Equine Lameness and Neurology Flashcards
7 cards from real ICVA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Equine Lameness and Neurology flashcards as text
What is the primary action of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in the equine foot?
Answer: Flexion of the coffin joint and support of the navicular bone
The DDFT flexes the coffin joint and wraps around the navicular bone, placing it under significant tension during weight-bearing.
Fibrotic myopathy in horses most commonly affects which muscle group?
Answer: Semitendinosus and semimembranosus
Fibrotic myopathy most commonly affects the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles, resulting in a characteristic gait abnormality.
Which diagnostic finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of botulism in horses?
Answer: Progressive flaccid paralysis with preserved consciousness
Botulism causes flaccid paralysis by blocking acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, while mental status remains normal.
During a lameness examination, a positive response to flexion of the distal limb (distal limb flexion test) indicates disease in which region?
Answer: Fetlock, pastern, or foot
Distal limb flexion stresses the fetlock, pastern, and foot joints, so exacerbation of lameness suggests pathology in those areas.
Which radiographic view is most useful for evaluating the palmar aspect of the navicular bone for lysis or cyst formation?
Answer: Dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique (skyline) view
The dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique (skyline) view provides an en face projection of the navicular bone's flexor surface.
A horse presenting with acute-onset unilateral hindlimb knuckling and toe dragging without pain is most consistent with:
Answer: Peroneal nerve paralysis
Peroneal (fibular) nerve paralysis causes inability to flex the hock and extend the digit, resulting in knuckling and toe dragging.
In equine nuclear scintigraphy, a 'hot spot' in the foot region is most likely indicative of:
Answer: Increased osteoblastic activity or inflammation
Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake ('hot spot') reflects increased osteoblastic activity, bone remodeling, or local hyperemia.