Hindlimb static exam

Question 1

What are you observing from a distance for himblimb lamness investigation?

Answer 1

from the side
* Standing square -
* Lordosis (sway back) - left
* Kyphosis (roach back) - right
* Both sides
* Conformation
* Asymmetry
* Muscle wastage
* Swelling

Question 2

What angluar deformities of the hock are you you looking at on hindlimb examination?

Answer 2

Left - varus deformity of the hock (bow legged) (leg angled in)
Right - Valgus deformity of the hock (cow hocked) (leg angled out)

Question 3

In what order would it be sensible to palpate a horse when deling with hindlimb lameness

Answer 3

• neck
• spine
• pelvis (tuber sacrum)
• gluteal muscles
• coxofemoral (deep)
• Lift tail
• Stifle (femoral patella joint, medial femoral tibial joint)
• tibia
• tarsus, Calcaneus
• cannon bone (flexor tendons)
• fetlock (dorsal and planter pouches)
• suspensory branches of the digital flexor tendon sheath
• foot - including hoof testers

Question 4

How can limb elevation be used for himblimb lamenss evaluation?

Answer 4

• shows if horse is unhappy about having limb elevated
• shows stiffness of joint

remember - hock and stifle move together due to reciprocal apparatus - can be hard to differentiate

Question 5

what are you looking for during the exam of the hoof in a lameness evaluation?

Answer 5

• thrush
• square toe - dragging foot along ground
• pinched heel bulbs
• cracks