Lameness Investigation

Lameness is one of the most common ailments affecting the horse, often resulting in days lost from work. Varying severities of lameness are common in all types of horse and signs can often be very subtle. The priority in all cases is to identify and treat the underlying cause. Horses and ponies referred to NEH will undergo a thorough clinical evaluation including observation at the walk and trot and, when appropriate, a ridden assessment. In some cases, these procedures will be sufficient to determine the source of lameness. However, many others will require further in-depth investigations such as nerve blocks to reveal this. Once the cause of lameness has been localised, diagnostic imaging techniques such as radiography, ultrasound and MRI scanning – all of which are available in our state-of-the-art hospital – are used to characterise the injury fully.

When the cause of lameness has been identified, we will provide advice on the appropriate options for management and treatment.