Lameness investigation of the horse Flashcards
What part of our approach tells us the source of lameness?
diagnostic analgesia: nerve and joint blocks
What can we observe when the horse is stationary?
symmetry
posture
conformation
**poor conformation doesn’t mean lameness
significant problems usually obvious
What should we palpate in the horse?
legs bottom to up
- hood testers
- SDTF insertion
- distal sesamoidean ligaments
- digital pulses
- tendons: loaded and unloaded
- suspensory ligament origin
- joints (distention, temp, pain resp. range of motion)
back and pelvis (axial skeleton)
- spine
- tuber coxae
- tuber ischii
What is travel of a horse’s limb movement?
flight of a single hoof in relation to other limbs (path it takes in the air)
often viewed from the side or from behind
not necessarily related to specific orthopaedic problem
What are the phases of the horse’s stride?
landing
slide
loading (of flexor tendons)
stance
heel lift - breakover - toe pivot
swing
What is the action of a horse’s limb movement?
overall description of gait characteristics
takes into account joint flexion, stride length, suspension and other qualities
variation between different types and breeds of horses
What is the normal walk gait like?
even rhythm 4beat gait
not very suitable to recognise subtle lameness
What is the normal pace gait like?
2 beat lateral gait
ipsilateral fore/hindlimb move alternatively
viable gait in STB racehorses and other breeds
considered an impure gait in most “normal” horses
What is the normal canter gait like?
3beat gait with lead preference
difficult to identify subtle lameness
useful to assess back/rider/saddle associated problems
What is the normal trot gait like?
2beat diagonal gait
steadiest and most rhythmic gait in most horses: preferred for lameness exam
What is the goal of the lameness examination?
localise the source of lameness in the limb(s) to allow for targeted diagnostic imaging and treatment
What is the sign for forelimb lameness?
head nod
- head drops down when sound leg bears weight
- head raises when lame limb bears weight to reduce the load put on the lame limb
asymmetrical contraction pectoral muscles
sound/concussion: harder landing/louder noise on sound limb
What is the sign for hindlimb lameness?
pelvic hike
- pelvic drops down when the sound limb bears weight
- pelvis hikes up when the lame limb bears weight
elevation of tuber calcis on sound side
drifting: moves away from lame limb which tracks under body or is posted out
sound/concussion: harder landing/louder noise on sound limb
What are indications of lameness when looking from the side?
feltock extension/drop: more pronounced on sound limb opposite to lame limb
changes in limb fliht characteristics: cranial and caudal phase of the stride
What are additional factors that could indicate lameness and help locate the source?
examining on different surfaces
circle/lunge
different gaits
under saddle (owner/staff rider)
high speed treadmill
