European ISELP Module
International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology

The Foot and Pastern

September 7th-9th 2023

The Foot and Pastern Module aims to improve the diagnosis and management of many of the conditions encountered in these regions in the field, using clinical case presentations and live demonstrations. The module provides 26 hours of instruction and includes 9 hours of wetlabs under the supervision of certified instructors.

Conditions reviewed include many tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone conditions. Special emphasis is made on the imaging, management and rehabilitation program of the different conditions.

Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre (SMDC) is proud to host the European module of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP). This event will take place from September 7th-9th 2023, at our facility in Heesch, The Netherlands.

The ISELP strives to provide practitioners with contemporary knowledge and techniques in the continually evolving field of equine locomotor analysis, in order to aid the equine clinician to better understand and manage lameness conditions in the equine athlete.

This module covers the descriptive anatomy of the foot and pastern with a detailed description of the bone and joint structures of the distal limb joints as well as tendons, vessels and nerves of the foot and pastern regions using pictures of anatomical specimen and drawings. A video of the dissection of a prepared specimen is provide up front and demonstrates the concrete aspects of the anatomical structures considered in the module. It is a key to understanding the clinical diagnosis and ultrasound approach.

The functional anatomy and biomechanics of these regions is described in detail to provide insight into the ethiopathogenesis of limb injuries. These data are essential for managing most of the bone, joint and muscle conditions with a rational rehabilitation program.

Diagnostic analgesic techniques including intra-articular analgesia of the joints and bursa using either conventional techniques or ultrasonographic guided injections are also reviewed in detail.

A large part of the module is devoted to clinical cases presentations of foot and pastern lamenesses including a complete clinical examination (with pictures of the physical exam and videos of the lameness, before and after blocks), radiographic examination and ultrasound scans of the lesions. Some cases will demonstrate the interest of combined imaging using nuclear scintigraphy, CT or MRI for the diagnosis of the cause of the lamenesses. Interactive discussion of the prognosis as well as the treatment and management of the different conditions presented provides practical knowledge.

The different conditions reviewed include: Pastern conditions (cartilage abnormalities, subchondral bone injury, fissures, tendinopathy, ligament pathology …) and foot region conditions (arthropathies, tendinopathy of the DDFT, bursitis, ligamentous injuries, …). Special emphasis is made on the rehabilitation program of the different conditions.

A demonstration of the basic and advanced ultrasound techniques for the diagnosis of the different conditions of the foot and pastern areas is presented on both Friday and Saturday. The ultrasonographic guided techniques are explained, demonstrated and discussed. During 2 sessions of 4,5 hours of practice, attendees can improve their clinical skills and ultrasound techniques on live horses with the help of certified instructors.

“ Thanks to ISELP we still expand our knowledge in understanding
and management of equine orthopedic conditions”
Dr. Bergman, Dr. van Toor, Dr. Hoogelander, Dr. van Veggel and Dr. Cokelaere, ISELP certified veterinarians SMDC, The Netherlands