Molograph 4.0: A demonstration of a non-invasive, automated system for evaluating aspects of the masticatory process in the horse

We outlined a monitoring system as a demonstration of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in horses that provided the ability to record aspects of the equine chewing process. Here we take up the idea of a Molograph, which was already proposed in the mechanical form in 1941 by Leue and transferred into today’s world. As a substantial practical advantage, the system now involved a non-invasive measurement that was taken in the horse’s familiar environment. All patients were fed roughage. In terms of the examination scenario, we focused on the determination of the direction of chewing. The system relieves the strain of the examination by automating an otherwise time-consuming and tedious observation, while the results were comparable to those of a human observer. Firstly, examinating the horse with the Molograph 4.0 may provide indications like predominant unilateral chewing that justify a more detailed dental inspection by a veterinarian. The expert may identify the root cause and thus prevent pathologies like diagonal incisor malocclusion or shear mouth. All observed changes in chewing direction occurred in connection with chewing breaks, while the relationship is not bijective.