Lameness investigations

Lameness is the abnormal gait or stance of a horse which is caused by a dysfunction of the locomotor system. Lameness is one of the most common causes of poor performance and time off work in all types of horses and can vary in severity.

Initial lameness investigations can often be performed at the horse’s own yard and clinical examinations, the use of nerve blocks and high quality portable diagnostic imaging equipment can achieve a diagnosis.

However, in some cases recognising, localising, treating and managing a lameness can be very complex and requires both experience, a range of skills and sometimes advanced imaging. These cases are referred to the hospital where our specialists and experienced vets work as a team, alongside owners, farriers and other paraprofessionals to investigate each horse individually and identify the cause of their lameness. Horses will undergo a thorough clinical examination including observation at walk and trot, lunging on both soft and firm surfaces and, when appropriate, a ridden assessment. This can be done using both objective (SLEIP gait evaluation) and subjective methods.

In some instances this will be sufficient to determine the source of the lameness but often further localisation is required using ‘nerve blocks’ or ‘joint blocks’. The cause, severity and full characterisation of the lameness can then be determined using diagnostic imaging, including digital radiography (x-rays, ultrasonography or in certain circumstances advanced diagnostic imaging including MRI. In situations where ‘blocking’ is not possible or indicated, other imaging techniques, including scintigraphy can be used to localise the lameness.

Following the localisation and diagnosis of the lameness, an individualised treatment and rehabiliation plan will be designed. Our specialists and dedicated case vets will continue to work alongside the owner, farrier and team throughout the rehabilitation plan.