Lameness
• 1) level or intensity of work
• 2) conformation and body condition - especially with
structural defects
– 1 - feet
– 2 - joints
– 3 - muscle
• 3) most prone to lameness
– too young
– too old or worn out
– pervious injury
• 4) training routines
– inadequate warm-up and cool-down
– 15-20 min of intensive work
• 5) competition stress
• warning signs
– change in posture
• point foot / off to side
• leaning back or forward
• rest foot on toe
• performance clues
– clumsiness, tripping and gait irregularity
– rapid deceleration in turns
– rough up and down transitions
– refusals, uncooperative
• chronically uncomfortable horses
– depression
– appetite loss
– changed resting habits
– difficult in rising after rest
• routine check
– soft swelling
– thickening of tendons
• strain
– hard lumps on bones or joint edges
• trama or calcification
– elevated surface temperature/swelling
– strong digital pulse on pastern
• severe inflammation or infection in lower leg
– upper muscle areas
• limited freedom of movement
• hoof
– check for heat - toe and heel
– check shape and size
• flares, dished toe, contracted heels, unequal heels
– check sole for bruises
• old bruises - painless
• angle of bars - “corn” - internal tearing from uneven
forces
– check for abnormal wear patterns
• chronic low level pain from shifting weight
• feet growing differently/ trimmed or set wrong
• subtle signs of approaching lameness
– check for sensitivity in neck, withers, shoulders
– abnormal enlargements (swelling) and hollows
(atrophy) in muscle mass
– check back
– press on the croup
• 2/3 way from sacroiliac to tailhead
– anything abnormal on one side and not the other
– decreased performance sidedness
– attitude
– new pattern of movement
Treatment
• rest
– stop repeating painful activity
• minimize destructive forces
• avoid excessive painkillers
Preventative Measures
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icing and cold water hosing
massage
stable wraps
topical preparations
– braces - astringents
– poultices
– sweats
– liniments