Signs and Symptoms of Lameness in Horses
Common signs of lameness in horses include:
- Limping
- Head bobbing
- Holding a foot up
- Inability to turn smoothly
- Dragging a toe
- Not lifting hooves
- Standing imbalanced
- Slower performance
Horse lameness symptoms range from the most obvious to the most obscure. Lame horses may shift their weight restlessly from one foot to another. They may stand with their legs splayed widely or tucked in under their bodies. Some hold a foot off the ground. When lame horses move, they accept more weight on the good leg than the bad leg, which causes their head to bob up and down. Watching the shoulders and hips can reveal that the good limb sinks slightly more than the sore limb because the good limb is carrying more of the body’s weight. Lame horses often do not turn circles smoothly and cannot run as far or as fast as sound horses.
Horse owners often monitor their horses closely for early signs of discomfort and may explore supportive care options such as joint supplements and mobility support products available in the horse joint supplements category.
Hoof Related Lameness Symptoms
Horses that are lame because of hoof problems withdraw their painful hoof when it is squeezed or tapped with a hoof tester. There may be pus draining from an abscess that occurs within the hoof. Hoof abscesses may travel upward and drain above the hoof wall at the coronet band. The blood vessels traveling to the hoof may also have a strong or bounding pulse.
Hoof health plays an important role in preventing lameness. Many horse owners support hoof strength and growth with products found in the horse hoof care category.
Joint, Ligament, and Tendon-Related Lameness
Horses that are lame because of joint problems often have heat and swelling in the affected joint. Comparing the lame leg with a sound leg may reveal visible differences. Horses that become lame due to ligament and tendon problems often withdraw their leg if the ligament or tendon is pinched.
Lame horses often do not lift their hooves fully off the ground because lifting requires joints to bend, which can cause pain. These horses may take short steps and may drag the toe rather than swing it upward in a normal arc.
Some horse owners work with their veterinarians to manage inflammation or discomfort with products available in the horse pain relief category.
Diagnosis of Horse Lameness
Since horse lameness has many potential causes and may be influenced by conformation, nutrition, and activity level, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose properly. Veterinarians typically begin by asking several important questions:
- How old is your horse?
- What is your horse’s regular routine?
- Is your horse used for racing, rodeo events, dressage, or other performance activities?
- How long has your horse been lame?
- What was your horse doing when the lameness began?
- Has the lameness gotten worse or better?
- Is your horse currently taking any medications?
- How and when was your horse shod?
- Has your horse been ill, or have any horses in the barn been ill?
- What vaccinations has your horse received?
With this information, your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and look for heat, swelling, pain, and throbbing pulses. Your horse may be asked to lunge at a walk, trot, and canter. The veterinarian may also observe the horse traveling in a straight line and in a circle. Hoof pain tests and palpation of the joints, spine, and muscles are commonly performed. If the cause is still unclear, your veterinarian may perform nerve blocks.
Diagnostic Imaging for Horse Lameness
Horse lameness exams may include several forms of diagnostic imaging:
- X-rays outline bones and identify bone chips, but are not useful for diagnosing soft tissue injuries
- Ultrasound identifies soft tissue injuries but does not diagnose bone problems
- MRI shows joint surfaces and soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments
- Thermal imaging identifies areas of inflammation
- CT scans show all tissues, including bone
These diagnostic tools help veterinarians determine the underlying cause of lameness and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
