Lameness in Horses Flashcards
What structures do we examine when palpating the distal limb in an Orthopaedic Examination? (5)
Hoof
SDFT insertion
Distal Sesamoideum ligaments
Digital Pulses
Also check tendons when loaded and unloaded
What are the phases of the stride?
Landing > (slide) > Loading (tendons like a spring) > Stance > Breakover (heel lift and toe pivot) > Swing
Does a pace gait aka two beat lateral gait indicate pathology?
Depends on the type of horse- is a viable gait in racehorses but seen as an impure gait in most normal horses- indicates Neuro problems if seen
What is the benefit to observing a canter in an orthopaedic examination?
Useful to assess back/ rider/ saddle problems (hard to identify lameness)
Which gait is preferred to observe to identify lameness in an orthopaedic exam and why?
Trot- two beat diagonal gait
Is the steadiest and most rhythmic gait in most horses
What do Inertial Motion Sensors do?
GPS sensor that allows you to measure lameness in specific areas and localise the lesion
What are the characteristic signs of Forelimb lameness? (3)
Head elevation when lame forelimb hits the ground & head nod when sound limb hits ground
Sound- harder landing on sound limb
Asymmetrical Pectoral muscle contraction
What is a good indicator of lameness when observing a horse from the side?
Fetlock extension aka Fetlock Drop- more pronounced on the sound limb
What are the characteristics of hindlimb lameness? (4)
Pelvic Hike (on the side of the lame limb when the lame limb is weight bearing)
Drifting (horse moves away from lame limb resulting in a sideways walk)
Lame limb also tracks over body or is posted out
Louder/ harder sounding on the sound limb
What are the 5 stages to quantifying lameness?
1- Lameness difficult to observe
2- Difficult to observe t walk but apparent under weight carrying, inclines etc.
3. Lameness consistently observable at a trot
4. Lameness obvious at walk
5. Lameness is at minimal weight bearing
