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Diagnostic accuracy of digital photography and image analysis for the measurement of foot conformation in the horse
Author(s) -
WHITE J. M.,
MELLOR D. J.,
DUZ M.,
LISCHER C. J.,
VOUTE L. C.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516408x313625
Subject(s) - horse , photography , foot (prosody) , digital photography , computer vision , digital image , artificial intelligence , art , image (mathematics) , computer science , visual arts , biology , image processing , paleontology , literature
Summary Reasons for performing study : Rigorous evaluation of practicable methods for the objective assessment of foot conformation has not been performed. Objectives : To assess the practicability, precision and accuracy of the process of obtaining measurements of horses' feet using photography and image processing software. Methods: Precision study : Lateral photographs of horses' feet were obtained twice by 2 veterinary surgeons (image acquisition ‐ IAc). Photographs were analysed by 2 masked veterinary surgeons on 2 occasions (image analysis ‐ IAn). Measurements were compared within and between operators for self and non‐self acquired photographs. Agreement indices (AIs) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated for the IAn process alone and for the combined IAc + IAn processes. Accuracy study : Measurements obtained from lateral photographs were compared with those obtained from lateromedial radiographs. AIs and 95% LOA were calculated for each measurement. Results: Precision study : Mean intra‐ and interoperator AIs for the IAn process alone were ≥0.90 while those for the combined IAc + IAn processes were ≥0.89 for all measurements. Similar mean AIs and 95% LOA were calculated regardless of image origin. The 95% LOA for hoof angle, heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle for all comparisons were within target values. Accuracy study : Mean AIs were ≥0.89 for all measurements. The 95% LOA for heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle were within target values. Conclusions : Excellent precision was identified within and between operators regardless of image origin. High levels of accuracy were also identified, especially for heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle, indicating that photography and radiography may be used interchangeably. Potential relevance : Acquisition and analysis of photographic images is an appropriate method for the objective measurement of foot conformation, both in clinical and research settings.