Equine Lameness Examamination

Observe the front feet from the front and the side. Note their size and shape, wear pattern, any cracks or evidence of infection. Note the hoof – pastern angle and the angle of the heels relative to the dorsal
hoof surface (under-run heels).

Next, use the hooftesters and Palpate the Coffin Joint


NO 2 : Palpate the Pastern

Palpate the soft tissue structures of the pastern. Note any heat, swelling or sensitivity. Note any digital sheath effusion at this level




NO 3 : Examine the Fetlock

Palpate the dorsal and palmar surfaces including the palmar pouch of the fetlock joint. Palpate the sesamoid bones. Note any heat, swelling or effusion. Firmly flex and extend the fetlock. Note any reaction that the horse has.







NO 4 : Examine the Metacarpal Area

Palpate the flexor tendons, suspensory ligament, splint bones and dorsal cannon bone while the horse is weight bearing. Observe any swelling or effusion in the digital sheath.



Lift the leg and while supporting the limb with one hand palpate the same structures again. Separate the superficial and deep flexor tendon. Squeeze firmly on the superficial and deep flexor tendon, the suspensory ligament, the inferior check ligament and the splint bones. Note any reaction the horse may have and compare this reaction to the other leg.



Apply pressure over the dorsal surface of the cannon bone.





NO 5 : Examine the Carpus

While the horse is weight–bearing, palpate over the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the carpus noting any heat, pain or swelling, particularly joint or carpal sheath or extensor tendon sheath effusion

Elevate the limb and support its weight between your knees while facing forward. Using both hands palpate the radiocarpal and middle carpal joints, the distal radius and proximal row of carpal bones. Flex and extend the carpus






NO 6 : Examine the Antebrachium



Flex and extend the elbow





NO 7 : Examine the Shoulder

Palpate, flex and extend the shoulder







NO 8 : Examine the Scapula

C-Examine the Back



NO 1 : Palpate the Withers

NO 2 : Palpate the epaxial musculature.






D - Examine the Entire Hindlimb



NO : 1

Palpate the gluteal muscles



Palpate the semimembranosis and semitendinosis muscles, as well as the tuber ischii



Palpate the tuber coxae



Palpate the hip joint




NO 2 : Palpate the Stifle

Palpate the middle patellar ligament



NO 3 : Palpate the Gaskin





NO 4 : Palpate the Hock





NO 5 : Examine the Metatarsal Area





NO 6 : Examine the Hind Fetlock



NO 7 : Examine the Hind Foot



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