Equine Thoracolumbar Spine, Pelvis, and Hip Lecture Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts from the equine thoracolumbar spine, pelvis, and hip lecture.

What is the primary plea the lecturer makes regarding veterinary work?

The quality of your work matters, especially visible in radiographs.

Where do transitional issues in the spine typically occur?

At the change points between cervical and thoracic, thoracic and lumbar, and lumbar and sacral regions.

What is the lecturer's main imaging focus in ambulatory practice?

Ultrasound and radiographs.

Which bony abnormality is reportedly the number one area being looked at, according to the EVJ editorial board?

The pelvis

Which breed of horse is the lecturer most likely to find skeletal-based back problems?

Thoroughbreds

How many thoracic vertebrae do horses typically have?

18

How many lumbar vertebrae do horses typically have?

Six, but Shetland ponies often have seven, and some horses may only have five.

What two things does lameness ultimately come down to, according to the lecture?

Anatomy and biomechanics

What anatomical considerations are important for thoracolumbar spine issues in horses?

Overriding spinous processes and arthritis

What is the lecturer's advice regarding imaging?

Don't treat the lab work, don't treat the images, and make sure the images fit your physical exam.

What is the predominant muscle to examine in the back?

Longissimus muscle

What is splinting in the context of a back examination?

When the horse doesn't move when pressure is applied to the back.

What is myopenia?

Muscle atrophy

Where does the longissimus muscle run to?

The sacrum

What covers the longissimus muscle?

Middle gluteal muscle

If a horse has a sore left hip, what clinical sign might the farrier and owner complain about?

Inability to lift the RIGHT hind leg.

What is the purpose of color Doppler in equine ultrasound?

To identify vascularity; giving the impression of brilliance

What is a key difference in managing upward fixation of the patella in miniature horses versus other breeds?

In miniature horses, if you don't fix the upward fixation of the patella, they will luxate their hip.

Name two equally common issues found in equine backs.

Overriding spinous processes and osteoarthritis

In older horses, what are the most common findings on the thoracolumbar spine?

Overriding spinous processes and osteoarthritis.

How should your physical exam results relate to imaging?

Make sure the images fit your physical exam.

Why is important to consider anatomy during the physical exam?

Because is the starting point to determine if a structure might be part of the lameness or disease process.