Equine MSK

Question 1

how do you grade lameness in a horse?

Answer 1

0: not lame at all
1: hard to see, can be seen but not consistntley
2: hard to see, but can be seen consistently under specific circumstances
3: can be seen at a trot
4: can be seen at a walk
5: horse is not weight bearing on affected limb

Question 2

how would you do an equine MSK exam?

Answer 2

1. distant exam: weight distribution of hooves, obvious swellings, bumps, asymmetry
2. dynamic exam: walk the horse in a straight line away from you, then towards you. observe from the side as well. if there is no lameness at a walk, then have the horse trot. then have the horse move in circules, both directions, and in a figure 8 pattern.
3. flexion tests: hold each for at least 60 seconds, then have the horse immediately trot
4. use hoof testers