Lameness Investigations
Lameness varies from subtle gait asymmetries to more obvious weight bearing issues.
Our clinicians are ready to tackle the full range.
All lameness investigations should start with a through clinical evaluation. This allows
the vet to begin narrowing down the many possible causes of the lameness. In some
cases there is an obvious cause such as a large wound or swelling, but in others a more
detailed investigation is required to assess each joint and soft tissue structure for
evidence of inflammation and pain.
Where a more subtle or ongoing issue is being investigated, don’t be alarmed if the vet
is examining the whole horse not just the leg you have reported to be the problem.
Examining the whole horse allows us to assess subtle overload issues such as tight
muscles, or inflamed tendon sheaths and this helps us get to know your horse and make
a better overall plan which doesn’t ignore any other findings.
Once the vet has had a good look over the horse the horse will often need to be walked
and trotted in a straight line before flexion tests are performed and usually we like to see
the horse lunged on both reins at the trot also. This allows us to evaluate any level of
lameness or gait asymmetry and we can use flexion tests again to assess subtle findings
as well as the main lameness or performance issue (often this is all subtle!)
If applicable, nerve blocks can be used to localize the lameness or gait asymmetry. This
is the most important part of the lameness investigation after the thorough clinical
evaluation. There is no point in jumping straight in there with x-rays and ultrasound
scans unless you have proven the localization of the lameness beforehand. Many horses
show subtle x-ray changes which are completely normal or not related to the lameness,
and so it is impossible to interpret these accurately unless we have used nerve blocks to
localize exactly which part of the leg the issue is coming from. Obviously some horses
have a more obvious source of lameness and so these horses might not need nerve
blocks.
Some riders only have issues with the horse performing certain movements under
saddle, and for those situations we often like to see the horse ridden after the trot up so
that we can evaluate the horse under saddle. This is because some issues are so subtle
that the horse won’t show much on the trot up, flexions or on the lunge, but does show
changes when ridden. In some situations, we can perform nerve and joint blocks and
then see the horse ridden after this so that you can perform the action you have been
having problems with and confirm that we have hit the spot!!
Nerve blocks can be less specific ‘regional’ blocks or more specific joint & tendon
sheath blocks. Your vet will detail the difference between the two and advise which
blocks are necessary, in which order and why.
Following localization of the issue with nerve and joint blocks, x-rays and ultrasound
scans may be useful in diagnosing the issue or helping to form a prognosis and
management program once the injury has been diagnosed. Your vet will advise which (if
either) are likely to be beneficial.
After a diagnosis has been made, treatment options can be offered and discussed. The
treatment of certain injuries varies hugely between horses and clients so we charter our
treatment regimes and management programs to the individual horse through discussion
with the owner.
If you have any questions about costs or queries about your horse, then please do not
hesitate to contact the clinic (08 8388 7489 or clinic@hillsequine.com.au)