Instructions
Use flexion tests as the first step in diagnosing lameness. A flexion test purposely stresses a single joint at a time to evaluate whether or not it is the cause of the lameness. The vet will flex the joint and purposely stress it for a minute or more and then immediately have the handler trot the horse forward on hard ground. If the joint is the source of the lameness, the horse's lameness will be exaggerated. A flexion test is limited because the stress inflicted on the joint by the test may cause the horse some discomfort and temporary lameness. An older horse may not pass the flexion tests on multiple joints, making it necessary to cross check with further tests.
Perform nerve blocking when flexion tests are not conclusive. Nerve blocks work by eliminating possible problem areas. The veterinarian temporarily blocks the nerves to the suspect joints one at a time. After the nerve is blocked, the horse is checked for lameness. If the lameness persists, the vet will block the next suspect joint, and repeat until the horse shows no signs of lameness. Because the nerve block removes the pain, as soon as the correct joint has been blocked, the horse will move out soundly.
Use imaging to make a firm diagnosis or cross check the results of the previous tests. When the horse has had flexion tests and nerve blocking and the lameness has been narrowed down to a specific area, the veterinarian may want to use an imaging to check for bone breaks and soft tissue injuries. Imaging techniques used to diagnose horses are much like the tests used for humans and include x-rays, ultra-sounds and MRIs.
How to Cross Check Equine Lameness Testing
When a horse comes up lame it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the pain. Horse's legs and feet are delicate and have many small bones and ligaments that can cause serious pain if broken or strained. Due to the structure of a horse's legs and body, it is not always clear where the pain originates. An off stride can stem from any number of spots in the hooves, legs, shoulders, hips or back. A veterinarian can use a number of tests to cross check where the lameness is coming from to make a diagnosis.