Factual Information

These specific notices supplement our Terms of Use and explicitly concern the use of the AI-powered hoof analysis function within the "Hufrehe Alarm" App. By using this feature, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

1. Non-Medical and Non-Veterinary Nature of the AI Analysis

The AI-powered hoof analysis provided by the Hufrehe Alarm App is a monitoring and informational tool only. It is designed to assist in the structured observation and documentation of hoof-related changes and to provide general insights into hoof health based on visual parameters.

THIS AI ANALYSIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL, VETERINARY, DIAGNOSTIC, OR THERAPEUTIC ADVICE. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN, FARRIER, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL.

The analysis is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for making health-related decisions for your horse. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian or qualified hoof specialist for any health concerns, diagnoses, or treatment plans for your horse. Never delay or disregard professional advice based on information from this App.

2. Multi-factorial Nature of Laminitis and Scope of AI Analysis

Laminitis is a complex, multi-factorial disease influenced by various factors. The AI analysis within the App exclusively focuses on mechanical and image-based parameters of the hoof's shape and structure as depicted in user-uploaded images.

The App's AI analysis DOES NOT record, evaluate, or provide insights into the following critical factors that contribute to laminitis or overall equine health:

Metabolic and Nutritional Factors: Such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), liver conditions, or other endocrinological diseases.

Husbandry and Environmental Factors: Including physical strain, exercise regimes, housing conditions, or environmental influences.

Inflammatory, Infectious, or Systemic Causes: Any underlying inflammatory processes, infections, or systemic health issues.

These factors are crucial for a comprehensive health assessment and must be evaluated separately by qualified professionals. The App explicitly makes no claim to the completeness of any diagnostic assessment of laminitis or other hoof conditions.

3. Technical Limitations and Potential AI Errors

The accuracy and reliability of the AI analysis are directly dependent on the quality and correctness of the images and data provided by the user. Errors, misinterpretations, or technical inaccuracies may occur at any time due to technical limitations of the AI software. The AI system generates evaluations immediately without additional manual human review or verification. Therefore, there is no guarantee of absolute accuracy or correctness of the AI analysis results.

Significant deviations may arise if the photo quality is deficient, if the hoof is not suitable for photography, or if the user manually adjusts the analysis points after the initial AI output.

A. Important Guidelines for Photo Accuracy and Alignment:

Incorrect angles or perspectives when capturing hoof images can lead to significant misinterpretations and heavily distorted perspectives. Please strictly note the following:

Camera Alignment: The smartphone's camera lens is usually located in the top-right corner. This lens must be positioned at ground level, at a right angle, and aligned precisely with the center of the lateral hoof wall (not too far forward or too far back).

Preparation: Ensure the coronary band is completely clear of hair so the transition is fully visible everywhere.

Condition: The hooves must be clean and absolutely dry (no wet hooves).

Lighting: Avoid backlighting; ensure good, even lighting and a sharp focus on the hoof.

Tutorial Videos: Please watch our tutorial videos to ensure you get the photography technique exactly right.

B. Manual Fine-Tuning and User Interaction:

To ensure maximum flexibility, the AI automatically places four green reference points in the first step. Since photography errors or hoof preparation can cause inaccuracies, it is your responsibility to precisely position these points using your finger to ensure an accurate result:

🟢 Top Front: The highest, foremost point of the coronary band at the toe.

🟢 Top Back: The highest, rearmost point of the coronary band at the heel.

🟢 Bottom Front: The foremost point of the toe wall at ground level. (Note: The line must lie perfectly flush along the front hoof wall!)

🟢 Bottom Back: The rearmost, lowest point of the heel wall at ground level.

Important for broken or rounded hooves: The reference lines must always follow the natural, straight growth direction of the hoof wall. If the toe tip is broken off or rounded at the bottom, position the point so that the line forms an imaginary extension of the toe wall straight down to the ground level.

Special Instructions for Laminitic Hooves ("Founder Beak"): If the hoof wall is deformed due to laminitis and has formed a "beak," the front line must never align with the entire outward curve! Mark the highest, foremost point of the coronary band. The front line must only align with the initial, straight section of the hoof wall emerging directly beneath the coronary band, projecting this straight line imaginarily down to ground level. Never align the line with the curvature of the foundered beak!

Important for the rear coronary band: Mark the precise highest, rearmost point of the perioplic ring (coronary band). Be careful not to select lower-lying hair or a deformed, downward-stretched perioplic ring as the point. The point must be placed at the anatomically correct highest position. Failing to align the lines correctly will lead to completely incorrect calculations.

Safety in Case of Uncertainty: Always check whether the four points are located exactly on the described anatomical landmarks. If you are absolutely confident in your manual assessment, you can correct the points. If you are unsure, do not adjust the points manually. Instead, go back to preparation and ensure optimal conditions for a new photo so that the AI can detect all points precisely on its own.

C. Legal Determination for Manual Adjustments:

It is explicitly stated that in the event of any manual adjustment or relocation of the points/reference lines, the responsibility for the result transfers entirely (100%) to the user. From the moment of manual adjustment, the App and the AI function solely as a pure drawing tool, executing the calculations based exclusively on the user’s specific inputs and data points.

4. User Responsibility

All results, recommendations, and insights generated by the AI analysis serve solely as a non-binding orientation and supplementary monitoring aid.

The user remains solely and fully responsible for:

Assessing the health status of their horse.

Actively seeking and obtaining professional veterinary or farrier advice.

All decisions regarding the treatment, management, or husbandry of their horse.

5. Disclaimer of Liability for AI Analysis

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PROVIDER (Hufguru UG (haftungsbeschränkt)) SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR INJURIES — EXCEPT IN CASES OF INTENT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE — ARISING FROM:

The use or incorrect interpretation of the AI analysis results.

Health damages or adverse outcomes to the animal.

Economic losses or financial damages.

Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

Liability for lost profits, third-party damages, special risks related to the AI analysis, or decisions made based on this analysis is expressly excluded. The responsibility for correct application and the safety of humans and animals lies solely with the user.

Safety Instructions for Capturing Photos:

Working with live animals requires extreme caution. Always prioritize your own safety and that of your horse to prevent injuries. Choose a safe, quiet location and, if necessary, enlist a helper to hold the horse. The use of the app and the capturing of photos are entirely at your own risk. We assume no liability for accidents, injuries, or damages occurring during photo capture or due to incorrect point placement.

6. No Guarantee of Success or Effect

The provider does not guarantee or warrant the achievement of any specific success, outcome, or effect through the use of the AI analysis. In particular, no liability is assumed that the App's AI analysis will prevent, improve, or correctly detect laminitis or any other hoof condition.

7. Urgent Recommendation for Professional Inspection

IN ANY CASE OF SUSPECTED LAMINITIS, LAMENESS, PAIN, ACUTE DETERIORATION OF HOOF HEALTH, OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERN, A LICENSED VETERINARIAN OR QUALIFIED FARRIER MUST BE CONSULTED IMMEDIATELY. The App is not designed to handle emergencies or acute medical conditions.