The Back in Motion Flashcards
Does flexion/extension at the walk increase or decrease moving from cranial thoracics to caudal lumbars?
Increases
Compare back motion at the walk to motion at the trot
Less spinal motion at the trot, ROM at LS junction is less at trot than at walk or canter
Know 4 things that contribute to extension of the back
- Contraction of the epaxial muscles
- Elevating the head
- Protraction of the forelimbs
- Retraction of the hindlimbs
- Weight of the abdominal viscera
How does the horse compensate for the extension caused by weight in the saddle
Forelimbs are more retracted, this flexes the back and compensates for the extra weight
Know three things that contribute to flexion of the back
- Contraction of the abdominal muscles
- Lowering of the neck
- Retraction of the forelimbs
- Protraction of the hindlimbs
How can the rider minimize the effect of their weight on the horse’s back
Sit just caudal to withers
Compare the back motion just before take-off of a good jumper and a bad jumper
Good – less flexion thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions just before take-off
Bad – greater flexion
Three changes in back kinematics with back pain
- Decreased flexion/extension of the back
- Decreased axial rotation
- Decreased stride lenght
Two changes at rest induced by back pain
- Stand with 4 feet together
2. Kyphotic back
Four gait changes seen with chronic back pain
- Restricted hind limb action
- Poor hock flexion
- Unilateral or bilateral dragging of the toes
- With severe pain there may be a wide, straddling hindlimb gait
Bilateral hindlimb pain may originate from________
Axial skeleton
Know how unilateral back pain can affect the saddle
Twist the saddle to one side away from the painful side
Know the normal appearance of the back muscles
Should be convex
A triangle drawn from the TL junction to the tuber coxae should have what proportions?
Short and broad
Where should the LS junction be in relation to this triangle?
Close the the base of the triangle.
