Table 3.
Visual scoring protocol modified from Main et al. [30].
| Lameness Score | Standing Posture | Gait |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Pig stands squarely on 4 legs. | Even strides1. Caudal body sways slightly while walking. Pig is able to accelerate and change direction rapidly |
| 1 | As for score 0. | Abnormal stride length (not easily identified). Movements no longer fluent (pig appears stiff). Pig still able to accelerate and change direction. |
| 2 | Uneven posture. | Shortened stride. Lameness detected. Swagger of caudal body while walking. No hindrance in pig’s agility. |
| 3 | Uneven posture. Will not bear weight on affected limb (appears to be standing on toes). | Shortened stride. Minimum weight-bearing on affected limb. Swagger of caudal body while walking. Will still trot and gallop. |
| 4 | Affected limb elevated off floor. Pig appears visibly distressed. | Pig may not place affected limb on the floor while moving. |
| 5 | Will not stand unaided. | Does not move. |
1Bold type identifies the defining criteria that must be present to assign a score. Normal type shows supporting criteria that are useful for assigning a score.