Lameness Flashcards
what is lameness?
an alteration to the gait
a structural or functional disorder of the locomotor system
How is it measured?
0-10 scale: 0-sound, 10-non weight bearing
How is the dyson scale measured?
0-8 scale: 0-sound, 2-mild, etc
what are the causes?
degenerative osteoarthritis developmental osteochondrosis metabolic laminitis overload of a structure abscess, wound inflammation trauma
How to evaluate lameness
medical review appraisal of horse at rest and palpation hands on exam hoof testers horse in motion- trot up flexion test nerve blocking imaging
How is conformation a factor causing?
Balance- essential for movement Correctness- soundness and cleanliness Way of going- how the horse moves muscling- quantity and quality type- breed and ideal for the breed
Fore/Hindlegs evaluated for straightness, muscling
Pelvis & coup evaluated for length and symmetry
What is an ideal topline?
Shorter than the underline of the horse
long topline = weak back
Ideal shoulder?
45 degrees
crucial in conformation
determines stride length
Ideal Hips?
strong hips
disciplines require power from behind the horse
45 degrees
too straight = limited movement
Motion evaluation
straight line circle- emphasises lameness even surface hard and soft ground trot up walk up
Forelimb lameness
head raises above normal position
Hindlimb lameness
difficult to diagnose
more vertical motion in the hip of affected leg
How is palpation used to diagnose?
heat/swelling
check for pain response
check for hardness, softness, fluidity
What is a flexion test?
provocation testing where the patient is exposed to a stimulus to provoke a response
limb is flexed and manipulated and then moved to see lameness
fetlock- forelimb
pastern- hindlimb
What is nerve blocking?
injecting local anaesthesia into nerves disrupts function numbs below injection site if pain is in this area lameness will disappear work from lowest nerve and work up