Lameness examination

Lameness is an imbalance in the horses way of walk which means irregularity in movement of one or more limbs but not only the limbs can be in the background. The symptoms of lameness can be seen while walking or in standing position. The main causes of lameness are muscle, bone or joint dysfunction. The way of lameness examination always depends on the type, degree and nature of the lameness. Some types of lameness can be diagnosed in the course of anamnesis, the present state and physical examination. However, other types of lameness – most frequently the small graded changing types of lameness – needs provocation test, diagnostic nerve blocks, x-ray, ultrasound or other diagnostic procedures. Lameness examination needs real expertise, attention and patience in every case to get a successful diagnosis.