Lameness and poor performance investigations

A typical lameness investigation begins with a comprehensive orthopaedic examination, including:

• In-depth review of the patient’s medical records and performance history

• Visual inspection and palpation of your horse’s musculoskeletal apparatus

• Assessment of your horse’s movement in-hand at walk and trot

• Flexion tests to assess joint mobility and response

• Evaluation on the lunge on both hard and soft surfaces

• Assessment under saddle, if indicated

Where the cause is not immediately apparent, we may use diagnostic nerve or joint blocks to localise pain. These involve carefully administering local anaesthetic around a nerve or joint – if the horse moves more freely afterwards, this pinpoints the affected region.

Once the problem area is identified, digital radiography (X-rays) and/or ultrasound scanning are used to visualise internal structures and confirm a diagnosis. In complex cases, referral for MRI or bone scintigraphy may be recommended.

Treatment options are tailored to each case and may include:

• Joint medications (e.g. corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, Arthramid, α2-macroglobulin)

• Regenerative therapies such as PRP or IRAP

• Shockwave therapy

• Physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation

Because some lameness cases can be complex, we recommend allowing at least two hours for the initial work-up. Further diagnostic imaging may require additional time depending on the findings.