Term
| Supporting Limb Lameness - Define |
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Definition
Lameness that is apparent when the horse lands on a limb or is supporting weight on it. |
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Term
What causes supporting limb lameness?
How can it be noted? |
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Definition
Injury to bones, joints, collateral ligaments or motor nerves, or the foot itself can cause this.
The horses head will rise when it loads the affected limb. |
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Term
What is Swinging Limb Lameness?
Causes? |
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Definition
Lameness is evident when the limb is in motion.
Pathologic (altered or caused by disease) changes involving joint capsules, muscles, tendons, tendon sheaths or bursas are considered causes. |
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Term
What is "Mixed Lameness?"
How should this be verified? |
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Definition
Lameness that is apparent when the limb is moving and when it is supporting weight.
Observe the gait from a distance to determine if it is supporting limb, swinging limb or a mix of lameness. Some supporting limb lameness' cause a horse to alter gait to protect the foot when it lands, causing a mistaken diagnosis of swinging limb lameness. |
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Term
What is Complementary Lameness?
What is a common form of complementary lameness? |
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Definition
Pain in a limb causing a redistribution of weight to protect the affected limb. This can result in lameness on previously sound limbs.
Lameness in one forelimb can cause lameness in the other forelimb. |
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Term
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Definition
An observed abnormality that does not affect the intended use of the horse. Sales value you be diminished, but functionality is not. |
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Term
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Definition
A horse that is suffering sufficient pain and/or mechanical defect that interferes with normal weight bearing and movement on one or more limbs. |
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Term
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Definition
A deviation from the ideal (soundness). The horse is not serviceably sound at the time of examination. This may be caused by a pathological condition, or may be hereditary. The animal may or may not be fit for service. The condition is usually persistent or chronic. |
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Term
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Definition
| American Association of Equine Practitioners |
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Term
| How many levels are there on the AAEP Lameness Scale? |
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Definition
| There are six levels, Grade 0 to Grade 5. |
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Term
| What is Grade 0 Lameness on the AAEP Scale? |
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Definition
| Grade 0: The horse is sound. No lameness is perceptible under any circumstance. |
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Term
| What is Grade 1 Lameness on the AAEP Scale? |
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Definition
| Grade 1: Lameness is difficult to observe and is not consistent, regardless of circumstance. (Carrying weight, circling, on inclines.) A skilled rider will feel "Something is off." |
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Term
| What is Grade 2 Lameness on the AAEP Scale? |
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Definition
| Grade 2: Lameness is difficult to observe at a walk or when trotting in a straight line, but is consistently apparent under certain circumstances (carrying weight, circling, inclines, hard surfaces, etc.) |
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Term
| What is Grade 3 Lameness on the AAEP Scale? |
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Definition
| Grade 3: Lameness is constantly observable at a trot in all circumstances. |
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Term
What is Grade 4 Lameness on the AAEP Scale?
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Definition
| Grade 4: Lameness is obvious at a walk. |
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Term
What is Grade 5 Lameness on the AAEP Scale?
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Definition
| Grade 5: Lameness produces minimal weight bearing in motion and/or at rest or a complete inability to move. |
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Term
What is an abscess?
Where do they most often appear? |
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Definition
An abscess is an infection of the sensitive tissues of the foot.
They most often manifest near the white line of the sole.
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Term
| What is the primary pain generator with an abscess? |
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Definition
| As the abscess forms and fluid accumulates, the combined downforce of the bony column and the force of the ground resisting the downforce compress the fluid, which can force delamination of the sensitive tissue from the insensitive tissue. This is very painful for the horse. |
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Term
| Where can fluid from an abscess discharge? |
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Definition
| It can drain from the sole, frog, bulbs or the coronary band. |
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Term
| When an abscess discharges at the coronary band, what is it called? |
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Definition
| This is called a "gravel." |
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Term
| What can cause an abscess? |
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Definition
- A puncture wound to the sole
- Sole pressure from a shoe.
- Reaction or severe infection of P3 due to laminitis
- Excessive hoof flares allowing delamination and bacterial entry at the white line.
- Poor horseshoeing
- Various hoof injuries |
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Term
| What are signs that an abscess may be present? |
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Definition
- Lower leg may or may not be swollen
- Foot may or may not be hot
- There may be a pronounced digital pulse
- The foot will show a positive reaction to a hoof tester
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Term
| What degree of lameness often accompanies a sub-solar abcess? |
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Definition
| The horse will often exhibit Grade 4 or 5 Lameness. This usually subsides after the abscess drains. The presence of a digital pulse will also be noted, although this may be delayed if onset of lameness was recent. |
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Term
| What is the general treatment for an abscess? |
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Definition
| Establish drainage. Keep foot dry, clean and protected. Advise contact of the vet for pain relief and tetanus shot. Use a pad or a hospital plate as needed. |
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Term
| Is the presence of a digital pulse at rest normal? |
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Definition
| No. A healthy horse does not exhibit a digital pulse at rest. The presence of a digital pulse is a very good clinical sign of an issue with the foot. The rate is fairly slow. |
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Term
| Where is the digital pulse checked? |
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Definition
| On the caudal/palmar aspect of the leg at P2 below the fetlock. It can be checked both laterally and medially. |
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Term
| Define an Angular Limb Deformity |
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Definition
| An Angular Limb Deformity is a deviation of the limb(s) either laterally or medially when viewed from the front or the rear. |
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Term
| Define "Valgus" and "Varus" |
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Definition
Valgus is an ALD that deviates medially. The distal radius deviates inward and the distal cannon bone deviates outward.
Varus is an ALD that deviates laterally. The distal radius deviates outward and the distal cannon bone deviates inward.
These terms describe ALD in Foals, although they also apply to adult horses.
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Term
| Can Valgus and Varus ALD be corrected? |
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Definition
Correction is possible in young horses before growth plates fuse. |
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Term
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Definition
| Asymmetric (uneven growth) of the growth plate at the distal end of the radius or incomplete development of the carpal (tarsal) bones. |
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Term
| Which joints can be affected by Valgus and Varus ALD? |
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Definition
| Knees, hocks and fetlocks can be Valgus or Varus at birth or acquired during problems in growth. |
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Term
| How should the farrier address an ALD with the client? |
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Definition
| Recommend that a veterinarian be consulted, radiographs taken to identify the true conformation defect, and proceed from there. |
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Term
| What are the general options when treating ALD? |
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Definition
| Corrective shoeing, building hoof with synthetics and/or bracing, Surgery, or euthanasia, depending upon the defect. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inflammation of the tissues of the joint. |
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Term
| What is chronic osteoarthritis? |
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Definition
| A deterioration of the articular cartilages and the joint surfaces. |
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Term
What is purulent arthritis?
At what age does this most commonly occur?
What are the causes? |
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Definition
Purulent (infectious) arthritis.
Most common in foals.
Naval ill (infection via the umbilical cord) or lacerations of the joint capsule. |
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Term
| What causes acute serious arthritis? |
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Definition
| Generally, trauma to the joint. |
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Term
| Which terms describe different stages of the arthritic process? |
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Definition
| Synovitis, degenerative joint disease, and osteoarthritis. |
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Term
| What generally causes arthritis? |
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Definition
| Joint trauma, stress, concussion due to faulty conformation, blood borne infections and punctures or rips to the joint sac can all cause arthritis. Improperly balanced feet both L/M and A/P can cause arthritis. |
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Term
| What are common signs of arthritis? |
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Definition
| Severe pain in the affected joint, reluctance or inability to bend the limb. Possible inflammation in the joint. |
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Term
| What are common treatments for arthritis? |
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Definition
| Balance the feet. Consider body position of both yourself and the horse when holding feet. Possibly shock absorbing pads and shoes. Work with a veterinarian. |
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Term
| What is a "bowed" tendon? |
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Definition
| Any damage to a tendon which causes inflammation may be referred to as a "bow." |
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Term
| Which tendon is most often involved in a bow? |
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Definition
| The superficial flexor tendon of the front leg. |
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Term
| What are the primary causes of a bowed tendon? |
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Definition
| A severe strain to the area of the flexor tendon is the major cause. Long, weak pasterns, forced training procedures, muddy footing, fatigue, a misstep, poor shoeing and/or trimming can all lead to a bowed tendon. |
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Term
What are general signs of a bowed tendon?
How should it be treated? |
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Definition
- Lameness shortly after the injury
- Heat in the affected area
- Rapidly forming swelling to the caudal cannon bone area
- Standing with heel elevated, walking on toe, trying to avoid lowering fetlock.
Treatment should be prompt veterinary attention. |
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Term
| If bruising of the sole at the white line is noted, what could be the cause? |
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Definition
| Contact from the shoe on the sole due to a lack of concavity. |
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Term
| If bruising on the main part of the sole is noted, and it is sensitive to a hoof tester, what should be done? |
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Definition
| It may indicate a rotation of P3. A veterinarian should be consulted. |
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Term
| If a farrier notices sole bruising, should it be assumed to be the result of a recent injury? |
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Definition
| Not necessarily. Depending upon the thickness of the sole, the injury may have occurred months before. |
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Term
What does bruising between the bars and the hoof wall indicate?
What should be done? |
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Definition
This indicates a corn, which is caused by a pressure from a poorly fit shoe.
Make sure shoes fit full to the heels, advise an 8 week (or shorter) shoeing schedule. |
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Term
What is a bursa?
What is its function? |
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Definition
| A bursa is a fluid filled sack that protects a bone prominence from the pressure of tendons or muscles. |
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Term
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Definition
| An inflammatory reaction within a bursa. |
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Term
What is true bursitis?
What is acquired bursitis? |
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Definition
True bursitis is when inflammation develops in natural bursas.
Acquired bursitis is a bursa that develops as a result of a trauma where a natural bursa is not normally present, such as a capped elbow (shoe boil) or a capped hock. |
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Term
| How does an acquired bursa develop? |
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Definition
| An acquired bursa develops due to repeated injuries to an area. |
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Term
How does true bursitis manifest itself?
How does acquired bursitis manifest itself?
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Definition
True bursitis manifests as lameness.
Acquired bursitis develops as a cold, painless, swelling. Unless it becomes greatly enlarged, it does not affect function. |
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Term
What is a canker?
In which feet are is it most common? |
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Definition
A hypertrophy (overgrowth) of the sensitive frog. It is fairly rare.
It is most common in the rear feet. |
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Term
What are signs of a possible canker?
What role does the farrier play in treatment? |
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Definition
The frog will have a ragged, oily appearance, and the foot usually has a foul odor.
The frog will grow out of shape and bleed easily when trimmed with a hoof knife.
The farrier, working with a veterinarian, will fabricate hospital plates. |
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Term
What is a capped hock?
Will a capped hock ever heal? |
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Definition
An inflammation of the bursa over the point of the hock.
No. It is a permanent condition, and considered a blemish. |
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Term
What is a club foot?
Which foot is usually clubbed? |
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Definition
- An upright configuration of one of the front feet characterized by having excessive heels.
- The right front foot. |
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Term
What are some visual signs of a club foot?
Which foot is most often "clubbed?" |
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Definition
- Fullness at the coronary band due to coffin joint bulging forward
- Deeper than normal cleavage between the bulbs
The right limb is more commonly clubbed. |
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Term
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Definition
| It is usually thought to be hereditary, but can also be caused by a flexural injury which causes the horse to bear weight on its front foot for a long period. This can result in shortening of the subcarpal check ligament, which prevents the horse from loading its heel after the injury has healed. Excessive loading of the toe causes the upright configuration known as clubfeet. |
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Term
| What is a Grade I clubfoot? |
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Definition
- Affected foot has a 3-5 degree greater angle than the opposite foot.
- Fullness at coronary band due to slight luxation (joint displacement) of P2-P3 (coffin) joint.
- Possible rings from toe to heel, parallel to each other. |
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Term
With a clubfoot, which foot should the farrier trim first?
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Definition
The farrier should always start with the low heel (non-clubbed) foot. |
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Term
| When trimming a club foot, what caution should be taken with the heel trim? |
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Definition
Heels should be taken down slowly, frequently putting the foot down to confirm that the horse is bearing weight on its heels. |
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Term
| What is the primary difference between founder and a club foot in regard to P3? |
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Definition
In a founder, P3 has rotated in the hoof capsule. This can only be discerned with radiographs.
A clubfoot has rotation of the entire hoof capsule, however, P3 remains firmly attached to the hoof wall. |
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Term
| What is the "paper test" when trimming a club foot? |
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Definition
| Gradually lower the heels until a business card can be slipped between the heels and the ground with the horse standing squared up and relaxed. At that point, the SCL is limiting the heel drop, and no more heel can be taken. |
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Term
| How should a club footed horse be shoed? |
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Definition
| Fit the non club foot tight (about a dime reveal), and the non-clubbed foot "full." (About a quarter width reveal.) All club feet should be shoed with a pad. Pads are always used in pairs. The club foot may use a wedge pad, and the non club foot a flat pad. |
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Term
What is a Grade II club foot?
Describe the aspects. |
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Definition
- Hoof angle is 5-8 degrees greater than the opposing foot.
- Rings are wider at the heel than at the toe.
- The sole may be touching the ground.
- The heel bulbs may appear thickened. |
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Term
Will a Grade I club foot match the other foot after a trim?
Will a Grade II match?
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Definition
- You may be able to match a Grade I club foot, or get very close.
- You will not be able to match a Grade II club foot without causing lameness. |
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Term
| When trimming a club foot, how should the sole be treated? |
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Definition
| Due to excessive P3 pressure on the sole and bony column loading, leave the horse with maximum sole depth. |
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Term
Grade III club foot visual signs.
Describe. |
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Definition
- The hoof wall is dished.
- Growth rings twice as wide at the heel vs. the toe.
- Impression of P3 can easily be seen on the sole, just forward of the apex of the frog.
- Sole bruising may be apparent.
- Coronary band protrudes well over the dorsal hoof wall.
- Radiographs show lipping and solar deterioration of P3. |
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Term
| What are the trimming and shoeing considerations for Grade III club foot? |
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Definition
- Do not remove any sole due to excessive P3 pressure.
- Shoe for the protection of the club foot. Use pads. |
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Term
| What is a Grade IV club foot? |
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Definition
- Hoof wall angle is 80 degrees +
- Coronary band at the heel is level with or higher than at the toe.
- Sole is below the hoof wall.
- Horse will be AAEP Grade 3/4 lame. |
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Term
| How should the farrier proceed with a Grade IV club foot? |
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Definition
Recommend a veterinarian workup.
These cases often resolve in euthanasia. |
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Term
| What trim interval is recommended with a club foot? |
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Definition
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Term
| What can be done to resolve a club foot in a young horse? |
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Definition
| A subcarpal check ligament desmotomy. |
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