The welfare debate around flexion testing in pre-purchase and lameness examinations of horses.
Flexion testing is a common but welfare-contentious procedure in equine examination. The test deliberately compresses joint structures in a way that causes temporary discomfort, and there is ongoing debate about whether the welfare cost is justified by the diagnostic information gained. The evidence for flexion test predictive value is limited, and the variability in how forcefully and for how long tests are applied creates significant inconsistency in both welfare impact and diagnostic utility. Veterinary practice is evolving toward more evidence-based examination protocols that minimize discomfort while maintaining diagnostic quality.