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  Discussion on Doing your own flexion tests
Author Message
Member:
Sswiley

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 17, 2005 - 3:40 pm:

HI all, thought I would try a new thread on the do it yourself prepurchase exam. I suppose some people might be appalled at the idea of trying to do a vets job, but when it comes to an inexpensive pony and doing self diagnosis (with a vets input of course) on my other horses over the years I think I should give it a try. I am fine with the trotting on soft and hard ground and I have done flexion tests on hocks a lot. My question is: what are the specifics of doing flexion tests on the other lower leg joints. Does anyone have any clear guidelines to prevent any misleading results? Of course I understand that most soundness tests have the ability of being misleading if not done correctly or not followed up with the appropriate nest level of investigation. Dr O, I looked for a diagram of the various flexion tests and how to hold each joint. Also, I dont believe there are any risks of injuring the horse ( aside from making them fall on you !). Any input would be great.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Aug 18, 2005 - 6:53 am:

Hello Shelley,
The lower leg flexions would be the
  • carpal flexion
  • hock flexion
  • fetlock flexion
  • And some would throw in the coffin joint extension test.
Descriptions are difficult I will see if I can find some photos or diagrams to post into the article this week.
DrO
Member:
Sswiley

Posted on Friday, Aug 19, 2005 - 9:55 am:

Thanks Dr O.
The coffin joint extension test is particularly intriguing to me. The Pony is a bit flat footed and I worry a little about long term concusion to the bottom of the foot. She has never worn shoes. We did a flexion on the left front fetlock and she was about a grade 1-2 on that foot. We also did a test where you slip a chunk of wood under the back of her frog (not under the heel wall) and lift the other front leg for one min. Supposed to flag possible navicular area problems . . . ? ( a vet told me that one).
Thanks for any help, I will check back at the flexion test article.
Shelley
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2005 - 9:15 am:

Hello Shelly, finding photos is not going so well but I continue to look. To help you with the coffin flexion description it is in the article Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Navicular Disease / SynDrOme. Look under the diagnosis subtopic. Note that this test also stresses the DDFlexor and navicular bone also.
DrO
Member:
Sswiley

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2005 - 7:35 pm:

Thanks,
Yes that sounds like one of the tests I did.
It would be great if you could put together a comprehensive description of the flexion tests. I think a lot of people think it is something only vets can do.
Have a good day . . . . !
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