Lameness is the most common cause of poor performance in horses. Lameness is an abnormality in the movement of a limb due to a functional or structural problem. The issue may be in the limb itself, in the skeleton, in a muscle, or it could be an internal problem. Lameness can involve relatively simple problems, like a hoof abscess, to more complicated and unusual issues.
Lameness can be diagnosed by experienced palpation, but some cases need the help of advanced tools to provide a diagnosis. Lameness examinations usually have many steps, beginning with observation and palpation and proceeding through gait evaluation, and diagnostic nerve/joint blocks using local anesthetic to localize the source of pain.
Ultrasound, radiography, fluoroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT) are some of the procedures we may use to further investigate the problem. In some cases, response to therapy may be useful.
If you have any concerns about the soundness of your horse, please don’t hesitate to call us and set up an appointment today.
