Equine Lameness and Diagnostics Flashcards

A 6-year-old Standardbred pacer presents with hindlimb lameness localized to the hock. Radiographs reveal periarticular osteophytes at the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints. The MOST appropriate treatment is:

Answer: Intra-articular corticosteroids into the affected low-motion joints

Bone spavin (osteoarthritis of the low-motion hock joints) is treated with intra-articular corticosteroid injections into the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints to reduce inflammation and pain.

Which diagnostic nerve block would be used to specifically desensitize the coffin joint without affecting the navicular bursa?

Answer: Intra-articular distal interphalangeal joint block

Direct intra-articular injection into the coffin joint (DIP joint) selectively anesthetizes the joint space while sparing the navicular bursa, unlike perineural blocks that affect both structures.

A horse is diagnosed with suspensory ligament desmitis in the proximal metacarpal region. Which diagnostic imaging modality provides the BEST detail of proximal suspensory pathology in this region?

Answer: Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is the modality of choice for soft tissue structures like the proximal suspensory ligament, providing real-time imaging of fiber pattern disruption, core lesions, and enthesopathy.

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly in training develops acute hindlimb lameness after a workout. A 'popping' sound was heard at the moment of injury, and there is marked stifle effusion. The MOST likely diagnosis is:

Answer: Patellar fracture or cranial cruciate ligament injury

Acute onset of severe stifle lameness with an audible pop and joint effusion in a performance horse is most consistent with patellar fracture or stifle ligament injury.

Cunean bursitis in horses with bone spavin is associated with inflammation of which structure?

Answer: Bursa beneath the cunean (medial) branch of the cranial tibial tendon

Cunean bursitis involves the bursa located beneath the cunean branch of the cranial tibial tendon as it crosses the medial aspect of the hock, often concurrent with bone spavin.

When evaluating a horse for subtle hindlimb lameness, which surface is MOST useful for accentuating the gait abnormality?

Answer: Soft, deep sand arena

A soft, deep surface increases concussion and proprioceptive demands on the hindlimb, accentuating subtle lameness signs that may not be visible on a firmer surface.

A 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare has progressive forelimb lameness with a history of repeated intra-articular coffin joint injections. Radiographs now show marked remodeling of the coffin joint. The MOST appropriate next diagnostic step is:

Answer: MRI of the foot to evaluate soft tissue and bone detail

MRI provides superior detail of both bony and soft tissue structures within the hoof capsule, allowing comprehensive evaluation of all coffin joint components when standard diagnostics have been inconclusive.