Equine Lameness and Orthopedic Conditions

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Questions and Answers

What causes laminitis to occur in horses?

Excessive movement in the forelimbs

Increased exercise intensity

Inflammation and breakdown of laminae (correct)

Deep tissue infections

Which of the following symptoms is associated with colic in horses?

Swelling of the hind limbs

Increased appetite

Lying down and reluctance to move (correct)

Pawing at the ground (correct)

What is a recommended treatment approach for managing chronic laminitis?

Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication only

Fatigue training to encourage movement

Chop toe right back (correct)

Increase carbohydrate intake

When treating horses with bilateral hoof pain, what is considered a crucial first step?

Removal of the inciting cause Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the development of rhabdomyolysis in horses?

Overexertion during work Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment aim for a horse suffering from pastern OCD?

Decrease inflammation and control cyst size Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is typically recommended for managing severe instability due to pastern subluxation?

Pastern arthrodesis with bone plate and screws Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of a sesamoid fracture?

Swelling of the joint Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sesamoid fracture has the best prognosis if surgically repaired?

Apical sesamoid fracture Signup and view all the answers

In cases of significant trauma causing severe instability, which is an essential step in the evaluation process?

Radiographic imaging followed by ultrasound of the suspensory ligament Signup and view all the answers

How is conservative management of pastern subluxation typically aimed at achieving soundness?

Ultimately aiming for the horse to become pasture sound Signup and view all the answers

What complication may arise if the suspensory ligament is damaged in the case of a sesamoid fracture?

Decreased likelihood of repair being beneficial Signup and view all the answers

What surgical approach is indicated for a subchondral cyst associated with pastern OCD if conservative management fails?

Transcondylar screw across the cyst Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of neonatal pneumonia?

Sepsis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of systemic illness in neonates with pneumonia?

Quiet and lethargic behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging method is considered helpful for diagnosing fluid in the lungs?

Ultrasound (US) Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is preferred when kidney function is a concern?

Ceftiofur Signup and view all the answers

Which abnormal finding could indicate the need for further investigation in a neonatal pneumonia case?

Rib fractures Signup and view all the answers

What vital sign is particularly elevated in neonates presenting with pneumonia?

Tachycardia Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory analysis is essential for diagnosing neonatal pneumonia?

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical respiratory symptom in neonates with pneumonia?

Nasal discharge Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of primary sinusitis in horses?

Following an upper respiratory tract infection Signup and view all the answers

What clinical sign is associated with progressive ethmoid haematoma?

Facial distortion Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical treatment approach for a primary sinusitis if medical treatment fails?

Surgical drainage Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by an encapsulated mass from the ethmoid turbinates?

Progressive ethmoid haematoma Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical sign of an epidermal inclusion cyst?

No significant impairment, usually resolves Signup and view all the answers

What procedure is commonly used to confirm the diagnosis of progressive ethmoid haematoma?

Endoscopy for masses Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate the presence of secondary sinusitis?

Nasal discharge following dental infection Signup and view all the answers

What is a common management strategy for paranasal sinus cysts in horses?

Surgical removal Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of untreated progressive ethmoid haematoma?

Collapse and death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would likely resolve with speed and has no significant effects?

False nostril flutter Signup and view all the answers

What is the first sign of the condition discussed?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

Which complication can arise from submandibular lymph node softening?

Empyema Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible treatment method for abscessed lymph nodes without airway obstruction?

Local therapy and flushing Signup and view all the answers

In the later stages of the condition, which symptom is often observed?

Dysphagia Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is generally used for horses with early clinical signs but no lymph node abscesses?

Isolation and observation Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates potential asphyxiation due to swollen guttural pouches?

Pharyngitis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the disease in younger horses?

Severe symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What causes the mucopurulent nasal discharge in affected horses?

Bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

What test is typically used to diagnose the condition in horses?

PCR Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment approach for exposed animals showing no clinical signs?

Regular feeding and monitoring Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biarticular and Bag of Ice

Acute lameness graded at 5/5; potential use of transfixation cast advised.
Pastern subluxation leads to severe instability due to disruption of soft tissues like SDFt and sesamoid ligaments.
Characterized by a dropped pastern stance along with extreme pain and swelling of the joint.

Pastern OCD

Subchondral cysts may develop on weightbearing points and cartilage flap ossification can occur.
Presenting symptoms include lameness and swelling, often with an insidious onset.
Management includes intra-articular medications, phenylbutazone (bute), rest to minimize inflammation, and control cyst size.
Severe cases may require arthrodesis or transcondylar screws for stabilization.

Sesamoid Fractures

Fractures categorized by location:
- Apical: at the top; associated with fetlock hyperextension.
- Mid-body: commonly found halfway through the sesamoid; increased pressure leads to injury.
- Basal: at the bottom; presents with acute lameness and swelling.
- Abaxial: at the SL insertion; usually non-surgical unless complications arise.
Diagnosis involves radiography and ultrasonography of the suspensory ligament.
Surgical repair generally yields good prognosis, but prognosis varies by fracture type.

Laminitis

Caused by inflammation and breakdown of laminae, leading to hoof wall separation from pedal bone; forelimbs more affected.
Precipitating factors can include carbohydrate overload, endotoxemia, and underlying conditions like colic.
Pain evaluation through hoof testers, increased digital pulses (DPs), and reluctance to move may indicate severity.
Treatment focuses on reducing harmful forces with specialized shoeing, removing inciting causes, and ensuring proper hoof growth.
Supportive care includes analgesia, cooling techniques, and monitoring for kidney function.

Neonatal Pneumonia

Typically secondary to sepsis or aspiration; poses risk in foals under 4 weeks old.
Clinical signs include systemic illness, lethargy, increased recumbency, and decreased appetite.
Diagnosis involves CBC and biochemistry, blood gas analysis, ultrasonography, and potentially endoscopic examination.
Treat with ceftiofur, supportive care with oxygen, bronchodilators, and monitoring for kidney function.

Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders

False nostril flutter: Turbulence leads to nasal flutter; resolves with speed, usually no treatment necessary.
Epidermal inclusion cysts in the dorsal nasal diverticulum are cosmetic and can be surgically removed if desired.
Progressive ethmoid haematoma can cause intermittent unilateral epistaxis and may require surgical intervention or laser ablation.
Primary sinusitis typically follows upper respiratory infection; unilateral discharge and facial distortion are common signs.
Secondary sinusitis results from underlying issues like dental disease; often requires surgical drainage if chronic.
Paranasal sinus cysts are usually genetic; most frequently seen in horses under 1 year or older than 9 years.

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Description

Explore the critical aspects of equine lameness related to biarticular issues, pastern OCD, and sesamoid fractures. This quiz covers symptoms, management strategies, and classifications of common injuries, helping you understand the complexities of equine orthopedics.