Lameness Flashcards
Lameness scale range
0-5
Lameness of 0
lameness is not perceptible under any circumstances
Lameness of 1
lameness is difficult to observe and is not consistently apparent, regardless of circumstances (under saddle, circling, inclines, hard surfaces)
Lameness of 2
lameness is difficult to observe at a walk or when trotting in a straight line but consistently apparent under certain circumstances (weight-carrying, circling, inclines, hard surface, etc.)
Lameness of 3
lameness is consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances
Lameness of 4
lameness is obvious at a walk
Lameness of 5
lameness produces minimal weight bearing in motion and/or at rest or a complete inability to move
How should a vet evaluate lameness?
-on different surfaces (hard and soft)
-under saddle
-at the walk and trot
What two gaits are lameness best evaluated?
walk and trot
-they are both symmetrical
-simplest gates
What are the main legs palpated for lameness?
back, neck, and forelegs
When the lame foreleg hits the ground, the head will…
bob up
When the sound foreleg hits the ground, the head will…
lower
How do vets use the lameness scale?
-as a recording system (known to any other vet looking at it)
-in lameness exams
-to assess treatment response (ex: going from a grade 5 to a 2 after treatment)
In most normal horses with good movement, the head and neck should be…
still
Why is it important that the handler trots the horse at a comfortable speed?
-if it is too slow, the gait can be falsely irregular
-if it is too fast, the lameness could be masked
Why is it important that the handler does not hold the lead too tightly?
too tight of a hold may create or mask abnormal movement because the head and neck won’t move naturally
On a circle, what characteristics of hind limb movement might you look for?
-hind limb toe drag
-restricted hind limb impulsion
-breaking gait
-switching legs behind
When the horse is lunged on a harder gravel surface and over pavement, he is not relaxed. How does his lack of relaxation effect his gait?
he shortens his stride and rushes because he is not relaxed
-his gait becomes irregular and unbalanced
What are the advantages of having the horse under saddle as opposed to being examined in the lead or lunge line?
-added weight may accentuate the lameness
-hindlimb lameness is often only seen when ridden
-it can also help evaluate if the rider is the only one creating the irregularity in gait
-hindlimb lameness are more obvious when the ride sits as that hind leg comes under
What characteristics does a vet look at in lateral movements?
-gait irregularities
-maintaining a regular rhythm
-evenness of strides
-looseness through the back
-hindquarters are smooth and supple
-placement/engagement of hind limbs
What characteristics do vets look for in the extended trot?
-suppleness of back
-animation of stride
-large, smooth regular steps
-more suspension
