The Skeletal System

Functions Protection of vital organs Locomotion Dynamic storage for minerals Bones are living Classication of Bones Long Short Flat Sesamoid Pneumatic Only the sinuses are pneumatic bones (have air in them) Irregular

Axial = head, neck, ribcage, and back Appendicular = legs The Equine Skull

Mandible = bottom Maxilla = top Function of the facial crest Foramen = hole Axial Skeleton: Vertebral Column

Thorax = chest 18 ribs Thoracic = does not move

Lumbar = more exibility Lumbosacral junction = junction between the hindquarters and the rest of the horse

Cervical Spine Injuries The spinal nerves that supply the limbs have to pass through the spinal canal. Any inammation in or around the spinal cord can directly effect the gait in all 4 limbs. When these nerves are damaged, the horse can become ataxic. Ataxia: Horse cannot control its limbs (NOT safe to ride, requires neurological exam) 1 = just noticeable 5 = horse is down Wobblers: Cervical vertebral malformation Horse is ataxic Narrowing of the cervical spinal canal Instability of the cervical spinal canal Example: Young, fast-growing horse Excessive caloric intake Imbalance of trace minerals Compromised bone development OCD (osteocondrosis) Add intense training (Rolkr) Trauma to vertebrae Degeneration Compression of the spinal cord

Axial Skeleton

Appendicular Skeleton

Pelvic Anatomy Pelvis Ilium Ischium Pubis Hip Joint Ball and socket The Hindlimb

Landmarks Triangle of hindquarter Wing of ilium Point of buttock Stie Lumbosacral (LS) placement Strength of LS (loin) Functional Conformation Stie location Length of femur Length of tibia Placement of hock The Forelimb

Landmarks Point of shoulder Slope of shoulder = scapula Length of humerus Point of elbow Slope of pastern Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint No true bony connection "synsarcosis" Functional Conformation Pillar of support Lightness of the forehand Strong coupling Strength of LS Matching stride lengths