The poor performance examination and appendicular causes

Question 1

What body systems could be involved (in order of decreasing likelihood)

Answer 1

• MSK
• respiratory
• GI
• repro
• cardio

Question 2

What type of lameness can be seen with MSK disease?

Answer 2

• mild, bilateral or quadrilateral lameness

Question 3

Respiratory disease causes

Answer 3

Upper respiratory conditions
- recurrent laryngeal neuropathy
- dorsal displacement of the soft palate
- pharyngeal collapse

Lower respiratory diseases
- mild equine asthma

Question 4

Reproductive disease causes

Answer 4

Male
- cryptorchid or rig

Female
- ovarian tumours
- normal ovarian cyclicity

Question 5

Cardiac cause of poor performance

Answer 5

Atrial fibrillation
- cause of poor performance in horses with high athletic demand e.g. racehorses, event horses

Question 6

What hx would warrant cardiorespiratory investigations?

Answer 6

• tiring, exercise intolerance or poor recovery rates
• cardioresp auscultation both before and immediately after exercise needed

Question 7

What hx would warrant gastroscopy/gastric disease investigation?

Answer 7

• poor condition, poor appetite, issues associated with girthing and ridden exercise

Question 8

What hx would warrant reproductive investigations?

Answer 8

• pattern in behaviours seen in mares during summer months should alert you to think about oestrus associated behaviours and cycling

Question 9

What should the investigation of all cases of poor performance include?

Answer 9

• lameness evaluation
• ridden observation

Question 10

Clinical exam - palpation

Answer 10

• inspect limbs for signs of effusion, swelling and heat with a focus on likely foci of bilateral lameness
• spend more time examining and manipulating the axial skeleton to identify signs of pain or dysfunction
• be systematic and methodical
• start with neck palpation and baited stretches
• deep, sustained pressure onto the epaxial muscles of the thoracic and lumbar spine, can apply pulsatile pressure to assess ability to ventral flex

Question 11

Epaxial muscles - where are they, what are they responsible for?