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I

Indications of Severity

Indications of severity are based on a general range of amplitude of lameness, with levels increasing from “very mild”, “mild”, “mild/moderate”, “moderate”, and “moderate/severe”.

  • “no” evidence: lameness measure is within reference range (see note**)
  • “strong” evidence: Reported when the standard deviation is less than 50% of the mean Diff Min head (since Diff Min Head determines the side of forelimb lameness, it is the more important measure to assess for variability); or Mean Diff Min and/or Diff Max pelvis. 
  • “moderate” evidence: Reported when the SD is between 50 and 120% of the mean.
  • “weak” evidence: Reported when the standard deviation is greater than 120% of the mean.

**The veterinarian should keep in mind that the severities are a range, and should not be used to compare two trials for consistency of amplitude (such as in establishing a stable baseline between two trials) or to assess change in amplitude (such as before and after a block, or change over time).