Orthopaedics Flashcards
how many cervical vertebrae do horses have?
7
which vertebrae develops in two lateral halves that gradually ossify in first few weeks of life?
C1
what is C1 also known as?
atlas
what is C2 also known as?
axis
what do the cranial borders of C2 have that could be mistaken for a lesion when radiographing?
lateral vertebral foramina
how can C6 be identified on radiograph?
shorter than C5 but taller than C7
what are some presenting signs of neck pain?
neck stiffness/locking
acute trauma
poor performance problems
ataxia (usually low grade)
what are the stages of examining the neck?
visualisation
palpation
range of motion
neurological examination
dynamic examination
what are the common conditions of the neck?
developmental - cervical vertebral malformation (wobblers)
degenerative - osteoarthritis
trauma - fractures
what is cervical vertebral malformation also known as?
wobblers
what causes wobblers?
cervical vertebral malformation - bone grows incorrectly resulting in compression of the spinal cord
when will marked cervical vertebral malformation present ?
1-4 years of age
what are some predisposing factors for oesteoarthritis of the neck?
age, cervical vertebral malformation, trauma, infection…
what what are some possible treatment options for neck pain?
NSAIDs
intra-articular medication
physiotherapy
exercise
(often palliative)
how many thoracic vertebrae do horses have?
18
how many lumbar vertebrae do horses have?
6
what is the spinous process of T15 in horses called
anticlinal vertebrae
where is there a normal divergence in the vertebral column?
between L6 and S1
what is the most common condition associated with the thoracolumbar spine?
trauma and degenerative
what are the clinical signs of thoracolumbar pain?
poor performance
behavioural change
uncomfortable when ridden
stiffness
back spasms
bucking/rearing
what is a very important aspect of assessing pain the the vertebral column?
looking at conformation and swellings
what is lordosis also known as?
swayback
what is kyphosis also known as?
roachback
what is scoliosis?
lateral deviation of the vertebral column
what is the main cause of fractures to the withers?
trauma from horse falling over backwards
what is the ligament of the vertebral column that is most commonly damaged?
supraspinous ligament
what are the signs of damage to the supraspinous ligament?
rigid gait and elevated head
heat, swelling and pain
thickening (chronic cases)
