Checking pulse for laminitis

Janah

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 September 2007
Messages
2,193
Visit site
I will sound a complete idiot, but where is the pulse to check for laminitus? Iv'e tried to find it on numerous occasions. Is it always there or only when laminitis manifests itself?

Jane
 
I had the vet out on Monday, who reckoned he could feel a slightly raised pulse on my pony and, despite him placing my finger on it I couldn't feel it!! It's very difficlt to find and I think you would need a vet to show you.
 
The horse's digital arteries, are on the inside and outside of each leg at the level of the fetlock and pastern.

Palpate on the inside and outside of each leg, toward the back of the midpastern or fetlock at the level of the sesamoid bones.

Note how strong the pulse is. A normal horse should have a pulse that is very slight or difficult to feel.

Compare findings among all four feet to judge if one foot in particular is abnormal.

Know that if the pulses of more than one foot are increased, it could indicate a systemic and not a localized problem.
 
I can locate it by the groove on the inside of the fetlock if you run your finger around the bottom part of the fetlock you will feel it - I usually find the pulse around there, although not if it is very weak.
 
Yes, there is a 'V' shaped groove on the inside of all 4 legs just underneath the fetlock joint (will probably be terribly embarassed as this will turn out to have a technical name
tongue.gif
). This is where you can find the pulse, although you may have to move fingers front or back a little bit. I seem to have been nominated official 'pulse checker' on my yard, and the exact place can vary a little.
 
QR - Ditto what tracey01 said

It's hard to find which is a good sign, if it's raised with lami you can't miss it. Make sure you feel with your fingers, your thumb has a pulse and I've seen that throw people before.

If you find a raised pulse I would take action for a pre-lami horse and if still concerned or it's a very strong pulse and horse is showing other signs then get the vet.

I hope everything's ok
 
Top