Lameness Evaluation of the Athletic Horse

Abstract

Lameness examination is commonly performed in the athletic horse. A skilled lameness diagnostician must have keen clinical and observational skills. Evaluation starts with a detailed history and thorough physical examination. Next, gait evaluation in the moving horse is performed. Lame horses have asymmetrical body movement due to unconscious shift of body weight. Recognition of the resultant head nod and pelvic hike is the basis for lameness diagnosis. Lameness identification is enhanced by circling, limb flexions, and riding. Most lame horses do not exhibit pathognomonic gait characteristics, and therefore, diagnostic analgesia is the best way to authenticate underlying sites of pain.

Keywords: Diagnostic analgesia; Equine; Gait evaluation; Lameness examination; Limb flexion tests; Ridden gait evaluation.