MS Equine Exam 1

Question 1

Importance of history for lameness exam

Answer 1

Signalment
Acute vs invidious onset (duration)
Use of animal
Management (shoeing intervals/exercise routine)

Question 2

What tendons & ligaments should be palpated on the forelimb

Answer 2

Superficial digital flexor tendon
Deep digital flexor tendon
Suspensory ligament (origin, body, medial & lateral branches)

Question 3

Observing lameness on forelimbs

Answer 3

Head bob
Arc of flight of foot
Altered flight path
Length of stride
Angels of joint flexion
Audible differences between limbs

Question 4

Observing lameness of hind limbs

Answer 4

Pelvic hike or drop
Arc of flight of foot
Altered flight path of foot
Length of stride
Angles of joint flexion
Drifting away from lame limb

Question 5

Lameness grade 1

Answer 5

Difficult to obverse, inconsistent

Question 6

Lameness grade 2

Answer 6

Difficult to observe at walk/trot going straight, consistent in circle, incline, hard surface

Question 7

Lameness grade 3

Answer 7

Consistently observable at trot

Question 8

Lameness grade 4

Answer 8

Obvious at walk, marked nodding/hitching/short stride

Question 9

Lameness grade 5

Answer 9

Minimal weight bearing, inability to move

Question 10

Natural weight distribution

Answer 10

Forelimb : 60%
Hindlimb : 40%

Question 11

Rider weight distribution

Answer 11

Forelimb: 70%
Hindlimb: 30%

Question 12

Natural beat at a walk

Answer 12

4 beat
LH - LF - RH - RF

Question 13

Natural beat at trot

Answer 13

2 beat, diagonal
RF + LH - LF + RH

Question 14

Flexion tests pros and cons

Answer 14

Not sensitive or specific
Can’t replace diagnostic analgesia
Be aware of all structure being stressed

Question 15

Sources of pain in flexion test

Answer 15

Tension in soft tissue (extension side)
Compression of soft tissue (flexion side)
Compression of articular surface (SC bone)
Intra articular pressure
Vascular constriction
Stretching nerves