Lameness Investigation
Lameness is the most frequent cause of poor performance in performance and pleasure horses. Mismanagement of joint, tendon and ligament problems frequently prevent the equine athlete from realising their potential, leading to frustration for owners and trainers alike.
Our team of veterinarians at the Oakey Veterinary Hospital are widely experienced in lameness investigation. Upon presentation, the lame horse undergoes a thorough clinical examination both at rest and at the walk and trot in hand, on the lunge and under saddle if required. Nerve and joint blocks may then be used to desensitise regions of the horses limb in order to localise the site of lameness. Once the area of lameness is identified, diagnostic imaging of the area with radiography and ultrasound is performed to diagnose the cause of the lameness, and treatment options are discussed.