![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Once the limb (or limbs) involved in the lameness is identified, the veterinarian will palpate each lame limb to better determine which particular region is affected. Many horses are lame in more than one leg at the time of examination. Through gait analysis, the veterinarian can then establish which limb or limbs are involved by observing the horse in motion. Hard level surfaces are most often used to evaluate lameness, however, in some cases the use of a sand or grass surface may be warranted. A variety of surfaces may be used depending on the horse and the suspected lameness. Usually this is done by a handler leading the horse but occasionally will be done under the saddle. The horse’s gait or movement must then be evaluated initially while walking, but then trotting both in a straight line and in a circle. It is always important to start a lameness examination with a complete history of the lameness, a general physical examination of the horse to rule out other, potentially more serious diseases, and a thorough conformation assessment. It can take careful examination, extensive diagnostics and more than one evaluation of a horse to diagnosed more complex lameness. When the hind limb is involved, however, many more are seen in the upper part of the limb, especially in the hock or stifle. More lameness is seen in the forelimbs than the hindlimbs and almost 95% of forelimb lameness occur from the knee down. In some horses in addition to this local nerve blocks or joint blocks may be required. Many causes of lameness can be diagnosed with a thorough history, palpation of the limbs, observation of the horses gait and hoof tester examination. walk, trot, canter and will depend on the clinician's level of experience. The ability to assess lameness requires a detailed knowledge of the horse’s anatomy, biomechanics, conformation, breed characteristics, an ability to assess a variety of different gaits – i.e. Lameness resulting from musculoskeletal abnormalities is the leading cause of poor performance in athletic horses and thus the ability to diagnose and treat lameness is an important aspect in veterinary medicine. Factors unrelated to the musculoskeletal system such as metabolic, circulatory, and nervous system abnormalities (e.g., wobbler syndrome) can also cause a horse to become lame. foot abscess), traumatic injuries, conditions acquired before birth (e.g., contracted tendons) or after birth (e.g., osteochondritis dissecans). The most common causes of lameness in horses include infection (e.g. What does a veterinary clinical pathologist do?Ī lame horse is defined as having either an abnormal gait or being incapable of a normal gait.Working as an emergency care veterinarian.What's continuing veterinary education?.Horse ownership - tips you need to know.Camel milk? Here’s what you need to know.Biosecurity: what does it mean for farmers?.Resources for livestock and horse owners.Behaviour changes - don’t just chalk it up to old age!.Pets in the family? Be sure to get pet insurance.Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) explained.The importance of the right diet and dental care for rabbits.Immunocompromised individuals and safe pet ownership.Things to consider when taking the leap into pet ownership.The benefits of keeping your cat indoors.Does my pet have to finish their antibiotics?.What to do if you find a lump on your pet.How your veterinary nurse can help you and your pet.Euthanasia - saying goodbye to our pets.Teach your bird to be on its best behaviour.Creating an enriching environment for your pet.The many health benefits of having pets. ![]()
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