Orthopaedics

Question 1

CSs laminitis

Answer 1

Systemic illness
Stilted gait, walking/standing on heels
severe lameness quickly progresses to recumbency
Increased digital pulses, heat, pain in toe region.
If there is sinking get coronary band depression ± serum ooze

Question 2

Obel grades

Answer 2

Characterise severity of laminitis 
1 - lifts feet ok
2 - walks with a laminitic gait, lifts FL ok
3 - moves reluctantly, resents FL lift
4 - have to force to move, recumbent

Question 3

Use of radiography in laminitis cases

Answer 3

Not always needed but if failing to respond serial lateral x-rays useful.
Assess for: rotation of P3, sinking distance (how close to sole), gas/fluid shadows, secondary changes in P3

gas shadow against hoof wall - damaged laminae.

Question 4

Foot shape due to chronic laminitis

Answer 4

Decreased perfusion dorsally - heel grows faster than the toe leading to divergent growth rings.

Question 5

medical treatment for laminitis

Answer 5

NSAIDS - PBZ or flunixin if endotoxic

ACP

Question 6

Laminitis management

Answer 6

strict box rest, deep bedding to support the sole.
frog support - bandage, lily pad, styrofoam pads
farriery - heart bar shoes, dental impression material
?dorsal wall resection - damaged area removed - removed potential infection site, decreased pain & pressure

Question 7

Sx option laminitis

Answer 7

DDFT tenotomy (mid pastern or cannon) - salvage procedure providing analgesia.

Question 8

Treatment of severe laminitis with marked rotation/sinking ± solar prolapse needs

Answer 8

intensive medical therapy
dorsal wall resection/ heart bar shoe
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