Intro to equine lameness Flashcards
define lameness
A clinical sign, [manifesting] signs of inflammation including pain, or a mechanical defect that results in a gait abnormality
List the 5 types of lameness
supporting limb (stance phase) lameness
swinging limb lameness
mixed lameness
compensatory lameness
induced/artefactual lameness
what is more common forelimb or hindlimb lameness
forelimb lameness
List 6 history questions to ask in cases of lameness
when was the problem first noticed
have any treatments been attempted
nature of lameness
does it improve with exercise
have there been any recent changes
is there any previous history of lameness
Describe how to approach palpation with lameness
the same way every time
examine legs during weight-bearing and elevated from the ground
List 6 things that you should assess with palpation in lameness cases
asymmetry
signs of inflammation
pain
loss of function
crepitus
peripheral pulses
what is crepitus
isa palpable or audible grating or crunching sensation produced by motion.
what does resentment of deep digital pressure of the epaxial muscles mean
it is NOT pathognomonic of back pain
What is lordosis
is the natural curve of the lower back (lumbar) area of the spine.
what is kryphosis
an increased front-back curve of the spine
what does pressure over the thoracic and cranial lumbar region usually result in
lordosis
what does pressure over the caudal lumbar and sacral region usually results in
kryphosis
what should dynamic assessment attempt
assess baseline lameness
any lameness identified should be graded and immediately recorded
what lameness grading systems exists
ten point grading
five point system-
what should you pay attention to when assessing walk
foot placement
gait abnormalities
what does lateral observation of walk allow you to assess
foot flight
‘tracking up’
cranial and caudal phases of the stride
what is the most useful method of assessing forelimb lameness
head nodding
what is seen with head nodding in a lame horse
head elevation begins just before the stance phase of the lamb limb
consequently the horse appears to nod when the “good” leg is in contact with the ground
what do you look at to assess hindlimb lameness
Relative excursion of the tuber coxae- the limb with the greater degree of movement is the lame limb
How can looking at the duration of stance phase help assess lameness
Most lameness results from pain during limb loading
therefore horses will attempt to reduce the duration of the stance phase
how can lunging help when looking at lameness
Helpful in ascertaining there might be a bilateral component to lameness
describe a flexion test
aim to flex the limb to a point slightly before a withdrawal response is elicited
what is wedge test
limb should be placed on the block whilst the contralateral limb is held
wedge can be placed to evoke lateromedial or dorsopalmar forces
what drug can be useful to calm fractious horses
acepromazine
what drug is used to allow local anesthesia to occur
xylazine
in which case it is important to allow sufficient time for the effects to wear off
