ORTHOPEDICS
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signal pain. The horse is difficult to ride, resists work, is aggressive or has a bad attitude. And although the rider’s observations are important, “the vet evaluation is always a bit different than the rider’s assessment,” he said. These complaints could very well be a back issue, rather than a hind limb or behavior problem. As with any other issue, a thorough clinical examination is essential and should include full observation and clinical physical palpation, as well as testing and imaging. It can be useful to watch videos of the horse’s performance or training before starting the examination, Dr. Benoit said. Watch them in slow motion, he suggested, and look at the position of the neck and the back, as well as withers elevation and lumbar extension. The horse will often modify its jumping style, maybe leaning a little sideways or off center when sore. The examination should begin with palpation of the neck, withers, thoracic spine and lumbar area,
Video, especially viewed in slow motion, can be a great tool to assess the animal's form during work.
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Issue 10/2020 | ModernEquineVet.com
with a focus on the caudal aspect of the back, starting with a superficial palpation and then gradually a deeper palpation. Look at the conformation and posture of the hind limbs, the shape mass and symmetry of the muscles, joint distention, soft-tissue swelling and weightbearing abnormalities. “Although not usually done during a lameness examination, rectal palpation can provide a lot of information about back and pelvis issues,” Dr. Benoit added. It allows one to palpate the caudal lumbar area, psoas muscles, pelvic 3. bones and other structures that cannot be reached any other way, as well as castration scar tissue, ovary glands and inguinal rings. These structures might be interfering and contributing to back pain. Observing the horse in a circle on hard and soft surfaces at a walk, canter and trot are just as important as when assessing lameness, but again, remember that issues might be subtle. Look at the position of the head and neck, watch for toes dragging on the ground, he suggested. There are tests, such as the surcingle test—which is placed on the horse and tightened—that can enhance a defect of motion or gait asymmetry. Under-saddle
