Equine Matters - Summer 2018

03 These investigations can range from very severe lameness, where the horse is non-weight bearing, to very mild lameness that can cause poor performance. Equine Matters Summer 2018 Lameness Lameness work-ups explained As equine clinicians, lameness is one of the common problems we are asked to assess. Wendy Furness MA VetMB CertEP MBA MRCVS Scarsdale Vets When asked to examine a horse for lameness we would commonly assess the horse in a variety of ways (depending on access to appropriate facilities). We usually take a history first, then the horse is generally palpated (assessed by touch) to assess any abnormalities and areas of tightness or pain, heat and swelling. The horse will also be assessed standing square to view its conformation. Moving assessment Next we would usually ask to see the horse move in straight lines in walk (Figure 1) where we assess the following; This also provides the opportunity to see how relaxed the horse is. If the horse is very wound up then mild lameness can be missed. In some scenarios a horse is seen walked up and down several times until it is used to its surroundings. It is then seen in trot (unless it is very lame) and the same parameters assessed. A flat resonant surface is ideal for a trot-up as some lameness is subtle and it’s easier to hear a difference in footfall. If appropriate then flexion tests may be used, as well as seeing the horse move backwards and in a tight circle. Lunging is generally done next on a soft surface (Figure 2). The horse is monitored in walk, trot and canter. Some lameness is greatly accentuated on the lunge and head nods can become more apparent. Overall movement of the horse is assessed on the lunge; how balanced it is (taking into account its age and education), if there is a difference between the reins, what its transitions look like and does it maintain its gait. If appropriate the horse may be lunged on a hard surface in walk and trot. In some circumstances we may also assess ridden and jumping movement, depending on the nature of the issue. By the end of these initial examinations we will know which limb or limbs are affected and if we can go straight to diagnostic imaging. l the comfort level of the horse l how symmetrical are its movements l if there is a head nod l what it looks like on the turn l is there any toe drag? l tail position