Horse Lameness Exams
Horse lameness can be quite simply described as any change in the horse’s gait (their manner of walking).
The lameness exam will begin by gathering your horse’s medical and farrier history as well as their work/exercise routine through a series of questions, conversations, and previous medical records.
Our vets at Sturgis Veterinary Hospital & Equine Center will conduct a visual appraisal of your horse at rest. Then, they will evaluate conformation, balance, and weight-bearing, and look for any signs of injury or stress.
Lameness Evaluation Process
A complete hands-on examination will be conducted in search of pain, heat, or swelling of muscles, joints, bones, and tendons.
Our veterinarians will evaluate the movement of the horse at a walk and trot for several signs including head bobbing, switching leads, stiffness, shortening of the stride, and poor performance.
Joint flexion tests will illuminate any subtle signs of pain and irregular movement.
Based on the evaluation, equine lameness treatment can be crafted and pursued. Horse lameness treatment may involve drug administration to the horse to help ease their muscles.
Diagnostics & Treatment
For the most accurate and controlled evaluation, all lameness examinations are performed in our hospital, where we have access to appropriate footing, lighting, equipment, and diagnostic tools.
When indicated, further diagnostics may include local anesthetic nerve or joint blocks to precisely identify the source of lameness.
Once the area of concern is isolated, advanced imaging such as digital radiography and ultrasound can help determine the underlying issue. With this information, we can design a targeted and effective recovery plan tailored to your horse’s specific needs.