Equine Soft Tissue Injuries and Diagnostic Methods

Introduction

• Continuation from previous lecture.
• Focus on common equine injury types.
  • Tendonitis and desmitis: inflammation indicators.

Common Injury Types

Tendon Injuries

• Bow Tendon

  • Recognizable by its outward curve on the horse's leg.
  • Common in superficial and deep digital flexor tendons.
  • Causes: lesions or tears, leading to inflammation.

• Personal Anecdote

  • Experience with identifying a bow tendon during a lesson.
  • Importance of noticing subtle signs of injury.

Ligament Injuries

• Suspensory Ligament Issues

  • Suspensory desmitis involves inflammation leading to fetlock dropping.
  • Upper leg injuries more common.

• Treatment Examples

  • Intravenous pain medication, plasma injections, custom shoes.

• Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Degeneration

  • May have genetic links.
  • Less funding for research due to non-food status of horses.

Diagnostic Methods

• Lameness Exam

  • Includes walking and jogging in different directions.
  • Palpation and flexion tests to assess sensitivity and stress.

• Case Study: Using Diagnostic Tools

  • Personal horse's experience used as a case study.
  • Lameness exam followed by palpation and flexion.
  • Use of nerve blocks and x-rays to isolate pain.
  • Ultrasound to confirm soft tissue injuries.

Imaging and Costs

• Diagnostic Imaging

  • X-rays for bone and joint clarity.
  • Ultrasound for soft tissue examination.

• Costs of Diagnostic Procedures

  • Detailed breakdown of costs associated with diagnostic methods.
  • Importance of discussing costs and alternatives with clients.

Treatment Options

• Soft Tissue Injury Treatment

  • Initial stall rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Gradual rehabilitation after inflammation decreases.

• Alternative Therapies

  • Shockwave, laser, therapeutic ultrasound.
  • Consider cost vs. benefit in treatment planning.

Healing Phases

• Phase 1: Inflammatory Phase

  • Initial response to injury, marked by inflammation.

• Phase 2: Proliferative Phase

  • Creation of new blood vessels and cells for tissue regeneration.

• Phase 3: Maturation/Remodeling Phase

  • Actual healing of tissue.

Summary

• Understanding and identifying common equine injuries.
• Diagnostic and treatment options vary by injury.
• Importance of client communication regarding costs and treatment choices.
• Real-world application through case study and personal experience.