Your Horse's Lameness Exam:
Your horse will be observed at the walk trot and canter. Horses are walked and trotted in hand in a straight line followed by flexion of all four limbs. The horse is then observed at the trot and canter at the lunge in both directions. The horse is observed on both firm and soft footing when possible.
The limbs, back and pelvis are palpated to evaluate for pain and/or abnormalities.
The feet are examined for overall balance and structure.
Diagnostic nerve blocking may be done if indicated. During this process a small amount of numbing agent (carbocain) is injected into a region removing the sensation of pain. Once they are numb to the region that is the source of the lameness they will move soundly. This allows us to pinpoint our diagnostic imaging and produce an accurate diagnosis.
Imaging may be performed and could include radiographs and/or ultrasound depending on your horse's needs.
If indicated recommendations for therapy and/or shoeing changes will be discussed and treatment will be performed same day or at a later date if preferred.
Your horse will be observed at the walk trot and canter. Horses are walked and trotted in hand in a straight line followed by flexion of all four limbs. The horse is then observed at the trot and canter at the lunge in both directions. The horse is observed on both firm and soft footing when possible.
The limbs, back and pelvis are palpated to evaluate for pain and/or abnormalities.
The feet are examined for overall balance and structure.
Diagnostic nerve blocking may be done if indicated. During this process a small amount of numbing agent (carbocain) is injected into a region removing the sensation of pain. Once they are numb to the region that is the source of the lameness they will move soundly. This allows us to pinpoint our diagnostic imaging and produce an accurate diagnosis.
Imaging may be performed and could include radiographs and/or ultrasound depending on your horse's needs.
If indicated recommendations for therapy and/or shoeing changes will be discussed and treatment will be performed same day or at a later date if preferred.