2: Basic Lameness

Question 1

List the order of steps in a basic lameness exam?

Answer 1

History/Distance Exam
Palpation & Hoof Testers
PE
Movement
Movement after Manipulations
Diagnostic Analgesia
Further Diagnostics (Rads, U/S)

Question 2

How can you use a head nod to determine lameness?

Answer 2

Down on sound- head will drop when the sound foot hits the ground. Most helpful with forelimb lameness

Question 3

How can you use pelvic hike & drop to determine lameness?

Answer 3

The lame limb with have more pelvic excursion (further up & further down)

Question 4

How can you use fetlock drop to determine lameness?

Answer 4

the joint of the sound limb will drop further when weight bearing than the lame limb

Question 5

How can you use sound to determine lameness?

Answer 5

The sound foot striking the ground will be louder than the lame foot; most helpful on hard surfaces with metal shoes

Question 6

How can you use drift to determine lameness?

Answer 6

horses drift away from the lame limb; tail may do the same

Question 7

How can you use stride length to determine lameness?

Answer 7

shortened cranial phase for lame limb

Question 8

How can you use height of foot arc to determine lameness?

Answer 8

Lower for lame limb

Question 9

AAEP Lameness Grade 1:

Answer 9

difficult to observe, inconsistent

Question 10

AAEP Lameness Grade 2:

Answer 10

difficult to observe at walk/trot going straight, consistent in a circle/incline/hard surface

Question 11

AAEP Lameness Grade 3:

Answer 11

Consistently observable

Question 12

AAEP Lameness Grade 4:

Answer 12

Marked nodding/hitching/short stride

Question 13

AAEP Lameness Grade 5:

Answer 13

Minimal weight-bearing, inability to move