Flexion Tests - Good or Bad?

[Tia]

I would just like to know everyones opinion of flexion tests. I have heard some people call their usefulness into question.

Are they always correct?
Can they cause further damage to an injury?
Can they be done by anyone other than a vet?

Any info gratefully received!

[IrisSilverMoon]

They're pretty accurate at pointing out some hidden lamenesses in horses, but there's always human error that can come into play, or the fac that the horse might be off for whatever reason that day.

I'm pretty sure they shouldn't cause furthur damage. Most horses are pretty adept at telling us if something hurts, i doubt they would put up with flexions if it was hurting too much, in which case you would know that's probably not the horse fore you...;)

Anyone can do them if you know the proper way to flex. ask your vet the next time he.she is in, they'll probably show you. It might take some time to learn exactly the sort of things they're looking for though. I know what's supposed to happen is that the horse trots off lame a couple strides and then evens out. If he continues to be lame then there's a problem, but their might be some other things int he stride that the vet is looking at, i'm not sure.

I hope that was somewhat helpful! :)

[rocketman]

Done incorrectly, a flexion test can make even the soundest horse take some lame steps. I know this from personal experience!

Usually, the flexion test is done on a hind limb - sometimes the foreleg. Anyone can do it, but it takes a certain amount of strength. Herein lies the problem. The joints involved in a flexion test are generally the hocks and stifles or the knee. It is particularly hard to hold up a leg for a minute or longer while fully flexing these joints. Some vets grab hold of the toe of the hoof, which is easier, but inadvertantly flexes the fetlock joint. This joint is more like the human wrist and not meant to bend to a great degree (as does the elbow, knee, shoulder or hip). Try bending your hand down from the wrist and holding it hard. It's going to hurt. You could bend your knee or elbow all day without any pain. If whoever does the flexion test bends the fetlock, every horse will trot away lame for a few steps. The horse's leg needs to be held by the cannon bone to avoid flexing the joint which does not flex much.

Done properly, the flexion test should indicate any problems in the joints meant to be tested. Done incorrectly, all horses will appear to be lame.