Diagnosing Lameness Flashcards
signs of upward fixation of patella
-permanently knuckled over because stifle locked in extension
most causes of lameness are diagnosed at a trot; what are the 5 exceptions?
- sweeney
- upward fixation of the patella
- stringhalt
- fibrotic myopathy
- peroneus tertius rupture
Grade 1 lameness
transient/inconsistent
grade 3 lameness
consistently seen at trot under any circumstance
signs of fibrotic myopathy
shortened stride
slapping sound when food put down during stride
NOT painful
how to see hindlimb lameness
watch hip not hock to look for increased gluteal excursion in lame limb (head might also drop)
grade 4 lameness
obvious headbob, shortened stride, hitching etc
responsible for 80% of lameness
hoof issues
stringhalt treatment
can remove lateral digital extensor tendon but controversial because can resolve spontaneously
fibrotic myopathy lameness is caused by…
past injury to semitendinosis/membranosis -> fibrosis -> nonpainful mechanical lameness with shortened stride
Grade 2 lameness
heard to see on straightaway/best seen under select circumstances
predisposing factors to upward fixation of patella (2)
- upright conformation
- weak quads
how to see forelimb lameness
down = sound
head up associated with lame leg
signs of peroneus tertius rupture
- wrinkled appearance of calcanean tendon
- stifle flexes +hock extends
- drags toe when walking
components of reciprocal apparatus (2)
- cranial: peroneus tertius
- caudal: SDF + tendinous portion of gastrocnemius
