What will a flexion (sp?) test show and how much are they?

[Hayz]

I am thinking of having a vet out to my mare as she sometimes appears lame.

Will a flexion test show if she is and if not what will? Would an osteo be better? She had one about 4 weeks ago and was given the all clear (one niggle which was sorted).

Also how much are flexions? :)

[katieB]

She may trot up lame but it wont show where the lameness is coming from. Dont know how much they will cost on their own, ive only ever had one done during a vetting. Can you tell which leg she is lame on?

[carthorse]

A flexion test is seldom done on it's own & is pretty controversial as a lameness test. If you flex any horse hard enough it will show up lame, probably more important is how quickly it returns to sound but that that, combined with the fact that every vet will flex slightly differently, makes it very subjective.

From the sound of it she's on/off lame, is that right? Is she very lame when she's lame or just slightly? Is there any pattern to it eg the day after hard work or when doing certain types of work? Is she only lame when ridden or in hand too?

Most lameness is in the foot so unless the horse is very lame I'm a big fan of asking my farrier (i'm lucky that I have a good farrier). Bruising is a commeon problem with some horses where I am (flints & flat feet aren't a good combination) & can show up as intermettent lameness.

By all means speak to the vet & ask if he thinks a visit is needed. A flexion test may or may not be done, I'd leave that for the vet to decide rather than ask for one. I bet she goes sound when the vet comes though, horses seem to love making owners look like over-protective mums!

[Hayz]

Hi

She is only slightly lame and if you push her on she doesnt look lame at all :confused:

I think she might just be being lazy :confused:

[carthorse]

If she's had a chiro out then I think I'd just keep working her & mention it to the farrier next time he's out. I know the advice I'd get from my vet would be to work her until it either got better or she was lame enough to make an accurate diagnosis.

If it's any consolation my horse can look short & not quite right if he isn't working forward enough - nothing wrong but he needs to be loosened up & get his mind in gear, at which point he moves beautifully!

[eml]

I tend to start at the feet and work up unless there is obvious heat, or lack of flexing in a joint. Is the horse lame on a particular surface or only when ridden or only on certain sorts of exercises...these can give far better ideas of where the problem lies than flexion tests, particularly with intermittent lameness.

I am a great fan of farrier as first opinion on lots of lameness. If the lameness goes when you work the horse forward and it has recently been checked by a chiro I would be asking my RI to look at my riding for how balanced I was making the horse or any restictions I was causing.

[Hayz]

Hiya

Thanks for the replys. Well now we have a saddle that actually fits she has not looked at all lame. :rolleyes: Would a saddle do that?

[carthorse]

Yes Hayz a saddle would definately do that if the points were tight or it was blocking the shoulder - I've seen it happen.

I'm glad you've got it sorted :)