Diagnosing Lameness Flashcards
An alteration of the normal gait pattern caused by a functional or structural disorder in the locomotor system
Lameness
What abnormality causes lameness?
Pain
What are the 7 classic steps of a lameness exam?
History, PE, palpation, observation @ exercise, flexion tests, nerve blocks, DI
What is the primary goal of a lameness exam?
Localization and diagnosis
What can cause asymmetry?
Nerve damage, muscle atrophy/wasting
Depending on what the horse does for a living, what % of lameness problems occur in the foot?
80%
What gait is the lameness graded from?
Trot
What is the best surface for evaluation?
Firm and even
What kind of suface can help dx neuro disease?
Soft sand, hills/incline
Is it easier to ID lameness in the forelimb or hindlimb?
Forelimb
When the painful limb hist the ground, what direction does the head go?
Up
What point do you watch on the hindlimb to dx lameness?
Point of the hips
You will see ______ gluteal excursion in the lame limb
Increased
If the hindlimb lameness is 3/5 or above, the horse will appear to have what other lameness?
Ipsilateral forelimb
Pressure point is smaller and has shorter handles for easier handling
Adjustable hoof testers
Where do you use hoof testers?
Wall, sole, frog, heels, coronary band
Difficult to observe, inconsistent lameness
Grade 1
Lameness may only be evident when the horse is asked to work
Grade 1