Available for Licensing
TRL: 4
US Provisional Patent
Katie Sikes
Ben Bunten
Katie Graham
Sierra Williams
Madeline D’Amato
Travis Montoya Polson
Jeremiah Easley
Steve Foster
Steve.Foster@colostate.edu
970-491-7100
At a Glance
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a static weight bearing device for evaluating ovine (sheep), caprine (goat), and porcine (pig) lameness. This novel device allows a quantitative evaluation of animal lameness, in both clinical and pre-clinical veterinary applications, assisting both clinicians and researchers alike.
Background
Ovine, caprine, and porcine models are commonly used in orthopedic research, due to similarity in skeletal structure to humans. During research studies, longitudinal (across-time) evaluation of an animal’s weight distribution (or lameness) assists in the evaluation of novel medial devices, implants, and biologics. However, the current method for determining weight distribution (lameness) in ovine, caprine, or porcine patients occurs with visual observation and subjective lameness scoring. Thus, current methods for evaluation have limited accuracy and results may be inconsistent across time-points.
Overview
The static weight bearing device provides quantitative data to evaluate weight distribution and lameness in sheep, goats, and pigs. The device is designed for the size and weight of these animals and has 4 distinct modules which measure the weight distribution of each limb. Each module contains four half-bridge load cell sensors that are calibrated to measure the amount of weight the animal is putting on each limb. The device also includes an interface system, so that users can record and analyze the data across a study to see changes in weight distribution over time and for comparison. This allows longitudinal studies to be normalized, leading to more accurate results and reduction of human error.
Figures 1, 2, and 3, below, are images of the prototype device.
Figure 1. The prototype device, with one of the quadrant sensors open for visibility
Figure 2. The prototype device, with weights on separate quadrants.
Figure 3. The underside of the prototype device.
Benefits
- First lameness evaluation tool designed for ovine, caprine, and porcinemodels
- Quantitative measurement of weight distribution allows for comparison between groups and time-points
- Static system allows for more accurate measurements of weight distribution in sheep, as opposed to dynamic weight bearing utilized in other species.
- Reduces stress on animal subjects and animal handlers
Applications
- Veterinary clinicians
- Orthopedic research in ovine, caprine, and porcine models
- Biomedical research in ovine, caprine, and porcinemodels
Last updated: November 2022
