True craftsman of the state of good health of the horses for which he is responsible, the Dr Thomas Launois specializes in locomotor monitoring of sport horses. In a dialogue with Ekico, he agreed to open the doors of his exams to us.
This experienced veterinarian works in the Bailly veterinary equine clinic located in the Paris region in France (77). Between surgery and regular monitoring of his horses “that he knows by heart”, it is thanks to a sharp expertise over the years that he judges the best care to be given to each horse.
Digital extension tests, palpations, observation of locomotion in a straight line / circle, hoof tester, imaging, etc., each equine is carefully “checked”.
A complete musculoskeletal examination is routinely performed, down to detail.
New processes at the service of performance
Doctor Launois does not hide it, he has a clear objective: to offer the best follow-up and the best care to horses thanks to the latest techniques available.
In particular, he participates in the development of the latest innovations in terms of tracking locomotion and the horse’s feet.
Artificial intelligence, data collection, image recognition, etc., new possibilities that the innovative practitioner is gradually bringing to the service of his expertise and that he collaborates to improve.
Artificial intelligence in support of visual observation
About the Tendiboots™ device :
“I did not expect this, the boots sometimes push me to my limits. They can lead me to reinterpret my first observations and to specify the locomotor follow-up of my horses”, Continues Dr Thomas Launois.
Tendiboots™ are used to collect additional information on the locomotion of the horse and to make it possible to objectify evolutions. For example, during nerve block, the system offers additional data on the evolution of symmetry between the limbs.
The tool is regularly used during orthopedic examinations by specialized veterinarians in order to train its algorithms to improve the monitoring of horses and their well-being. “The next step for Ekico and to level up is now to complete the system with the posterior gaiters and the analysis on the circle”, Concludes Dr Thomas Launois. A message received 5/5!
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About the HoofTrack™ follow-up from the Metron software:
“This tool is useful for my sport locomotor monitoring, it helps me to refine my decision making in terms of shoeing. For example, recently, as part of the locomotor follow-up of a suit horse, one of my recommendations focused on the removal of a plate on one of the feet, but not on the other. The plate in question was 4mm thick which corresponded to the difference in height between the heels of each foot. A tool of this type makes it possible to objectify and specify the longitudinal monitoring of the shoeing of horses. As part of my expertise (medical disputes), this also provides me with concrete measurable elements”, concludes the Dr Thomas Launois.
