EQUINE LOCOMOTOR Flashcards
Laminitis
Characterised by the failure of attachment of the epidermal cells of the insensitive laminae to the underlying basement membrane of the dermal (sensitive laminae)
3 stages of laminitis
- Development stage (72 hours!!) - cannot tell when in this stsage 2. Acute laminitis 3. Chronic laminitis (depending on how effective treatment is)
Pathogenesis of Laminitis
Inflammation- thought that something to do with hindgut fermentation of carbohydrates
Vascular events in the early stages of laminitis include…
Digital vascoconstriction and consequent laminar oedema. Vascoconstriction may be caused by platelet activation. Amines from hindcut fermentation are also vasoactiv
Characteristic stance for laminitis
Leaning back on heels (trying to transfer weight OFF toe), bounding digital pulse, increased hoof wall temperature, palpable depression at coronary band. Pottery gaut,
Which radiographs would you take for diagnosis of laminitis
Lateromedial radiographs. Need to put markers on feet inc dorsal hoof wall, starting at coronary band, one at point of drog. . Founder distance = sinking
Medical therapy for Laminitis
Medical emergency, Analgesia (NSAIDs PBZ, Flunixin, Carprofen) or Opiods in hospital setting. Use of vasodilator therapy is controversial (only ACP shown to work)
Why might a sick endotoxic horse be placed in ice bucket
Decrease risk of laminitis as ice is vasoconstricting blood vessels.
What diet changes can be implemented to help laminitis
Box rest changing diet so it includes no grass, 1.5-2% body weight poor quality hay. Cinnamon- claimed to be insulin sensitising?? Chromium thought to potentiate action of insulin?? Magnesium: Modulates action of insulin???
Prognosis of Laminitis
Dependent on clinical signs. ROTATION BETTER THAN SINKING If depression that extends all the way around coronary band = suggests sinking (20% survival) Rotation of >11.5deg is poor prog.
How can laminitis be prevented
Associated with an over consumption of NSC (Fructan+Starch+Sugar) which provides energy for plant growth. Decreased in growing plants, increased when photosynthesis (high light, low temp i.e. EARLY SPRING = HIGH NSC= HIGH LAMINITIS RISK) Ideally want <10% NSC
When would it be preferable to graze a horse which is prone to laminitis
Consider zero grazing. Turn out late at night or early morning (Low NSC) Restrict in Spring/Autumn Avoid if frost with bright sunshine. Muzzle horse.
Majority of the hoof in inaccessible for palpation, except
- Dorsal DIP joint capsule 2. DIP joint collateral ligaments 3. Collateral cartilages 4. Distal recess DFTS+ DDFT Nerve Blocks are not very specific in the hoof,
Correct nail placement for horse shoeing
Driven obliquely through hoof wall/ Tip of the nail is placed at inner edge of white line with bevel of nail tip facing inwards. When the tail hits the dense hoof wall the nail will start to curve outwards
Septic Pedal Osteitis treatment
Persistant infection = radiolucency. More often front legs as 60% of horse weight distributed here. Curettage and wound care
Coffin bone =
Coffin bone = Pedal bone = Distal phalnx = PIII!
Hoof wall avulsions are the result of
Damage to the cornonary band. Permantely disturbed growth
Keratoma presentation and treatment
Columnar thickening of hoof extending towards inside of hoof. Mostly dorsal wall. Increased local pressure can result in typical lysis of the distal phalanx (on radiograph) Treatment is surgical removal.
Difference between thrush and canker
Thrush: Infection leading to necrotic process’ in frog area. Usually limited to lateral and medial sulci of the frog. CANKER: Mixed bacterial infec of deeper layers. White pus, pungent odour and tendency to bleed.
Treatment of White Line Disease in Horse
Debridge all necrotic and diseased horn. Protect sensitive lamina. Hardening soluitions e.g. formalin. METICULOUS DAILY HOOF CARE AND STALL HYGIENE
An important differential diagnosis for navicular bone fracture of
Bipartitie Navicular Bone (congenital abnormality) can result in chronic lameness and DIP joint OA. Normally lamer with fracture.
Cause of Navicular Syndrome
Palmer Heal Pain. No point cause or pathophysiology. No one cure. 1/3RD IF all forelimb lameness. Usually bilateral
Characteristic gait for Navicular Syndrom
Normally bilateral. 1/3 of all chronic forelimb lameness. 6-12 year old horses. Toe first gait. Toe elevation increase lameness?
Diagnostic approach to Navicular syndrome a) hoof testers b) nerve block
Toe elevation may increase lameness. a) Hoof testers: normally negative b) Positive response to Navicular bursa analgesia/ DIP joint analgesia.
Diagnostic plan for Osseous cyst-like lesions
Nerve blocks to verify significance. Normally midline but can get there near navicular bone and middle phalanx
5 types of Distal Phalanx fracture
Type I: Wing-non articular Type II: Wing-articular Type III: Sagittal Type IV: Extensor process Type V: Communuted Type VI: Solar margin
Type IV Distal phalanx fractures involve…
Type IV Distal phalanx fractures involve the DIP joint. Displacement by common digital extensor tendon
How do treatments for different types of Distal Phalnax fractures vary
Wing (Type I or II) - box rest for 6 months Midsag (Type III) lag screw/bar shoe Extensor process (Type IV) - Box rest 4-6 months and Arthrotomy for removal.
Treatment for Type VI Distal Phalanx fracture
Type VI= Solar margin. Bar shoe? Box rest for up to 6 months
Which type of Distal Phalanx fracture can have Laminitis as a complication
Communitured (Type V) Transfixation cast or Euthasnasia
How to prepare equine foot for radiograph
Prepartion vital for good radiographs- brushing or washing off dirt. Placement of marker on dorsal hoof wall, aligned with coronet. Shoe removal only essential if obscures region of interest. May compromise further lameness examination