mouth. All observed changes in chewing direction occurred in connection with chewing breaks, while the relationship is not bijective.
Source: Veterinary and Animal Science
Language: English
Subfield: Equine
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,780
OpenAlex ID: W4409829144