Our equine vets are highly experienced and knowledgeable in the field of lameness investigation, and are well-equipped with excellent ambulatory diagnostic and surgical equipment. We can diagnose and treat many lameness issues in leisure horses, veteran horses, and competition or performance horses and ponies.
Our equine lameness investigation starts with a thorough history from you and a thorough examination of the horse at rest. We will carefully palpate the horse, feeling for any swelling, heat, or conformational abnormalities. Following a static examination, we will view the horse walking and trotting in hand, usually perform flexion tests on relevant limbs, then view the horse on the lunge. Depending on the facilities available and the nature of the lameness, we may lunge the horse on both hard and soft ground. In some circumstances we view the horse under saddle too, depending upon the presenting complaint.
As a well-equipped ambulatory equine veterinary practice, we can carry out most lameness investigations at your yard. However, if needed, we can also carry out lameness investigations at our partner facility, Lynwood Stud.
You can find out more about how to trot up your horse for our equine vets here.
Once the lameness has been identified and quantified, we will work to isolate the underlying cause. This process usually starts with nerve blocks. However, it may start with imaging depending on the nature of the lameness. Usually, we use nerve blocks to isolate a specific anatomical area to image, and thus pinpoint the underlying cause.
Imaging generally includes radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasound scanning. We have high quality portable x-ray and ultrasound equipment, which allows us to carry out imaging at your yard or at our partner facility. Radiographs allow us to assess bones and ultrasound allows us to assess soft tissues; for this reason, both are often required to reach a diagnosis.
The causes of lameness in horses varies and the cause does not always correlate with the severity or area of lameness. Lameness can have complex roots, so it is important that a methodical approach to diagnosis is used, and a range of possible causes of lameness are considered.
Our independent equine vet practice is well-equipped to carry out many diagnostic tests at your yard, or at our partner facility. We can also refer our clients to specialist equine hospitals for more advanced diagnostics, such as scintigraphy (bone) or MRI scans.
Treatment of lameness in horses varies depending on the type and severity of the root problem. Once a diagnosis has been reached, treatment options will be discussed with you. These vary widely depending on the underlying cause of lameness. In most cases, all treatment options can be offered by Avonvale Equine Vet Practice. Treatments for lameness often employed include joint medications and controlled exercise programmes. We also offer shockwave therapy, performed at your yard, which can be used to treat a range of conditions. For more information on treatments for lameness and other ailments, please see our therapies section.
Take a look at our hindlimb lameness case study to discover how we helped one client's horse, and check out our multifactorial hindlimb lameness case study to find out more about how we worked with other equine professionals to diagnose and treat a pony’s complex lameness.
Laminitis is a common cause of lameness in horses, especially in native ponies. Our emergency equine vets are experienced in diagnosing and treating cases of laminitis, as well as helping owners manage their horses’ diet and wellbeing to minimise laminitis reoccurrence.
If your horse or pony is showing any symptoms of laminitis, call our emergency equine vet practice straight away on 01295 670 501. Our out-of-hours emergency call-outs are covered by our own equine vets, so you will always see an Avonvale Equine Vet, no matter what time of day or night you need us.
If your horse or pony is showing any signs of lameness, call our independent equine vet practice on 01295 670 501. Our experienced and highly qualified equine vets are fully ambulatory, and we can refer cases requiring more advanced diagnostics or treatments on to an appropriate facility where required.
