Introduction to increased digital pulse cases Flashcards
1
Q
Physiology of increased digital pulse
A
- injury to foot
-> inflammation -> swelling & increased blood flow
swelling -> hoof capsule can’t expand therefore increased pressure -> blood pressure within the digital artery increases
increased blood flow -> blood pressure within the digital artery increases
increase in the blood pressure within the digital artery -> bounding pulse
2
Q
History q’s
A
- what is the horse used for?
- how is it managed?
- any recent changes in management?
- any previous lameness/foot problems?
- when did the problem start?
- has it improved or worsened?
- what exercise had the horse been doing recently?
- when were the feet last trimmed/shod?
- have the owners given any tx?
3
Q
Palpation
A
- on the abaxial margin of the lateral and medial sesamoid bones
- run finger from side to side to feel neurovascular bundle
- place finger & thumb on either side
- gentle pressure
- assess strength
4
Q
Normal pulse
A
- not always easy to feel
- faint
- even harder with thick skin / heavy feathers
5
Q
Raised pulse
A
- easier to feel
- ‘bounding’
- compare to other legs
6
Q
Static examination
A
- recumbent?
- stance?
- generalised distal limb swelling?
- localised heat/pain/swelling?
- effusions in DFTS (digital flexor tendon sheath) or fetlock/coffin joints? (pastern joint effusion is hard to palpate)
- hoof temperature?
- wounds?
- hoof cracks?
- abnormal hoof rings? (divergent hoof rings -> laminitis)
- defects in the sole?
- shoe type and integrity?
7
Q
Hoof testers
A
- used to apply pressure to specific locations around the hoof
- looking for a generalised or localised pain response
- hold horses leg with your legs so you can use 2 hands
- work systematically from 1 heel around to the other
- percussion
- repeat to confirm findings
- improved if shoe removed
8
Q
Dynamic exam
A
- unable to move?
- lame at walk?
- lame at trot?
- worse on turns?
- grade of lameness?
- worse on hard?
- which leg(s)?
- how is/are lame foot/feet placed on the ground?
- worse on lunge?
- response to flexion?
9
Q
Lameness grade 0/5
A
- sound
10
Q
Lameness grade 1/5
A
- mild inconsistent lameness
11
Q
Lameness grade 2/5
A
- mild consistent lameness
12
Q
Lameness grade 3/5
A
- moderate consistent lameness
13
Q
Lameness grade 4/5
A
- severe consistent lameness
14
Q
Lameness grade 5/5
A
- unable to weight bear
15
Q
Further exam
A
- remove shoe
- repeat hoof tester examination
- pare foot with hoof knives
– discolouration
– discharge
– deviation of white line
