Horse Flexion Service

Fore And Hind Limb Flexion Tests for Horses in Brisbane, Ipswich and Lockyer Valley

A fore & Hind limb flexion test is a quick and easy method of identifying lameness in your horse.

Minimally invasive, a flexion test briefly stretches or compresses the joints and soft tissues of the lower limb, before the horse is immediately trotted.

While flexion tests are usually accompanied by further testing, such as digital x-ray, palpation of the fore or Hind limb can often show up other common problems, like loss of flexibility, which may also be involved in your horse’s lameness.

What is the advantage of flexion tests?

Fore or hind limb flexion tests have become an integral part of evaluating lameness. A simple procedure, taking approximately 60 seconds, the veterinarian will pick up the fore or Hind limb and bend it, with force centred on the fetlock joint. Once the fore or Hind limb is released, the horse will be asked to trot off.

This stretching and compression of the forelimb can bring to the fore signs that weren’t present before, making lameness diagnosis easier. There’s no pain or discomfort associated with forelimb flexion testing, and it doesn’t require any invasion of the joint or soft tissues.

Your Next Steps

If you suspect your horse is lame, call us on (07) 5411 4554 to speak with a qualified veterinarian.