NAVLE Equine Surgery and Lameness 2

Question 1

A 7-year-old Warmblood gelding presents with acute onset right forelimb lameness and a positive flexion test of the distal limb. Nerve blocks reveal pain originating from the palmar digital nerves. Radiographs show pedal osteitis. Which treatment is most appropriate for long-term management?

Accepted Answer

Palmar digital neurectomy

Answer

Palmar digital neurectomy is indicated for horses with chronic foot pain (including pedal osteitis) that have failed conservative management, providing long-term desensitization of the heel and sole.

Question 2

During colic surgery, you identify a large colon displacement in which the left dorsal colon is displaced laterally under the spleen and nephrosplenic ligament. What is this condition called and what is the initial non-surgical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Left dorsal displacement (nephrosplenic entrapment); phenylephrine and rolling

Answer

Nephrosplenic (left dorsal) displacement involves the colon entrapped over the nephrosplenic ligament and can often be corrected non-surgically using phenylephrine to contract the spleen combined with controlled rolling under general anesthesia.

Question 3

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly has a 2-week history of progressive right hindlimb lameness. Palpation reveals pain at the proximal suspensory ligament. Ultrasound shows a core lesion at the origin. Which diagnostic technique best confirms proximal suspensory desmitis in the hindlimb?

Accepted Answer

Deep peroneal nerve block

Answer

A deep peroneal (fibular) nerve block desensitizes the proximal suspensory ligament origin in the hindlimb, helping confirm proximal suspensory desmitis as the source of pain.

Question 4

A horse undergoes exploratory laparotomy for small intestinal volvulus. After 3 hours of surgery, the horse develops tachycardia, hypotension, and pale mucous membranes. Lactate is 12 mmol/L. What does this lactate value primarily indicate?

Accepted Answer

Severe tissue hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism

Answer

A lactate of 12 mmol/L indicates severe systemic hypoperfusion with anaerobic metabolism, which is a poor prognostic indicator in equine colic surgery.

Question 5

A 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare has medial meniscal damage confirmed on MRI. What is the most accurate statement regarding equine stifle meniscal injuries?

Accepted Answer

Arthroscopic debridement is the preferred surgical treatment for partial tears

Answer

Arthroscopic debridement of damaged meniscal tissue is the preferred surgical approach for partial meniscal tears in horses, providing access to the caudal pouch of the femorotibial joint.

NAVLE - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination Practice Test

NAVLE - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination Practice Test

NAVLE Equine Surgery and Lameness 2