Lameness

1. Lameness • 1) level or intensity of work • 2) conformation and body condition - especially with structural defects • 1 - feet • 2 - joints • 3 - muscle • 3) most prone to lameness • too young • too old or worn out • pervious injury

2. 4) training routines • inadequate warm-up and cool-down • 15-20 min of intensive work • 5) competition stress • warning signs • change in posture • point foot / off to side • leaning back or forward • rest foot on toe

3. performance clues • clumsiness, tripping and gait irregularity • rapid deceleration in turns • rough up and down transitions • refusals, uncooperative • chronically uncomfortable horses • depression • appetite loss • changed resting habits • difficult in rising after rest

4. routine check • soft swelling • thickening of tendons • strain • hard lumps on bones or joint edges • trama or calcification • elevated surface temperature/swelling • strong digital pulse on pastern • severe inflammation or infection in lower leg • upper muscle areas • limited freedom of movement

5. hoof • check for heat - toe and heel • check shape and size • flares, dished toe, contracted heels, unequal heels • check sole for bruises • old bruises - painless • angle of bars - “corn” - internal tearing from uneven forces • check for abnormal wear patterns • chronic low level pain from shifting weight • feet growing differently/ trimmed or set wrong

6. subtle signs of approaching lameness • check for sensitivity in neck, withers, shoulders • abnormal enlargements (swelling) and hollows (atrophy) in muscle mass • check back • press on the croup • 2/3 way from sacroiliac to tailhead • anything abnormal on one side and not the other • decreased performance sidedness • attitude • new pattern of movement

7. Treatment • rest • stop repeating painful activity • minimize destructive forces • avoid excessive painkillers

8. Preventative Measures • icing and cold water hosing • massage • stable wraps • topical preparations • braces - astringents • poultices • sweats • liniments