Intro to equine lameness

Question 1

define lameness

Answer 1

A clinical sign, [manifesting] signs of inflammation including pain, or a mechanical defect that results in a gait abnormality

Question 2

List the 5 types of lameness

Answer 2

supporting limb (stance phase) lameness
swinging limb lameness
mixed lameness
compensatory lameness
induced/artefactual lameness

Question 3

what is more common forelimb or hindlimb lameness

Answer 3

forelimb lameness

Question 4

List 6 history questions to ask in cases of lameness

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Describe how to approach palpation with lameness

Answer 5

the same way every time
examine legs during weight-bearing and elevated from the ground

Question 6

List 6 things that you should assess with palpation in lameness cases

Answer 6

asymmetry
signs of inflammation
pain
loss of function
crepitus
peripheral pulses

Question 7

what is crepitus

Answer 7

isa palpable or audible grating or crunching sensation produced by motion.

Question 8

what does resentment of deep digital pressure of the epaxial muscles mean

Answer 8

it is NOT pathognomonic of back pain

Question 9

What is lordosis

Answer 9

is the natural curve of the lower back (lumbar) area of the spine.

Question 10

what is kryphosis

Answer 10

an increased front-back curve of the spine

Question 11

what does pressure over the thoracic and cranial lumbar region usually result in

Answer 11

lordosis

Question 12

what does pressure over the caudal lumbar and sacral region usually results in

Answer 12

kryphosis

Question 13

what should dynamic assessment attempt

Answer 13

assess baseline lameness
any lameness identified should be graded and immediately recorded

Question 14

what lameness grading systems exists

Answer 14

ten point grading
five point system-

Question 15

what should you pay attention to when assessing walk

Answer 15

foot placement
gait abnormalities

Question 16

what does lateral observation of walk allow you to assess

Answer 16

foot flight
‘tracking up’
cranial and caudal phases of the stride

Question 17

what is the most useful method of assessing forelimb lameness

Answer 17

head nodding

Question 18

what is seen with head nodding in a lame horse

Answer 18

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

Question 19

what do you look at to assess hindlimb lameness

Answer 19

Relative excursion of the tuber coxae- the limb with the greater degree of movement is the lame limb

Question 20

How can looking at the duration of stance phase help assess lameness

Answer 20

Most lameness results from pain during limb loading
therefore horses will attempt to reduce the duration of the stance phase

Question 21

how can lunging help when looking at lameness

Answer 21

Helpful in ascertaining there might be a bilateral component to lameness

Question 22

describe a flexion test

Answer 22

aim to flex the limb to a point slightly before a withdrawal response is elicited

Question 23

what is wedge test

Answer 23

limb should be placed on the block whilst the contralateral limb is held
wedge can be placed to evoke lateromedial or dorsopalmar forces

Question 24

what drug can be useful to calm fractious horses

Answer 24

acepromazine

Question 25

what drug is used to allow local anesthesia to occur

Answer 25

xylazine
in which case it is important to allow sufficient time for the effects to wear off