MS Equine Exam 1 Flashcards
Importance of history for lameness exam
Signalment
Acute vs invidious onset (duration)
Use of animal
Management (shoeing intervals/exercise routine)
What tendons & ligaments should be palpated on the forelimb
Superficial digital flexor tendon
Deep digital flexor tendon
Suspensory ligament (origin, body, medial & lateral branches)
Observing lameness on forelimbs
Head bob
Arc of flight of foot
Altered flight path
Length of stride
Angels of joint flexion
Audible differences between limbs
Observing lameness of hind limbs
Pelvic hike or drop
Arc of flight of foot
Altered flight path of foot
Length of stride
Angles of joint flexion
Drifting away from lame limb
Lameness grade 1
Difficult to obverse, inconsistent
Lameness grade 2
Difficult to observe at walk/trot going straight, consistent in circle, incline, hard surface
Lameness grade 3
Consistently observable at trot
Lameness grade 4
Obvious at walk, marked nodding/hitching/short stride
Lameness grade 5
Minimal weight bearing, inability to move
Natural weight distribution
Forelimb : 60%
Hindlimb : 40%
Rider weight distribution
Forelimb: 70%
Hindlimb: 30%
Natural beat at a walk
4 beat
LH - LF - RH - RF
Natural beat at trot
2 beat, diagonal
RF + LH - LF + RH
Flexion tests pros and cons
Not sensitive or specific
Can’t replace diagnostic analgesia
Be aware of all structure being stressed
Sources of pain in flexion test
Tension in soft tissue (extension side)
Compression of soft tissue (flexion side)
Compression of articular surface (SC bone)
Intra articular pressure
Vascular constriction
Stretching nerves