NAVLE Equine Lameness and Diagnostics 5

Question 1

A horse with forelimb lameness has a positive response to hoof testers over the medial heel region. After palmar digital nerve block the lameness is only partially improved. The MOST appropriate next step is:

Accepted Answer

Perform an intra-articular coffin joint block

Answer

When a palmar digital block provides only partial improvement, an intra-articular coffin joint block helps determine whether the DIP joint is contributing to the residual lameness.

Question 2

Equine degenerative joint disease of the proximal interphalangeal joint (high ringbone) is BEST confirmed with:

Accepted Answer

Lateromedial and dorsopalmar radiographs of the pastern

Answer

High ringbone (periarticular or articular osteoarthritis of the PIP joint) is diagnosed radiographically, with lateromedial and dorsopalmar views demonstrating periarticular osteophytes and joint space narrowing.

Question 3

Which perineural block is required to desensitize the entire foot including the coronary band?

Accepted Answer

Abaxial sesamoid nerve block

Answer

An abaxial sesamoid nerve block desensitizes the entire foot including the coronary band by blocking the medial and lateral palmar digital nerves at the level of the proximal sesamoid bones.

Question 4

A 5-year-old event horse has hindlimb lameness localized to the sacroiliac region by positive pressure on the tuber sacrale and a positive response to gluteal muscle palpation. The BEST imaging modality for confirming sacroiliac pathology is:

Accepted Answer

Nuclear scintigraphy or ultrasound of the sacroiliac joint

Answer

The sacroiliac joint is difficult to image radiographically due to its deep location; nuclear scintigraphy and transrectal or transcutaneous ultrasound are the most effective modalities for evaluating this region.

Question 5

Intra-articular injection of which substance is used as a visco-supplementation therapy to improve synovial fluid quality in horses with joint disease?

Accepted Answer

Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate)

Answer

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) is injected intra-articularly to restore viscosity and lubrication of synovial fluid, acting as visco-supplementation in arthritic joints.

NAVLE - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination Practice Test

NAVLE - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination Practice Test

NAVLE Equine Lameness and Diagnostics 5