Lameness is one of the most common health concerns affecting horses and other large animals and can originate from a wide variety of causes. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to ensuring your animal’s comfort, soundness, and long-term wellbeing.
What can cause lameness?
- Hoof problems like abscesses, bruising, or imbalance
- Arthritis or joint inflammation
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Trauma and orthopedic/soft tissue injury
- Conformation or shoeing-related issues
Not all lameness if obvious. Some signs can be subtle, especially in early stages. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Uneven stride
- Head bobbing
- Shortened steps/stiffness
- Reluctance to work
- Swelling/hot to touch
Our comprehensive lameness exams include musculoskeletal palpation, gait assessment, and flexion tests to identify the affected limb(s) and pinpoint the source of pain. When appropriate, we may recommend additional diagnostics—such as nerve blocks, radiographs, ultrasound, MRI, or nuclear scintigraphy—to further localize the issue.
Treatment for lameness ultimately depends on the underlying diagnosis and the individual animal. Once the cause is determined, our veterinarians will develop a customized treatment plan to help your horse return to work safely and comfortably.
Joint Therapies
We offer a full range of joint treatment options, including:
- Traditional joint injections
- Regenerative therapies: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP), ProStride, and stem-cell–based treatments.
These therapies help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and restore comfort and mobility.
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