Orthopaedics

Question 1

how many cervical vertebrae do horses have?

Answer 1

7

Question 2

which vertebrae develops in two lateral halves that gradually ossify in first few weeks of life?

Answer 2

C1

Question 3

what is C1 also known as?

Answer 3

atlas

Question 4

what is C2 also known as?

Answer 4

axis

Question 5

what do the cranial borders of C2 have that could be mistaken for a lesion when radiographing?

Answer 5

lateral vertebral foramina

Question 6

how can C6 be identified on radiograph?

Answer 6

shorter than C5 but taller than C7

Question 7

what are some presenting signs of neck pain?

Answer 7

neck stiffness/locking
acute trauma
poor performance problems
ataxia (usually low grade)

Question 8

what are the stages of examining the neck?

Answer 8

visualisation
palpation
range of motion
neurological examination
dynamic examination

Question 9

what are the common conditions of the neck?

Answer 9

developmental - cervical vertebral malformation (wobblers)
degenerative - osteoarthritis
trauma - fractures

Question 10

what is cervical vertebral malformation also known as?

Answer 10

wobblers

Question 11

what causes wobblers?

Answer 11

cervical vertebral malformation - bone grows incorrectly resulting in compression of the spinal cord

Question 12

when will marked cervical vertebral malformation present ?

Answer 12

1-4 years of age

Question 13

what are some predisposing factors for oesteoarthritis of the neck?

Answer 13

age, cervical vertebral malformation, trauma, infection…

Question 14

what what are some possible treatment options for neck pain?

Answer 14

NSAIDs
intra-articular medication
physiotherapy
exercise
(often palliative)

Question 15

how many thoracic vertebrae do horses have?

Answer 15

18

Question 16

how many lumbar vertebrae do horses have?

Answer 16

6

Question 17

what is the spinous process of T15 in horses called

Answer 17

anticlinal vertebrae

Question 18

where is there a normal divergence in the vertebral column?

Answer 18

between L6 and S1

Question 19

what is the most common condition associated with the thoracolumbar spine?

Answer 19

trauma and degenerative

Question 20

what are the clinical signs of thoracolumbar pain?

Answer 20

poor performance
behavioural change
uncomfortable when ridden
stiffness
back spasms
bucking/rearing

Question 21

what is a very important aspect of assessing pain the the vertebral column?

Answer 21

looking at conformation and swellings

Question 22

what is lordosis also known as?

Answer 22

swayback

Question 23

what is kyphosis also known as?

Answer 23

roachback

Question 24

what is scoliosis?

Answer 24

lateral deviation of the vertebral column

Question 25

what is the main cause of fractures to the withers?

Answer 25

trauma from horse falling over backwards

Question 26

what is the ligament of the vertebral column that is most commonly damaged?

Answer 26

supraspinous ligament

Question 27

what are the signs of damage to the supraspinous ligament?

Answer 27

rigid gait and elevated head
heat, swelling and pain
thickening (chronic cases)