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Lameness in horses is well recognised, but interpreted differently by different people, so Horse & Hound's expert vet explains what you need to know
Lameness is an abnormal gait or stance of an animal that is the result of dysfunction of the locomotor system. In the horse, it is most commonly caused by pain, but can be due to neurologic or mechanical dysfunction. Lameness is a common veterinary problem in racehorses, sport horses, and pleasure horses.
Recognition of lameness is a key skill to successful diagnosis. The most consistent sign of a unilateral forelimb lameness is the head nod. The head and neck of the horse rise when the lame forelimb strikes the ground and is weightbearing, and they fall when the sound limb strikes the ground.
Lameness in horses is common, and is a symptom of an underlying injury or disease. Identifying lameness early and treating the cause is essential for a good prognosis.
Common signs of lameness include changes in the horse’s gait, such as limping, uneven steps, shortened stride, toe dragging, head bobbing, shifting weight, or a general reluctance to move. Depending on the location and severity of the issue, lameness can occur in one or multiple limbs.
This new edition of the go-to resource for equine lameness features updates throughout and more in-depth information on objective lameness assessment, sports medicine, rehabilitation, treatment options, and advanced imaging. With … Show all. Table of Contents. Export Citation (s) Free Access. Front Matter (Pages: i-xxxi) Summary. PDF. CHAPTER 1.
Understanding equine lameness and recognizing early signs are crucial to preserving your horse’s health, performance, and quality of life. By seeking professional help to diagnose and treat lameness promptly, you can minimize negative impacts and promote a faster recovery.
Watch below as equine vet and lameness expert David Rutherford from the University of Nottingham, talks through the different stages of the lameness assessment and some key physical signs to look out for.
A horse is said to be lame when its normal stance or gait is changed by a problem in one or more of the limbs, the neck, the trunk, or the quarters. Lameness is not a specific disease but may indicate a disorder in the musculoskeletal system. Pain is the most common cause of lameness in horses.
Lameness in horses has multiple causes, some obvious and some that are difficult to diagnose. Following are the most common causes of equine lameness: Traumatic injuries: Sprains, strains, fractures and other injuries to the musculoskeletal system including bones muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and joints; damage to the nervous system ...