Page 131 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

Examination for Lameness 97

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Figure 2.55. Palpation of the distal sesamoidean ligaments,
branches of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), and the
deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in the palmar/plantar aspect
of the pastern. The DDFT should be palpated with digital pressure
using your thumb as far distally as possible between the heel
bulbs.

FETLOCK
The dorsal and palmar/plantar pouches of the meta­
carpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joint
should be palpated for swelling, effusion, or thickening of
the joint capsule (Figures 2.52 and 2.57). Using both
hands to help palpate the multiple joint pouches is very
helpful. Pressure should be applied to the lateral and
2
medial branches of the suspensory ligament just above
their attachments to the proximal sesamoid bones. Pain
and/or swelling at this location may suggest desmitis of
the suspensory branch, sesamoiditis, or apical/abaxial
fractures of the sesamoid bone. The SDFT and DDFT and
digital sheath should also be palpated for heat, pain,
swelling, or effusion. Some distension of the DFTS of all
four limbs is not uncommon in performance horses. This
often is referred to as “wind puffs.” Figure 2.56. Tension is applied to the collateral ligaments
With the limb off the ground, thumb or finger pres­ supporting the fetlock and interphalangeal joints (pastern and coffin)
sure should be applied to the basilar, body, and apical to identify pain.
portions of the proximal sesamoid bones (Figure 2.58).
Sensitivity and pain may indicate a sesamoid fracture METACARPUS/METATARSUS (MC/MT)
or desmitis of the suspensory ligament. The fetlock
should be rotated and the collateral ligaments checked Palpation of the dorsal aspect of the metacarpus
in a similar manner to that of the pastern joint should be performed, especially in young racehorses.
(Figure 2.56). Additionally, the fetlock joint should be Firm pressure applied with the fingertips often elicits a
passively flexed to identify pain and assess the range of painful response in horses with dorsal metacarpal dis­
motion. This is accomplished by extending the carpus ease (buck shins). Heat and swelling over the dorsal
as much as possible and flexing the fetlock by placing middle third of the metacarpus may also be present
one hand on the pastern (Figure 2.59). This technique (Figure 2.61). The extensor tendons on the dorsal sur­
flexes the fetlock joint separate from the phalangeal face of the MC/MT should be palpated for swelling,
joints in contrast to all of the joints of the distal limb thickness, and pain, especially in horses with a history of
(Figure 2.60). trauma/laceration to this region.