Lameness a deviation from a normal gait that indicates a structural or functional disorder of the musculoskeletal system

Lameness Classifications Supporting Limb Lameness lameness is apparent when the horse lands on the affected limb or is supporting weight on it associated with lower limb injuries Swinging Limb Lameness lameness is apparent when the affected limb is in motion associated with axial or upper limb injuries

Lameness Classifications Compensatory (Complementary / Secondary) Lameness pain in a limb can cause uneven weight distribution on another limb, therefore producing lameness in that limb even minor changes in weight-bearing can produce secondary lameness at high speeds, especially over long distances.

Lameness Evaluation Objectives… Determine if the horse is lame Determine the limb(s) involved Determine the site(s) Determine the specific cause Determine treatment Determine prognosis

Routine Lameness Exam Procedure Complete History Visual Exam at Motion Visual Exam at Rest Palpation of the Horse hoof testers Flexion Tests Diagnostic Anesthesia Diagnostic Imaging

It is important to keep detailed records… Duration of Lameness How long has the horse been lame? Exercise Protocol Has the horse been rested or worked since onset of lameness? Alteration of Lameness Has the lameness worsened, improved or stayed the same? Does the lameness improve following warm-up? Possible Cause Treatment & Effectiveness Has the horse been given any medications since the onset of lameness? Shoeing Records

Visual Examination at Motion Objective: identify the limb(s) involved and the degree of lameness Examine the horse from the front, side and rear at the walk & trot Assess All Limbs Assess Limb in Question Assess Opposite Limb for Comparison

AAEP Lameness Grading Scale The American Association of Equine Practitioners developed a grading scale for equine lameness to improve communication between owners and veterinarians. 0 - Lameness is not perceptible under any circumstances 1 - Lameness is difficult to observe and is not consistently apparent, regardless of circumstances 2 - Lameness is difficult to observe at a walk or trot in a straight line but consistently apparent in certain circumstances 3 - Lameness is observable at a trot under all circumstances 4 - Lameness is obvious at a walk 5 - Lameness produces minimal weight bearing or a complete inability to move

Forelimbs (DOWN ON SOUND): As a result of lameness in a forelimb, the head will drop when the sound foot lands and rise when weight is placed on the unsound foot or limb. Hindlimbs: Assess the symmetry of gluteal rise and duration of gluteal use Hip Hike: increased gluteal rise (pain during the support phase of the stride) Decreased gluteal use (pain during the swing phase of the stride) – involves structures above the stifle

Visual Examination at Rest Note alterations in posture and weight shifting Compare each limb to the opposite!! Examine joints and tendons for swelling (fluid) Examine muscles for swelling or atrophy (muscle shrinkage) Examine feet for abnormal wear / cracks If lameness is chronic in a forelimb, the lame limb will have a more narrow hoof with a higher heel than the opposite hoof

Please use the following password to access Quiz 2 in Blackboard… Evaluation2015