Mussculoskeletal conditions and lameness equine Flashcards
what are the three classifications of lameness?
- weight bearing - decrease weight on leg
- non weight bearing or swinging leg
- complementary or compensatory
lameness workup
history very important, General PE, Acute vs chronic, worse with work or rest, use of animal, breed, age
Observe horse at :
walk, trot, turning
look for:
head bob, hip hike, toe drag, shortened stride.
front leg lameness:
watch for a head bob the stride is usually shorter on the affected limb.
hind leg lameness:
watch for hip hike - the sound side will go down.
determine the location of pain:
palpation, flexion tests, hoof testers, nerve blocks.
diagnostic equiptment:
x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, Thermography.
Nuclear scintigraphy:
bone scan- horse is injected with radioactive dye which binds to areas of new bone activity.
Equine tendon Ultrasound:
to determine if there is an injury or tear of the tendon.
Arthritis causes:
traumatic, bone spavin, ringbone- age related.
common types of arthritis:
navicular, DJD, sidebone, ringbone, spavin, knee cap problems, back problems, sacroilliac, clicking joints, splints, windgalls, ocd, accidents.
the joint:
the joint capsule is lined by synovium. Site of joint fluid production. The joint fluid and cartilage act as shock absorbers.
Arthritis diagnosis:
Radiographs
treatment options for arthritis;
Chondro-protectants: polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan PSGAG, Cosequin, Adequan, Glucosamine, MSM, Hyaluronic acid- legend.
oral chondroprotectants:
nutraceuticals: glucosamine and chondroitin
NSAID’s
phenylbutazone, Ketoprophen, Flunixin meglumine.
Laminitis
also known as founder. Inflammation of the laminae
- so soft tissue between the hoof wall and the coffin bone.
- suspend and anchor the coffin bone within the hoof wall.
causes of laminitis:
many causes: grain overload, grazing on lush pastures, retained placenta after foaling, gram negative bacterial infections, severe lameness on on leg, concussion.
result of laminitis:
result of bacterial toxins targeting the laminae of the hoof
clinical signs of laminitis:
sawhorse stance, walking on eggshells, heat around coronary band, very painful on toes when hoof testers applied, increased digital pulse.
Treatment of acute laminitis:
analgesics- NSAIDS, mineral oils/ laxatives orally if due to grain, cold packs on feet or cold water hosing, soft straw, sand to decrease concussion of hoof, support sole.
treatment of chronic laminitis:
corrective trimming and special shoes.
Prevention of Laminitis:
watch intake: grain and lush pastures, very important to treat very early.
Navicular Disease/ Syndrome:
very common cause of chronic forelimb lameness in horses. Usually in older horses that have had a lot of forces applied to this area - 6-8 yrs of age. navicular bone allows for correct insertion of deep digital flexor tendon on p3
navicular syndrome may involve:
navicular bursitis, tendonitis/ damaged tendon, damaged navicular bone itself
navicular disease cs:
chronic, intermittent front foot/feet lameness, may stand pointing toe, land on toes instead of heels when moving, contracted foot.
diagnosis of navicular disease:
history, clinical signs, hoof testers, nerve block of heels- eliminates lameness, rads- lollipops and spurs in the navicular bone.
navicular disease treatment:
rest, analgesics, corrective trimming and shoeing, vasodilator and aspirin, intraarticular medication, neurectomy
exertional Rhabdomyolysis :
also called tying up, black water, azoturia
causative factors rhabdomyolysis:
overfeeding of carbohydrates, poor conditioning or fitness with sudden increase of workload. Work of a horse after a period of rest. deficiency in selenium or vit E. Wet, cold, windy weather conditions.
Exertional rhabdomyolysis occurs when?
there is an inadequate blood flow to muscles of an exercising horse. muscle cells lacking in o2 begin to function anaerobically to produce the needed energy. the anaerobic work creates a build up of waste products- lactic acid and inflamm = muscle damage.
Mild clinical sings of rhabdomyolysis:
Hind leg stiffness, shuffling gait, mild pain on palpation of gluteal muscles.
severe signs of rhabdomyolysis:
severe pain, increased heart rate, sweating, resistant to move, hard painful gluteal muscles, myoglobinuria.
diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis:
history, clinical signs, test blood for increases muscle enzymes.