Page 150 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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VetBooks.ir EXAMINATION AT REST
In the stable

Most vets will discuss the history while in the stable with the horse. This ensures there is
plenty of opportunity to see the horse at rest in his own stable and observe any subtle signs of
discomfort, as in the examples below, that may otherwise be missed.

• Pointing one limb – this is when one forelimb is intermittently or continually held

slightly extended in front of the other limb, often with the heel slightly raised from the
ground.

• Some horses will dig holes in their bedding and stand with their toes in the hole and their
heels raised up on the bedding. This is often suggestive of heel pain.

• Constant shifting of the weight from one leg to the other. This can indicate bilateral foot
pain or soft tissue injuries.

• Standing with the hind limbs brought forward under the body and both forelimbs

extended with the weight back on the heels is highly suggestive of laminitis, especially if
the horse is constantly shifting its weight.

• An occasional awkward step when the horse experiences acute pain.

Outside

Next the horse is led out of the stable and assessed while standing square on a hard, level

surface. The horse should be standing on all four limbs. The vet will look at the following.
• Conformation: this may be important as certain types of conformation are associated with

specific lameness.

• Stance.
• Condition.

• Symmetry: this is assessed from a distance and close up (Figure 4.1). In particular, the

vet will be looking for any swelling or muscle wasting including:

– abnormal distension of a joint capsule

– any bony enlargement
– the presence of a haematoma or oedema

– swelling due to cellulitis or bruising

– muscle swelling

– muscle wasting; if this is due to a low-grade lameness, it may take months to