Page 150 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

116 Chapter 2

the fetlock while flexing the phalanges by pulling up on
the toe with the opposite hand (Figure 2.102). All three
VetBooks.ir pulling up on the toe and phalanges with both hands
joints can be flexed together (distal limb flexion) by
while facing toward the back of the horse (Figure 2.103).
In general, it is nearly impossible to isolate the phalan­
ges from the fetlock region in the hindlimb; therefore,
most distal limb flexion tests performed in the hindlimb
include all three joints (distal limb flexion test;
Figure 2.103).
Regardless of how the flexion test is performed, the
fetlock/phalanges are held in position for 30 seconds,
after which the horse is trotted off and lameness is
observed. Differences in the severity of the responses
may be used to suggest whether there may be a problem
in the fetlock vs. the pastern or coffin joints. A painful
response to phalangeal flexion and a negative response
to fetlock flexion may suggest a problem in the coffin or
pastern joint or any soft tissue structure in the area.
A negative response to phalangeal flexion together with
positive responses to both the fetlock and distal limb
flexion suggests a fetlock problem. Any positive signs
should be checked with the opposite limb because a
marked asymmetry in responses to distal limb flexion Figure 2.102. Hand and limb positioning to perform flexion of
tests is an important clinical finding and further indicates the phalangeal joints without flexing the fetlock.

Figure 2.101. Firm pressure applied to the back musculature from the withers to the tuber sacrale to identify a painful response. The
fingers should be held flat to prevent “digging in” with the fingertips. Firm pressure can also be applied using the palms of your hands.