Increased Digital Pulse Cases in Equine Lameness

Flashcards created for reviewing key concepts related to increased digital pulses in equine lameness and their examination.

What is the normal pulse in equines characterized as?

Not always easy to feel, faint, takes practice.

How is a raised digital pulse described?

Easier to identify, 'bounding', can be compared to other legs.

What should be examined during a static examination of a lame horse?

Recumbency, stance, swelling, local heat, effusions, hoof temperature, wounds, cracks, hoof defects, shoe type.

What are hoof testers used for?

To apply pressure to specific locations around the hoof to elicit a pain response.

What indicates a more severe lameness according to the dynamic exam?

Lameness at walk, trot, worse on turns, or worse on hard surfaces.

What is the grading scale for lameness out of 5?

0: Sound, 1: Mild inconsistent, 2: Mild consistent, 3: Moderate consistent, 4: Severe consistent, 5: Unable to bear weight.

What should be assessed about a horse's foot during a dynamic exam?

How the lame foot is placed on the ground and response to flexion.

What are common differential diagnoses for a raised digital pulse?

Laminitis, subsolar abscess, fracture, bruising, corns, keratoma, septic pedal osteitis, thrush.

What elements are crucial for achieving a definitive diagnosis?

History, clinical exam (static & dynamic), and radiography.

What makes confirming findings after using hoof testers important?

Using percussion and repeating the examination helps confirm pain responses.

What should be done before re-examining a horse with hoof testers?

Removing the shoe can improve the examination.

What is an important factor to consider about the horse's leg during examination?

Whether symptoms are present in one limb or more, which assists with diagnosis.

What should be looked for during the static examination of the limb?

Generalized distal limb swelling, localized heat/pain/swelling.

What kind of effusions should be checked around the digital flexor tendon?

Effusions in the sheath or fetlock/coffin joints.

What is one challenge associated with palpating the pastern joint?

Pastern joint effusion is hard to palpate.

In a dynamic exam, what does lameness worse on turns indicate?

Potential for more significant injury or condition affecting mobility.

What features are assessed regarding hoof integrity?

Hoof temperature, abnormal hoof rings, defects in the sole, and shoe type and integrity.

How should you position yourself when using hoof testers?

Hold the horse's leg with your legs to use both hands for examination.

Why is it important to observe how the horse moves at a walk and trot?

To assess the severity and nature of the lameness.

Which leg or legs should be focused on during a lameness examination?

Identifying specific legs affected helps with understanding the pathology.

What significant findings can be detected during hoof examination?

Discoloration, discharge, deviation of the white line.

What type of imaging is rarely used but may be necessary for diagnosis?

MRI or CT scans.

What are common signs that may indicate lameness?

Inconsistent or consistent lameness during movement or when bearing weight.

What does a lameness grade of 3 indicate?

Moderate consistent lameness.

What is important to systematically assess during hoof testing?

Work from one heel around to the other while looking for pain responses.

What should be removed during further examination for a clearer diagnosis?

The horse's shoe.

How should localized pain responses be evaluated?

Determine if the pain is generalized or specific to certain locations around the hoof.

What is the primary purpose of comparing digital pulse between limbs?

To identify abnormalities and assist in the diagnosis.

How can you assess if there is pain associated with the hoof?

By noting any adverse response to pressure applied with hoof testers.

What condition may result in swelling and heat near the near pastern joint?

Lameness or infection in the digital flexor tendon sheath.

What does a lameness grade of 1 signify?

Mild inconsistent lameness.

What can indicate a potential infection in the hoof?

Presence of discharge or abnormal swelling.

Which diagnostic method is considered crucial for confirming a diagnosis?

Radiography to visualize structural issues within the hoof or leg.

What might presence of hoof cracks suggest?

Potential stress or structural weakness in the hoof.

When evaluating a horse's pulse, what indicates a raised pulse?

A pulse that is described as 'bounding'.

During examination, how can skin thickness affect palpation?

Thicker skin or heavy feathering can make feeling the pulse more difficult.

In relation to differential diagnoses, what should be noted about subsolar abscesses?

They can cause localized pain and may require further examination.

What aspect of the horse's condition is critical while making the final diagnosis?

History and clinical examination must align to support the diagnosis.

Why might it be beneficial to pare the foot with hoof knives during examination?

To reveal underlying issues such as discolored or abnormal tissue.

What are signs of acute lameness that should be documented?

Local heat, pain, and lameness observed during dynamic examination.

What general aspect should be considered in the horse's behavior during assessment?

How they respond to pressure and manipulation of their limbs.

What can be an indication of chronic issues during the examination of the hoof?

Abnormal hoof rings or longstanding defects.

What should be noted about the horse's stance during a static examination?

Assess if it is recumbent or standing awkwardly.

How does the ply of the hoof affect the assessment of digital pulses?

Ply can contribute to the sensitivity of searching for pulses in different conditions.