Check the neck and back for symmetry, posture, and contour. Note any areas that are inflamed, as evidenced by heat and swelling.Ĥ.Flex and extend the joint to observe range of motion and to check for pain.A horse may have a bone chip floating in the joint.Horses can suffer from arthritis and other degenerative diseases.Check the joints carefully for heat and swelling Look for wounds or injuries to the lower legs.ģ.Note any abnormal stance such as favoring one leg, pointing the toe, or a dropped fetlock.The horse may have an injured tendon or ligament.Check the lower legs for heat and swelling that might indicate inflammation. Is one hoof warmer than the others? Do you find a pounding pulse? If so, these are indications of injury or possible abscesses.Ģ. Move the heels, tap the hoof wall, and use hoof testers if you have them.Look for cracks, and check to see if the hooves have been trimmed too short, if a nail is close to the sensitive structures of the hoof, or if the shoe doesn't fit properly.Look for dark spots that might indicate a bruised sole.Pick the horse's feet and make sure no rocks are wedged into crevices.Begin with the feet, since many cases of lameness begin here. Most lameness problems involve a structure in or below the knee or hock, so, as you move forward with your observations, pay close attention to the legs and feet of your horse.ġ.
By using your eyes and your hands as you examine your horse and observe your horse in action, you may be able to locate the cause of the lameness. When your horse is lame, it is important to follow up with any treatment your farrier or veterinarian recommends. So, your horse is limping! What can you do to address the problem and how should you go about it? It is in your best interest as a horse owner, to take prompt action any time you have the least suspicion that something is not right with your horse, especially when it comes to any indications of lameness.Ĭareful observation is the key to identifying what is causing the lameness.
Picking and cleaning horse's hooves to determine cause of lameness Lameness What to Do When Your Horse Is Lame
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