Which condition presents with exaggerated upward flexion of the hind leg at every walk stride and spasmodic over flexion of the hind limbs?

Which condition presents with exaggerated upward flexion of the hind leg at every walk stride and spasmodic over flexion of the hind limbs?

• A. Fibrotic myopathy
• B. Stringhalt
• C. Shivering
• D. Brachial plexus avulsion

Answer: (B)

This pattern is characteristic of stringhalt, where the hind limb is lifted and flexed more than usual during every walk stride, with spasmodic, jerky overflexion of the hind limbs. It reflects a hyperactive or reflex-like response causing the limb to come up high and quickly in a repeated cycle as the horse moves, which is what you’re noticing in this description. Fibrotic myopathy would present differently—the hind limb shows a shortened, stiff stride due to fibrous changes in the hamstring muscles, causing the leg to drag or not flex and extend normally, rather than the dramatic, high-stepping flexion seen in stringhalt. Shivering is more about coarse tremors and rhythmic muscle contractions of the hindquarters rather than a consistent, exaggerated forward flexion of the limb with each stride. Brachial plexus avulsion involves forelimb dysfunction from a nerve injury, so it doesn’t produce the hindlimb hyperflexion pattern described here.

This pattern is characteristic of stringhalt, where the hind limb is lifted and flexed more than usual during every walk stride, with spasmodic, jerky overflexion of the hind limbs. It reflects a hyperactive or reflex-like response causing the limb to come up high and quickly in a repeated cycle as the horse moves, which is what you’re noticing in this description.

Fibrotic myopathy would present differently—the hind limb shows a shortened, stiff stride due to fibrous changes in the hamstring muscles, causing the leg to drag or not flex and extend normally, rather than the dramatic, high-stepping flexion seen in stringhalt.

Shivering is more about coarse tremors and rhythmic muscle contractions of the hindquarters rather than a consistent, exaggerated forward flexion of the limb with each stride.

Brachial plexus avulsion involves forelimb dysfunction from a nerve injury, so it doesn’t produce the hindlimb hyperflexion pattern described here.