EQ KEYWORDS

body condition score (BCS)---a designation, based on a nine-point numeric scale, indicating the amount of fat on a horse’s body. A BCS is assigned after a visual and hands-on appraisal. coronary band (coronet)---boundary between the top of the hoof wall and the skin at the bottom of the pastern where hoof growth begins. equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)---endocrine disorder characterized by increased fat deposits in specific locations of the body or overall obesity; insulin resistance, which leads to abnormally high levels of the hormone circulating in the bloodstream; and a predisposition toward laminitis in the absence of other recognized causes. hyaluronic acid (HA)---molecule that forms the basis of the lubricating fluid within joints as well as connective tissues throughout the body. laminitis--- inflammation of the sensitive plates of soft tissue (laminae) within the horse’s foot caused by physical or physiologic injury. Severe cases of laminitis may result in founder, an internal deformity of the foot. Acute laminitis sets in rapidly and usually responds to appropriate, intensive treatment, while chronic laminitis is a persistent, long-term condition that may be unresponsive to treatment. murmur--- periodic sound of short duration of cardiac or vascular origin. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)---drug that contains no steroids and acts to reduce heat and swelling. osteoarthritis--- degeneration and inflammation of one or more joints due to excessive wear. pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, Cushing’s disease)---disease caused when the cortex of the adrenal gland produces excessive amounts of hormones, including cortisol; signs include persistent long hair, thin skin, fragile bones, stupor, weakness and sweating. platelet-rich plasma (PRP)---derived from a patient’s own blood, PRP is plasma that has undergone processing to concentrate platelets. PRP may be injected into soft tissue injuries so that the multiple growth factors that platelets release will enhance healing proud flesh--- excess granulation tissue rising out of and above the edges of a wound, forming a raw, exposed mound that makes further healing delayed or impossible without medication or surgery. rhinopneumonitis--- highly contagious disease caused by herpesviruses (EHV-1, EHV4); characterized by fever, mild respiratory infection and, in mares, abortion. In rare cases, some strains of these herpesviruses also cause potentially fatal neurological complications. sesamoid bones (proximal sesamoids)--pyramid-shaped bones that form the back of the fetlock joint and serve to improve supporting leverage of flexor tendons that pass behind them; part of the suspensory apparatus. shock-wave therapy (extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT)---noninvasive treatment method that directs a tightly focused beam of acoustic pressure waves at target areas within the body. The waves pass readily through skin, fat and muscle and transfer their energy at interfaces between tissues of a different density, such as cartilage and bone. The therapeutic benefits of ESWT are still under study, but the treatment has been shown to have an analgesic effect. sulci--- grooves in the center of and on either side of the frog. superficial flexor tendon (superficial digital flexor tendon)---outer tendon connecting the superficial muscles of the upper leg to the back of the pastern bones. suspensory apparatus--- sling-like arrangement of ligaments and small bones that support the fetlock when the leg is weighted; includes the suspensory ligaments, proximal sesamoid bones and inferior sesamoidean ligaments. thrush--- hoof disease characterized by degeneration of the frog and a thick, foulsmelling discharge. thumps (synchronous diaphragmatic flutter) ---spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm in time to the heartbeat, resembling hiccups. Sometimes accompanied by rhythmic twitching of flank muscles. Usually occurs as a result of stress and fatigue in endurance horses. Severe loss of electrolytes---especially calcium---is one probable cause. ultrasound--- high-frequency sound waves, above the range of human hearing. Ultrasound is used diagnostically, to image body structures, and therapeutically, to break down unwanted tissue and promote healing by stimulating circulation.