ABSTRACT
The horse should be visually inspected, ideally standing square on a level surface, from both sides, front and behind for overall conformation, signs of asymmetry of the muscles and bones, swelling, sites of trauma, foot conformation and stance. The posture or stance may indicate the horse’s response to acute or chronic pain in one or more limbs. Nuclear imaging involves the intravenous injection of a radioactive substance that is then distributed throughout the horse. Magnetic resonance imaging scans are produced by a complex process involving exciting hydrogen nuclei in the horse at specific resonance radio frequencies within a static magnetic field, and detecting the energy released. Nutrition has a major role in the proper development and function of the musculoskeletal system. Clinical assessment of a back pain case should include the following steps: history; passive physical examination, including assessment and palpation of the whole musculoskeletal system; and dynamic physical examination, including walk, trot and canter.
