Lameness
The causes are diverse: from acute hoof abscess to chronic tendon injuries. There is a difference between acute and chronic lameness. Acute lameness is for example hoof abscesses, bruises, bone tears etc. Chronic lameness is more the result of overload or wear, such as arthrosis.
After the anamnesis, the veterinarian will perform further examination. Depending on the complaints, various examinations can be performed. The inspection forceps are used to check for pain in the hoof. By palpating the legs, swellings and thickenings or increases can be noticed. With a lameness examination, the veterinarian examines the horse in motion.
The lameness examination starts with having the horse move by hand, both at a walk and at a trot, over a straight line on a hard surface. The horse may also be asked to lunge on hard and/or soft ground. Then, bending tests may be performed: the veterinarian checks how easily the horse bends its leg and the way the horse trots away after bending.
In some cases, further examination is necessary: thanks to the mobile X-ray machine and ultrasound device, we are able to make X-rays and/or ultrasound scans directly. This makes possible injuries to bones and tendons visible. Depending on the diagnosis, a treatment plan is drawn up together with the veterinarian, possibly with exercise advice.