Lameness Investigations
A large part of our clinical time is spent investigating lame horses. Simple causes of lameness may be diagnosed on the yard, possibly with the aid of one or two nerve blocks. For more complicated cases we always recommend further work up at our Equine Clinic. Our clinic facilities offer the ideal location for such examinations. A lameness examination always starts with a thorough physical examination in one of our examination suites followed by a gait analysis. We have both a firm flat surface and an outdoor menage that allows us to evaluate your horse under all conditions, including assessment under saddle. We also have access to an indoor school to enable us to continue the investigation when the weather turns for the worst!
Nerve and joint blocks are often required to aid in the identification of the source of the lameness. The use of local anaesthetic placed into joints or around nerves will remove sensation from specific parts of the leg, the response to which helps in the identification of the origin of the lameness.
Once the seat of lameness is identified further examination of the limb will be carried out using radiography and ultrasonography. With the latest digital equipment we will be able to obtain high quality images and can even copy these to digital media for farriers or referring veterinary surgeons to look at.
Once the cause of lameness is determined we will give you the best advice as to the most appropriate cause of treatment. This may include joint injections and radial shockwave treatment. If necessary we will also be able to prescribe your horse remedial farriery, physiotherapy and other medical treatments including neutracueticals (joint supplements).
As some lameness investigations can take more than one day, it may be necessary to keep your horse overnight. We have safe, comfortable hospital facilities for 8 horses.
