Changes in movement
- An obvious limp
- Intermittent lameness
- Shortened stride
- Unevenness on a circle
Equine Diagnostics & Veterinary Care
Lameness Work-Ups
Lameness can range from an obvious limp to subtle changes in performance, stride length or willingness to work.
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Overview
Investigating lameness and changes in performance
At Racetrack Veterinary Services, our team of veterinarians perform thorough equine lameness work-ups to help identify the source of pain and develop an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.
A lameness examination may involve a combination of clinical assessment, gait analysis, flexion tests, diagnostic nerve or joint blocks, radiography and ultrasound, depending on the horse and the findings during the examination.
A structured approach to lameness
Clinical examination and gait assessment.
Diagnostic blocks and imaging where indicated.
Assessment of racehorses, performance horses and pleasure horses.
Treatment planning, rehabilitation and follow-up support.
Signs to Watch For
When Does a Horse Need a Lameness Work-Up?
A lameness work-up may be recommended if your horse is showing:
Changes in performance
- Reduced performance
- Reluctance to work in one direction
- Difficulty with transitions
- Resistance under saddle
- Poor recovery following racing or competition
Physical or ongoing signs
- Swelling, heat or sensitivity in a limb
- Changes in behaviour during exercise
- A persistent issue that has not resolved with rest
In some performance horses, the first sign of a musculoskeletal problem may be reduced performance rather than obvious lameness.
The Examination
What Happens During a Lameness Examination?
Every lameness work-up begins with a detailed history and clinical examination.
Our team of veterinarians may ask about:
History and background
- When the problem started
- Whether the lameness is consistent or intermittent
- Recent training, racing or competition
- Previous injuries
- Recent shoeing or farriery changes
- Response to rest or treatment
- Whether the horse is worse on certain surfaces or reins
Clinical and movement assessment
The horse may then be assessed standing and moving. Depending on the individual case, the examination may include:
- Walking and trotting in a straight line
- Assessment on a circle
- Evaluation on different surfaces
- Flexion tests
- Palpation of limbs, joints and soft tissues
- Assessment of hoof sensitivity
- Examination under saddle or after exercise where appropriate
The aim is to determine which limb or region is most likely to be contributing to the problem.
Clinical Assessment
Flexion Tests
Flexion tests are commonly used during lameness examinations.
A limb or joint region is held in flexion for a short period before the horse is immediately trotted away.
The veterinarian assesses whether the horse’s gait changes compared with its baseline movement.
Apply flexion
A limb or joint region is held in flexion for a short period.
Reassess movement
The horse is immediately trotted away so the veterinarian can compare its gait with baseline movement.
Interpret in context
A positive flexion response can help identify a region that may be painful, but it does not by itself provide a diagnosis. Flexion tests stress multiple structures, so the result must always be interpreted alongside the rest of the examination.
Localising Pain
Diagnostic Nerve & Joint Blocks
If the source of lameness is not immediately obvious, diagnostic analgesia may be used to help localise the pain.
This can involve injecting local anaesthetic around specific nerves or into selected joints or synovial structures.
The horse is then reassessed.
If the lameness improves after a block, this helps the veterinarian narrow down the area responsible for the pain.
Diagnostic blocks are often an important step before imaging because they help ensure the correct anatomical region is investigated.
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging
Once the painful region has been identified, diagnostic imaging may be recommended.
Digital Radiography
Radiographs are particularly useful for assessing:
- Bone
- Joints
- Fractures
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone remodelling
- Hoof structures
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is particularly useful for assessing:
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Tendon sheaths
- Other soft tissue structures
Further Investigation
In some cases, both radiographs and ultrasound may be required.
If the cause of lameness remains unclear, referral for advanced imaging such as scintigraphy, CT or MRI may be recommended.
Performance & Racing
Racehorse & Performance Horse Lameness
Racetrack Veterinary Services has extensive experience investigating lameness and poor performance in racehorses and performance horses.
These horses may present with very subtle changes, including:
Reduced speed
Reduced speed or loss of action.
Stride changes
Shortened stride or unevenness under saddle.
Training difficulties
Reluctance to gallop, difficulty changing leads or reduced willingness to jump.
Recovery concerns
Poor recovery after work.
Early investigation can be particularly important in athletic horses where small musculoskeletal problems may become more significant if training continues.
Our team of veterinarians understand the demands of racing and high-level performance and assess findings in the context of the horse’s workload and intended use.
Exercise Assessment
Lameness Assessment After Exercise
Some horses appear sound at rest but show lameness or reduced performance only after exercise.
Where appropriate, our team of veterinarians may assess a horse following ridden work, training or controlled exercise.
This can help identify issues that are not obvious during a standard examination.
Treatment Options
Treatment Following a Lameness Diagnosis
Once the source of pain has been identified, our team of veterinarians will discuss treatment options.
Rest & Exercise
Rest or controlled exercise, with a plan suited to the horse’s diagnosis and recovery.
Veterinary Treatment
Medication, joint treatment or soft tissue treatment where indicated.
Ongoing Management
Farriery changes, rehabilitation, repeat imaging or referral for specialist treatment or surgery.
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity of injury and intended use of the horse.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Rehabilitation & Follow-Up
Diagnosis is only the first part of managing lameness.
Many musculoskeletal injuries require a structured rehabilitation program and regular reassessment.
Our team of veterinarians can develop an individual rehabilitation plan and monitor progress using clinical examinations and repeat imaging where appropriate.
Support during recovery
For selected horses requiring closer monitoring or more intensive management, Racetrack Veterinary Services also has access to stable facilities at Darby Lodge.
This can be useful for horses requiring controlled rest, regular treatment, repeat assessment or closer veterinary supervision during the early stages of recovery.
Collaborative Care
Working With Farriers & Other Professionals
Lameness cases often benefit from a team approach.
Where appropriate, our team of veterinarians can work alongside:
Farriers
Support for hoof-related lameness and farriery considerations.
Trainers & Riders
Collaboration around workload, movement and performance observations.
Equine Professionals
Equine physiotherapists, rehabilitation professionals and specialist equine veterinarians.
This can be particularly important for hoof-related lameness, chronic musculoskeletal conditions and complex performance issues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a lameness work-up take?
This varies considerably. A straightforward case may be localised relatively quickly, while more complex or intermittent lameness may require diagnostic blocks, imaging or repeat assessment.
Does my horse need to be obviously lame?
No. Some horses present with subtle gait changes, reduced performance or changes in behaviour rather than a clear limp.
What are nerve blocks used for?
Nerve blocks temporarily desensitise a specific region. If the horse improves after the block, it helps the veterinarian identify where the pain is coming from.
Will my horse need X-rays?
Not always. The type of imaging required depends on the suspected source of pain. Radiographs are usually most useful for bone and joints, while ultrasound is often used for tendons and ligaments.
Can you assess my horse under saddle?
Where appropriate, yes. Some problems are only apparent during ridden work or exercise, so an assessment may include examination under saddle or after exercise.
Can you investigate poor performance even if my horse is not obviously lame?
Yes. Reduced performance can sometimes be caused by subtle musculoskeletal pain. A lameness or poor-performance examination can help determine whether pain may be contributing.
What happens after the diagnosis?
Our team of veterinarians will discuss treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up based on the findings. Repeat examinations or imaging may be recommended to monitor recovery.
Have a question about your horse’s movement or performance? Contact our veterinary team.
Book an Assessment
Book a Lameness Assessment
If your horse is lame, uneven, not performing as expected or showing a change in movement or behaviour, Racetrack Veterinary Services can perform a structured lameness investigation to help identify the source of the problem.
Our team of veterinarians provide lameness assessment, diagnostic blocks, digital radiography, ultrasound, treatment planning and rehabilitation support for racehorses, performance horses and pleasure horses.
BOOK A VET ☎ 03 5975 6586