The aim of the study was to analyze an occurrence of forelimb and hind limb conformation traits in the population of the Latvian warmblood carriage type broodmares accepted as appropriate for the breed’s genetic resources and an occurrence of these traits depending on the origin. The conformation traits of limbs were analyzed in the population of the Latvian warmblood carriage type’s broodmares accepted as appropriate for the genetic resources from 2004 to 2012 and registered in the Stud Book, the group consisted of 301 mare of which 104 mares had a description of the conformation in Stud Book or database. Based on common female ancestors the broodmares were divided in families, recognized as important for improving the breed, and other related groups. The quality of limbs in the population of broodmares included in genetic resources was compared to the quality of limbs in the population of their female ancestors. Good limb conformation was characteristic to 28.8% of broodmares. The most common conformation faults were toeing-in of forelegs and base-narrow position of forelimbs and hind limbs. The occurrence of conformation faults as sloping pasterns of forelegs and hind legs and sickle-hocks was rarer in nowadays population than in population of female ancestors. The occurrence of toeing-in of forelegs increased from 9.7% to 19.2%, a significant difference between contemporary population and ancestors was found (p is less than 0.05). A significant difference in limb quality between groups with different origins was not found.

The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether a single mesenchymal stem cell intra-articular injection in the osteoarthritic joint gives a therapeutic effect. This trial study was made in order to better manage and structure further study on more dogs. Single injections of 3 million mesenchymal stem cell intra-articular injections were made bilaterally in the osteoarthritic elbow joints. The dog was examined before and after monthly stem cell therapy using stance analyser scales to determine the static weight of each limb. Weight balance between forelegs improved, but not significantly (p is greater than 0.05). A radiographic examination was made for both elbow joints before stem cell therapy and the second and fifth month thereafter. Calculations of sub-trochlear sclerosis in percentage were made using mediolateral projections. Sub-trochlear sclerosis in percentage significantly decreased (p is less than 0.05) after stem cell therapy in both legs.