Page 121 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

Examination for Lameness 87

stride characteristic of a sprinter. The gaskin length (stifle associated factors had a negative effect on performance
14
to hock) should be shorter than the femur length (buttock (Figure 2.32). In addition, poor development of the
VetBooks.ir tends to be associated with cow hocks and sickle hocks. metry of the hindquarter musculature but not asymmetry
epaxial muscles in the thoracolumbar region and asym­
to stifle). A gaskin length longer than the femur length
of the tuber sacrale were common findings in sport horses
Hindlimbs with less angulation (open angles, straighter
16
hindlimbs when viewed from the side) usually have a with documented sacroiliac disease. The widest point of
shorter overall limb length and produce efficient move­ the hindquarters should be the width between the stifles.
ment suitable for hunters or racehorses. Generally, A line dropped from the point of the buttock to the
hindlimbs with more angulation (closed joints) have a ground should essentially bisect the limb; however, the
longer overall limb length and produce a more vertical,
folding action necessary for collection characteristic of
dressage horses. An overall limb length that is too long
36
may contribute to either a camped‐out or sickle‐hocked
conformation. Elite Warmblood horses were found to
have larger hock angles (straighter) than other groups of
22
horses. Horses with lameness and back problems usu­
ally have significantly smaller hock angles than sound
horses. 21

Caudal View
From the rear, both hindlimbs should be symmetrical,
have the same length, and bear equal weight (Figure 2.31).
A left‐to‐right symmetry should be evident between the
peaks of the croup (tuber sacrale), the points of the hip,
the points of the buttock, and the midline position of the
tail. A study in Standardbred trotters found that hind­
quarter asymmetry (tuber sacrale at unequal heights) and

Figure 2.31. Normal hindlimbs as viewed from the rear. A line
dropped from the point of the buttock (tuber ischii) should bisect Figure 2.32. Asymmetry between the peaks of the croup, points
the limb. of the hip, and points of the buttock (arrows).