Effects of case definition and assessment frequency on lameness incidence estimates.

The reliability of locomotion scoring is often low, making it unclear how a single gait score should be interpreted. In addition, differences in assessment frequency between longitudinal studies makes it hard to compare results. Our aims were to evaluate how lameness definition and assessment frequency affect measures of lameness incidence. Six dairy farms in British Columbia, Canada, were enrolled, and 262 cows that were sound at dry-off had their locomotion score (LS) assessed weekly from dry-off to calving, using a 1 to 5 scale. Cows were categorized as remaining sound or becoming lame using 3 different case definitions (LAME1: ≥LS3 at least once; LAME2: ≥2 consecutive scores of LS3, or ≥LS4 at least once; and LAME3: ≥3 consecutive scores of LS3, or ≥LS4 at least once). We analyzed the correspondence between the 3 definitions with percent agreement and weighted κ (linear and quadratic weighting). Comparing LAME1 to LAME3 resulted in lower percent agreement (53%) and κ values (linear κw = 0.50; quadratic κw = 0.64) than comparing LAME2 and LAME3 (85%; linear κw = 0.83; quadratic κw = 0.89), indicating that cows scored LS3 twice were likely to be scored LS3 a third time. We also compared the 3 case definitions against trim records from trimmings occurring 90 d or less before calving (n = 117), and used logistic regression models to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value. Using the LAME1 criterion resulted in high sensitivity (horn lesions = 0.90; infectious lesions = 0.92) and low specificity (horn = 0.21; infectious = 0.24). We observed higher specificity for LAME2 (horn = 0.62; infectious = 0.66) and LAME3 (horn = 0.71; infectious = 0.77), but LAME2 had higher sensitivity than LAME3 (horn = 0.89 vs. 0.64; infectious = 0.69 vs. 0.64). When evaluating the effects of assessment frequency, we obtained 3 data sets by keeping every, every other, and every third locomotion assessment, and using LAME2 as a case definition. More cows were categorized as lame when assessment frequency increased. Of the cows that were classified as lame when assessed weekly, 72% of the mildly lame, and 33% of the severely lame were classified as sound when assessed every third week. Our results suggest that a single LS3 score should not be used as a criterion for lameness in longitudinal studies. To correctly identify new cases of lameness, dairy cows should be assessed at least every 2 wk.

Analysis of individual classification of lameness using automatic measurement of back posture in dairy cattle.

Currently, diagnosis of lameness at an early stage in dairy cows relies on visual observation by the farmer, which is time consuming and often omitted. Many studies have tried to develop automatic cow lameness detection systems. However, those studies apply thresholds to the whole population to detect whether or not an individual cow is lame. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and test an individualized version of the body movement pattern score, which uses back posture to classify lameness into 3 classes, and to compare both the population and the individual approach under farm conditions. In a data set of 223 videos from 90 cows, 76% of cows were correctly classified, with an 83% true positive rate and 22% false positive rate when using the population approach. A new data set, containing 105 videos of 8 cows that had moved through all 3 lameness classes, was used for an ANOVA on the 3 different classes, showing that body movement pattern scores differed significantly among cows. Moreover, the classification accuracy and the true positive rate increased by 10 percentage units up to 91%, and the false positive rate decreased by 4 percentage units down to 6% when based on an individual threshold compared with a population threshold.

Effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan treatment on subchondral bone, serum biomarkers, and synovial fluid biomarkers in horses with induced osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan treatment (PSGAGT) on subchondral bone (SCB), serum biomarkers, and synovial fluid biomarkers in horses with induced osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: 24 healthy 2- to 3-year-old horses. PROCEDURES: An osteochondral fragment was created on the distal aspect of the radial carpal bone in 1 middle carpal joint of each horse. Horses were randomly allocated to receive local application of ESWT (days 14 and 28; n = 8), PSGAGT (IM, q 4 d for 28 days; 8), or a sham ESWT probe (placebo; days 14 and 28; 8). Serum biomarkers were measured every 7 days, and synovial fluid biomarkers were measured every 14 days. Bone density was measured by use of computed tomography on days 0 and 70, and microdamage and bone formation variables were compared among groups at the end of the study (day 70). RESULTS: There was no significant effect of ESWT or PSGAGT on any bone variable. Serum osteocalcin concentration was significantly greater in horses that received ESWT, compared with placebo-treated horses, and serum concentration of the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen was significantly higher in horses that received ESWT, compared with placebo- and PSGAG-treated horses. Concentrations of the synovial fluid epitope CS846 were significantly higher in joints with osteoarthritis treated with ESWT CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment of osteoarthritis with ESWT had no effect on SCB but did induce increases in serum biomarkers indicative of bone remodeling. Treatment of osteoarthritis with PSGAG had no effect on SCB or biomarkers.

Repeatability and reproducibility of the Obel grading system for equine laminitis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate both the repeatability (intraobserver agreement) and reproducibility (interobserver agreement) of Obel grading, the most widely accepted method for describing the severity of equine laminitis. The study comprised two parts. In study A, to test intraobserver agreement, 25 ponies were graded twice by a single blinded experienced equine veterinary surgeon, on the first occasion via clinical examination and on the second occasion via a video recording of the initial clinical examination. In study B, to test interobserver agreement, video recordings of 13 ponies were graded independently by 58 blinded experienced equine veterinary surgeons. A weighted kappa (kappa(w)) statistic was used to determine the measure of agreement between gradings. Intraobserver agreement of Obel grading was shown to be moderate (kappa(w)=0.54), and interobserver agreement was found to be substantial (kappa(w)=0.65). In addition, intraobserver agreement improved from moderate to substantial (kappa(w) increased from 0.54 to 0.70) when the Obel grades were grouped and horses were categorised as either sound, or as having mild (grade 1 or 2) or severe (grade 3 or 4) lameness.

The role of computed tomography in the classification and management of pelvic fractures.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is an important component in the pre-operative assessment of pelvic fractures in humans. The value of CT images in the management of small animal pelvic fractures is presently undetermined. The objective of this study was to investigate the benefits of CT images on the management of pelvic fractures. A prospective study of 25 traumatised cases of canine and feline pelvic fractures were evaluated, where CT images and conventional orthogonal radiographic assessments were performed on each case. Three diplomat orthopaedic surgeons independently reviewed the radiographs and CT images on separate occasions and determined fracture classification, management plan, estimated recovery time and prognosis. A consensus review of the imaging modalities and surgical reports was used as the definitive fracture description. For all observers, management was not found to differ significantly between radiographic and CT analysis (P< 0.05). There was moderate agreement between observers and between imaging modalities for fracture description. Greatest discrepancy was found as the fracture complexity increased, such as with acetabula and sacral fractures, whereby CT was the most sensitive. Clinically high quality radiography would be recommended for all pelvic fracture cases; CT may be beneficial where there is uncertainty, particularly with acetabula fractures or sacral fractures causing neurological deficits. Experienced orthopaedic surgeons often disagreed on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of pelvic trauma.

Evaluation of the effect of extracorporeal shock wave treatment on experimentally induced osteoarthritis in middle carpal joints of horses.

OBJECTIVE-To assess the clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis (OA). ANIMALS-Twenty-four 2- to 3-year-old horses without evidence of lameness. PROCEDURES-OA was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of each horse. Fourteen days after induction of OA, horses were treated with a sham ESWT probe (placebo; n = 8), polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) administered IM every 4 days for 28 days as a positive control treatment (8), or ESWT administered on days 14 and 28 with a focused shock wave unit (8). Evaluations included clinical assessments of degree of lameness every 2 weeks and weekly synovial fluid analyses. Horses were euthanized 70 days after induction of OA, and gross pathologic and histologic examinations of cartilage and synovial membrane specimens were performed at necropsy. A generalized linear mixed model was used to compare outcomes among treatment groups. RESULTS-No adverse treatment-related events were detected in any horse. The degree of lameness in horses treated with ESWT improved significantly, compared with the degree of lameness in placebo- or PSGAG-treated horses. No disease-modifying effects were evident in results for synovial fluid, synovial membranes, or cartilage from the ESWT- or PSGAG-treated horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Although a disease-modifying effect of ESWT was not detected, the significant clinical effect of ESWT suggested that this modality should be considered for treatment of horses with OA in combination with another modality that does affect the disease process.

A pilot study: sodium urate synovitis as an acute model of inflammatory response using objective and subjective criteria to evaluate arthritic pain in cats.

Sodium urate (SU) synovitis was evaluated as a model for feline arthritic pain using a placebo- and positive-controlled (meloxicam) randomized blinded controlled single crossover design. Monosodium urate crystals [20 mg (1 mL) rod-shaped] were injected into alternate stifles of trained anesthetized cats (n = 3) with a 28 day washout. During the first trial phase, two cats received meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg, PO), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for three days before and on the day of SU injection; the third cat received placebo. Treatments and stifles were switched for the second trial. Total force, contact pressure and area of the fore and hind limbs were measured using a pressure mat one day and 0.5 h before, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, and 30 h post-SU injection. Skin temperature, joint circumference, analgesia, lameness, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, were measured at the same times. Comparisons were made for each time and for areas under the curve (AUC) using original and change from baseline; P < 0.05 was significant. Significant differences in force mat data and subjective data were found for the hind limb data (total force and total contact pressure at 6, 10, and 30 h; analgesia and VAS for pain at 4 h; lameness at 10, 24, and 30 h) and for AUC(0)-->(24h) and AUC(0)-->(30 h) (total force, total contact pressure, and mean lameness score) and for differences from BL AUC(0)-->(10h) (total contact area) and AUC(0)-->(24h) (total contact area and mean lameness score) and AUC(0)-->(30 h) (total force, total contact area, and mean lameness). No cats required rescue analgesia. Injection of 1 mL of monosodium urate into the stifle of a cat causes moderate transitory pain and was suitable for assessing analgesic efficacy of an NSAID with a pressure mat and subjective criteria.

Liposome-based diclofenac for the treatment of inflammation in an acute synovitis model in horses.

Lameness as a result of joint disease is a major source of decreased athletic performance in the horse. Most treatment protocols include the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Phenylbutazone, alone or in combination with other treatments, is the most commonly and widely used NSAID, however it has the potential for serious side effects. The introduction of the liposome-based formulation of the NSAID diclofenac has shown promising effect as a safe and convenient treatment for lameness associated with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical liposome-based diclofenac in an acute inflammation model using subjective lameness scores and objective lameness evaluation, carpal surface temperature and circumference, synovial fluid cell count and total protein content, and the biochemical markers interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and prostaglandin E(2) as determinants of inflammation. In this acute inflammation model, there was no overall difference between treatment and control groups.

Study on the prevalence of dairy cattle lameness and its effects of production indices in Iran. A locomotion scoring base study.

In this current study, prevalence of lameness was detected and its changes during different parities, Days in Milk (DIM) and milk production were studies. In addition, effects of lameness on Open Days (OD) and Service per Conception (S/C) were studied. Three dairy farms on three scales (1: Large, approximately 900 milking cows, 2: Medium, approximately 100 milking cows and 3: Small, approximately 20 milking cows) were watched for lameness in 2005-2006. Locomotion Scoring (LS) by Sprecher method (1-5 point scale) has been done by videoing of the animals at the exit of the milking parlor. Videos were reviewed by two expert and mean of the each score used as score of the animal, cows with scores 1 and 2 recorded as non-lame and 3, 4 and 5 as lame cows. The average score of the lameness in autumn and spring recorded as 2.47 and 2.73, respectively that was higher significantly in spring. LS has been increased significantly by increasing parity and DIM, as highest scores were recorded in parity 4 and DIM 240-300. No significant differences between lame and non-lame cows were recorded in according to their milk production. The highest (percent in lame cows) scores were recorded in high producing cows. No significant difference in milk production has been recorded in different LS. However the average production of milk in lame cows were 1.08 L day(-1) less that non-lame cows. The average OD of the lame cows was significantly longer (52 days) than non-lame cows. Lame cows needed significantly higher service/conception (one) than non-lame cows. Median of OD and S/C has been increased by LS.

Analgesics improve the gait of lame dairy cattle.

Pain associated with injuries of the hoof and surrounding tissues is an important cause of lameness. The objective was to detect the attributes of impaired gait that are associated with pain. In 3 separate experiments, lactating Holstein cows (n = 20; n = 21; n = 27) diagnosed with varying degrees of gait impairment were injected i.m. (Exp. 1 and 2) or i.v. (Exp. 3) with the analgesic ketoprofen at 0, 0.3, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg of BW. Gait was evaluated subjectively using a numerical rating system (NRS; varying from 1 to 5) and 6 specific gait attributes (back arch, tracking up, joint flexion, asymmetric steps, head bob, and reluctance to bear weight). Each experiment was divided into 3 phases each lasting 3 d: before treatment, after treatment, and during treatment with daily injections of ketoprofen. The NRS improved by 0.25 +/- 0.05 with the highest dose of ketoprofen. Although none of the specific gait attributes showed a consistent response to treatment, there was an interaction between dose and experiment for asymmetric steps and reluctance to bear weight; in Exp. 1, but not Exp. 2 and 3, cow steps were more symmetrical (improving by 7.16 +/- 1.02), and cows distributed their weight more evenly (improving by 5.84 +/- 1.13) at the highest doses of ketoprofen. These results indicated that the NRS was more sensitive than the specific gait attributes in assessing differences in gait associated with pain. The results showed that ketoprofen has only a modest effect on gait, indicating either that this drug has little effect on pain due to lameness or that much variation in NRS was due to factors other than pain.

The collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint: magnetic resonance imaging and post mortem observations in 25 lame and 12 control horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used with increasing frequency to diagnose injuries of the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, but the results have not been verified by histology and the mechanism of injury is poorly understood. HYPOTHESIS: Abnormal signal intensity and tissue contour represents change in tissue structure detected on histology. OBJECTIVES: To compare results in horses free from and those with chronic lameness and to describe possible progression of lesions. METHODS: One or both feet of horses free from lameness (Group N: n = 12) and with foot-related lameness (Group L: n = 25) were examined using MRI and by gross post mortem examination. The magnetic resonance (MR) images were graded. Sagittal sections from the proximal and distal aspect of each CL were examined histologically and each ligament assigned a score. Scintigraphic images from lame horses were also evaluated. RESULTS: In Group N, 25 CLs were graded normal on both MR images and histology, 2 CLs were grade 1 on MR images, but were histologically normal, and 2 CLs had MR abnormalities verified histologically. However, 2 CLs appeared normal on MR images but were histologically abnormal. In Group L, 18 CLs were deemed normal on both MR images and histology, and 54 CLs had MR abnormalities verified histologically. However, 13 CLs appeared normal on MR images but were graded abnormal histologically. Lesions appeared to be degenerative, characterised by extensive fibrocartilaginous metaplasia and development of multiple, intercommunicating fissures within the degenerate collagen in severe lesions. There was an association between increased radiopharmaceutical uptake and a higher histological score. CONCLUSIONS: High-field MRI is reasonably reliable for detection of lesions of the CLs of the DIP joint, but may underestimate their prevalence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Collateral ligament injury appears to be a primary degenerative process, which may explain the poor response to conservative treatment and a need for promotion of regeneration.

Assessment of mild hindlimb lameness during over ground locomotion using linear discriminant analysis of inertial sensor data.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Hindlimb lameness is common and can be difficult to diagnose or quantify in evaluating response to nerve blocks. An objective measure of lameness can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment's contribution to evidence-based medicine. The inertial sensor system can be used to capture 6 degree of freedom movement during over ground locomotion and here was used to quantify tuber coxae movement in nonlame and lame horses. HYPOTHESIS: Tuber coxae movement is useful for discriminating between nonlame and lame horses. OBJECTIVES: To measure left and right tuber coxae movement in lame and nonlame horses during over ground locomotion and to implement a linear discriminant analysis to discriminate between lame and nonlame horses. METHODS: Two inertial sensors were attached to the skin over left and right tuber coxae of 21 horses (9 mildly and 12 not lame). Horses were trotted on a hard surface. A total of 1021 strides were collected. For each stride 34 features were extracted from the dorsoventral and craniocaudal movement and used in 2 different classification scenarios (lame vs. nonlame or left lame, right lame and nonlame) using linear discriminant analysis. RESULTS: Six degree of freedom inertial sensors were successfully used to collect kinematic data continuously from left and right tuber coxae in horses during over ground locomotion. These data were used for an automated classification of lameness. In the first scenario, a sensitivity of 89% was achieved with a specificity of 75%. In the second scenario, all horses could be correctly assigned to the correct class in a simple 3 class reclassification test. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: A mobile system that reliably detects and quantifies hindlimb lameness in horses during unconstrained locomotion could be a valuable tool to perform an evidence-based assessment of lameness in horses in a clinical setting, e.g. before and after nerve blocks or before and after surgery.

Accuracy of asymmetry indices of ground reaction forces for diagnosis of hind limb lameness in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of asymmetry indices of ground reaction forces (GRF) for diagnosis of hind limb lameness in dogs. ANIMALS: 36 healthy dogs and 13 dogs with naturally acquired cranial cruciate ligament rupture or hip dysplasia. PROCEDURES: Lameness for affected dogs ranged from not detectable to minor and constant. While dogs trotted on an instrumented treadmill, GRF variables were recorded and analyzed with asymmetry indices. Each index was tested for its ability to discriminate between healthy and affected dogs. Combinations of several indices were also assessed. RESULTS: Vertical force variables had better accuracy than craniocaudal force variables. Peak vertical force was the most accurate variable. Partial asymmetry during trotting was detected in healthy dogs. A multivariate approach that used peak vertical force and maximal rising slope yielded the optimum combination to distinguish between healthy and affected dogs. In addition, sensitivity of 92% or specificity of 95% may be achieved with 2 cutoff values while simultaneously maintaining specificity or sensitivity, respectively, at > 85%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Asymmetry indices of GRFs were accurate for detection of hind limb lameness in dogs. This is particularly relevant for study designs in which only a single gait evaluation is possible.

Visual locomotion scoring in the first seventy days in milk: impact on pregnancy and survival.

Our hypotheses were that cows classified as lame during the first 70 d in milk have more days from calving to conception and a greater hazard of dying or being culled compared with cows that were not classified as lame. Our objective was to estimate the detrimental effects of lameness on calving-to-conception interval and hazard of dying or being culled in lactating Holstein cows. Data were collected from 5 dairy farms located in upstate New York from November 2004 to June 2006. The design was a prospective observational cohort study. Cows were assigned a visual locomotion score (VLS) using a 5-point scale: 1 = normal, 2 = presence of a slightly asymmetric gait, 3 = the cow clearly favored 1 or more limbs (moderately lame), 4 = severely lame, to 5 = extremely lame (nonweight-bearing lame). In total 1,799 cows were enrolled. In 2 alternative categorizations, cows were considered lame if at least 1 VLS was > or =3 during the first 70 d in milk, and if at least 1 VLS was > or =4 for the same period they were considered lame. Lameness (VLS > or =3) was detected at least once in 26.5, 54.2, 33.9, 51.8, and 39.3% of all cows in farms 1 to 5, respectively. The hazard ratio of being detected pregnant was 0.85 for lame cows (VLS > or =3) vs. nonlame cows; hence, lame cows were at a 15% lower risk of pregnancy than nonlame cows. When lameness was redefined as VLS > or =4, the hazard ratio of been detected pregnant was 0.76 for lame cows vs. cows with VLS <4. Lameness increased the hazard ratio of culling/death, 1.45 and 1.74 for VLS > or =3 and VLS > or =4, respectively, vs. cows with VLS <3 and VLS <4, respectively. In summary, lameness significantly decreased the hazard of pregnancy and increased the hazard of culling/death. The detrimental effects were amplified when considering only severely lame and non-weight-bearing cows.

Evidence-based lameness detection and quantification.

Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis potentially offers veterinarians an objective method of determining equine limb lameness. Subjective analyses have been shown to be somewhat flawed, and there does not seem to be a high degree of intraobserver agreement when evaluating individual horses. In addition, recognition of the compensatory effects of primary lameness may be helpful for the practicing equine veterinarian.

Association between a visual and an automated locomotion score in lactating Holstein cows.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate visual locomotion scoring (VLS) and Stepmetrix locomotion scoring (SLS) in detecting painful digit lesions. In study 1, one veterinarian performed VLS. Cows with VLS > or = 3 were hoof trimmed and the presence or absence of a painful lesion (PL), defined as a reaction to digital pressure, was recorded. A strongly increasing pattern in the proportion of cows with PL was detected as VLS increased. The proportions of cows with painful lesions were 5.6% (n = 53), 20.1% (n = 78), 55.5% (n = 164), 79.9% (n = 159), and 100% (n = 5) for VLS 1 to 5, respectively. Study 2 was conducted on a different farm. The entire farm was visually locomotion scored by 3 veterinarians on the same day, and the cows were Stepmetrix locomotion scored by walking through the Stepmetrix system. Every cow was trimmed during the following 2 d by 1 of 8 professional hoof trimmers. The 3 veterinarians identified, scored, and recorded any PL. Interobserver agreement for the 3 veterinarians had a kappa coefficient of between 0.45 and 0.48 +/- 0.05. In total, 518 cows were used in the analysis, from which 11.2% were identified with a PL. Of the cows diagnosed with a PL, 32.8% were detected with a sole ulcer, 25.9% with white line disease, 13.8% with white line abscess, and 27.5% with other diseases. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed; the area under the curve was larger for VLS (0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.76 to 0.83) than SLS (0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.57 to 0.66). When performed by trained veterinarians, VLS performed better than SLS in detecting PL.

A probabilistic neural network model for lameness detection.

A 4-balance system for measuring the leg-load distribution of dairy cows during milking to detect lameness was developed. Leg weights of 73 cows were successfully recorded during almost 10,000 robotic milkings over a period of 5 mo. Cows were scored weekly for locomotion, and lame cows were inspected clinically for hoof lesions. Unsuccessful measurements, caused by cows standing outside the balances, were removed from the data with a special algorithm, and the mean leg loads and number of kicks during milking were calculated. To develop an expert system to automatically detect lameness cases, a model was needed, and a classifying probabilistic neural network model was chosen for the task. The data were divided into 2 parts and 5,074 measurements from 37 cows were used to train a classifying probabilistic neural network model. The operation of the model was evaluated for its ability to detect lameness in the validating data set, which had 4,868 measurements from 36 cows. The model was able to classify 96.2% of the measurements correctly as sound or lame cows, and 100% of the lameness cases in the validation data were identified. The number of measurements (equal to the number of milkings) causing false alarms was 1.1%. The model developed has the potential to be used as an on-farm decision aid and can be used in a real-time lameness monitoring system.

Effects of pasture on lameness in dairy cows.

This study tested whether providing cows a 4-wk period on pasture would improve gait and change lying behavior. Eighteen groups, each of 4 lactating Holstein cows initially housed in a freestall barn, were assigned to either continued housing in the same freestall barn, or moved to pasture to provide changes in both physical environment and diet. To assess lameness, gait scores (1 to 5) were recorded weekly for 4 wk. Gait improved by an average of 0.22 units/wk for those cows kept on pasture. We also recorded 4 specific gait attributes (head bob, back arch, tracking up, and reluctance to bear weight evenly on all 4 hooves), and found that the latter 2 attributes also improved during the pasture period. Improved gait for cows on pasture was not because of increased lying times. Cows on pasture actually spent less time lying down than cows kept indoors (10.9 vs. 12.3 h/d), although this lying time was spread over a larger number of bouts (15.3 vs. 12.2 bouts). Cows housed on pasture also lost more weight and produced less milk relative to cows in freestalls, likely because of reduced nutrient intake. These results indicate that a period on pasture can be used to help lame cattle recover probably because pasture provides a more comfortable surface upon which cows stand, helping them to recover from hoof and leg injuries.