Lameness in horses: symptoms, causes and treatment

What is lameness in horses?

➡️ Video tip: In this video you will learn everything important about lameness in horses - from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

Lameness in horses describes a disruption to the normal movement of horses, dogs or other animals. It is usually caused by pain or functional impairment of the musculoskeletal system. It manifests itself in uneven movements, lack of rhythm or the loss of weight on one or more legs and can significantly impair the horse's quality of life and performance.

Common signs and symptoms of lameness

• Pace faults: The horse shows irregularities in its gait, which are particularly noticeable at the trot.
• Asymmetries in movement: The horse moves unevenly, for example due to a shortened stride length on one side.
• Relieving a leg: Less weight is placed on an affected leg or the weight is completely relieved in order to avoid pain.
• Head nodding: In the case of lameness in the front leg, the horse lowers its head when weight is placed on the healthy leg and raises it when weight is placed on the painful leg.
• Changes in gait: Lame horses often appear stiff or hesitate when making certain movements.

These symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the lameness. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent further damage or long-term problems.

How long does lameness last in a horse?

The duration of lameness in horses can vary greatly and depends on several factors: Cause of the lameness, the nature of the injury or problem, and how quickly appropriate action is taken. 

A distinction can be made between acute and chronic lameness.  

Acute lameness

Is due to a sudden injury and prompt, veterinary care can speed recovery. In some cases, acute lameness can resolve in a few days to weeks, provided treatment is effective.

Chronic lameness

Is due to problems such as: arthritis, chronic tendon injuries or untreated disease cases and may be prolonged. In such cases, the lameness may not disappear completely, but with proper care and management, the horse can maintain an acceptable quality of life.

The duration of the lameness is also influenced by the rehabilitation time.The better the horse can restand recover, the faster the lameness can resolve. Follow your veterinarian's treatment and rehabilitation recommendations. Following these instructions is critical. This may include the types of activities the horse is allowed to do, the use of medications and physical therapy.

Each horse is an individual and recovery can vary from animal to animal. 

In the event of lameness, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian immediately to determine the exact cause and begin appropriate treatment. Only through careful veterinary care and observance of the recommendations can the best results be achieved.

Causes of lameness

Lameness in horses can have many different causes and triggers, including injuries, illnesses, misalignments and much more. Some common causes are hoof ulcers, laminitis, tendon injuries, arthritis and deformities such as knock knees or bow legs. These are just a few examples. However, lameness can also be caused by many different factors, including minor everyday stresses. In this table we have summarized the possible causes of lameness in horses:

Thus, it is often the small things in everyday life that one would not directly associate with lameness. It is important to emphasize that lameness is also often due to a combination of factors. Careful grooming, regular veterinary examinations, and husbandry and training tailored to the horse's needs are critical to minimizing lameness. It is equally important to always consult a veterinarian if there is any uncertainty or persistent lameness. After all, the search for the trigger is often like the well-known "needle in a haystack".

How do I recognize signs of lameness in my horse?

Signs of lameness may include a change in gait, stiffness or pain to the touch. When a horse is lame, it can relieve the affected area by shifting more weight to the other side of the body. For example, the horse may be lame with the right front leg, but the trigger is in the left shoulder. Other signs of lameness may include decreased performance, unwillingness to perform certain movements, or restless behavior. Sometimes lameness is not apparent from the ground, but the rider senses a certain lack of tact from his horse. In these cases, you should dismount directly to spare your horse and take another close look at him in hand. 

What to do if your horse is lame or shows signs of lameness?

If your horse is lame or shows signs of pain, quick and targeted action is required. Here are the most important steps you should take as a horse owner:

First aid for lameness after accidents

If you bring your horse out of the box or paddock lame, this is a cause for concern. This applies even more if your horse can no longer walk properly after an accident, for example during a ride. It is important to stay calm here. Calm your horse, get an overview of the situation and, if in doubt, contact your vet immediately who will advise you on the next steps.

➡️ Further tips on first aid for lameness and injuriesn can be found in the video. Here you will be shown practical measures that you can take to help your horse quickly and effectively in an emergency before the vet arrives.

Diagnosis and further examinations

The diagnosis of lameness in horses is a complex process that requires close observation and thorough veterinary examinations. An early and correct diagnosis is crucial to ensure the horse's well-being and to initiate the appropriate therapy.

Initial assessment by the owner

The first assessment is often made by the owner, as they know the horse well in everyday life. Possible signs of lameness can be changes in gait, laxity of one leg, stiffness or a lack of rhythm. Uneven movements are particularly easy to recognize when walking or trotting. Horse owners should look out for small, unusual changes and act quickly if necessary to prevent further damage.

Veterinary examination

If lameness is suspected, a vet is called in to carry out a comprehensive examination. This consists of several steps:

Gait analysis

‍Thevet assesses the horse's gait on straight and curved lines as well as on different surfaces and in different gaits. In this way, possible causes of lameness can be differentiated. Comparing the movements can provide valuable information about the affected area.

Palpation and flexion tests

‍Thevet uses targeted palpation of the musculoskeletal system to check for possible pain points, swelling or abnormalities. Flexion tests, in which individual joints are flexed for a short time, help to narrow down the degree of lameness and possible painful areas more precisely.

Imaging procedures: X-ray, ultrasound, MRI

‍Imaging techniques can be used to clarify the diagnosis.

X-ray

➡️ Video tip: Watch this video to learn all about the X-ray examination in horses from preparation and performance to the diagnosis of bone changes such as osteoarthritis or fractures. Find out why X-rays are an indispensable tool for detecting the causes of lameness!

‍The X-ray procedure provides detailed images of bones and joints and is therefore particularly useful for detecting bony changes. These include, for example, osteoarthritis, fractures, bone chips or changes to the joint surfaces. The technique is fast and efficient for assessing structural damage or deformities. Particularly in cases of lameness resulting from orthopaedic problems, such as hoof roll inflammation or bone spurs, X-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity.

Ultrasound

➡️ Video tip: In this video you will learn everything about the ultrasound examination in horses - from the exact application and procedure to the benefits for the diagnosis of soft tissue injuries such as tendon and ligament injuries. A must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about this gentle and effective diagnostic technique!

‍Ultrasound makes it possible to visualize soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. This makes it particularly valuable for diagnosing tendon injuries, torn ligaments or swelling. Ultrasound can be used to visualize inflammation and fluid accumulation. The advantage of this technique is that it enables a quick and gentle examination without radiation exposure. It can also be performed directly on a standing horse, which allows good observation of the affected area in its natural state.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

➡️ Video tip: In this video you can find out everything you need to know about the MRI examination in horses - from the preparation and procedure to the possible uses and benefits for diagnosing complex causes of lameness.

‍Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ) offers an even more detailed representation of tissue structures and is used primarily for more complex cases. Compared to X-rays or ultrasound, MRI shows finer details and can visualize deeper soft tissue as well as small joints and bone areas. It is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of injuries that cannot be fully visualized using conventional methods. These include cartilage damage, microscopic tears or structures that are difficult to access. MRI is often used when the exact cause of lameness is unclear or when a comprehensive examination is required. Although this technique is more expensive and may require the horse to be sedated, the added diagnostic value is in many cases decisive for the selection of the appropriate therapy.

A thorough diagnosis is the key to treating lameness in a targeted manner. The path to the correct diagnosis requires patience, cooperation between owner and vet and the targeted use of diagnostic tools. This is the only way to develop the optimum therapy for the affected horse.

Treatment options for lameness

The treatment of lameness in horses depends on the cause and severity of the lameness. The aim is to alleviate the pain, restore mobility and treat the causative factors in a targeted manner. Various treatment options are described below:

Acute treatment

In the acute phase of lameness, it is important to relieve the affected area and reduce swelling and pain. The measures include

• Rest and cooling: The affected horse should be spared and the affected area should be cooled to relieve inflammation and swelling. This can be done by applying cool packs or cooling with cold water.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: The veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and aid the healing process.

Long-term therapies

Long-term therapeutic approaches are crucial for sustainable healing and to prevent recurrence of lameness:

• Physiotherapy: Regular physiotherapy treatments can help to strengthen mobility and muscles. This includes stretching exercises, massages and targeted exercises to improve posture and coordination.
• Hoof correction: Correct hoof trimming and, if necessary, adjustment of the shoeing are important to improve the gait pattern and minimize inaccuracies in loading.
• Rehabilitation: An individual rehabilitation plan tailored to the horse's needs can help to gradually reintroduce the animal to exercise. This often includes controlled training and targeted exercise sessions.

Operations

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the lameness:

• Tendon injuries: Complicated or serious tendon injuries may require surgical intervention to repair the damaged structures.
• Bone and joint problems: In the case of bone fractures, severe osteoarthritis or other serious orthopaedic problems, surgical measures can help to restore stability and functionality.

How can I avoid lameness in my horse?

Of course, every horse owner wants to prevent lameness from occurring in the first place. There are several measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of lameness in horses. Here are some examples:

• Proper hoof care and management can help prevent hoof problems. 
• A balanced diet and regular exercise can help strengthen muscles and tendons and reduce the risk of injury. 
• Regular veterinary exams can help identify and treat problems early, before they lead to lameness. 
• A balanced warm-up helps slowly prepare muscles & joints for work and promote circulation. 

So there are many factors that we can directly influence to prevent lameness in the ideal case. In case your horse is lame, be patient and follow the recommendations of the veterinarian. Avoid putting any weight on your horse until it is fit again.

Remember that only the veterinarian can determine the exact cause. The sooner you react and seek professional help, the better the chances of your horse's successful treatment and recovery. Lameness takes time to heal!

Lameness in horses: Summarized

Lameness in horses is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires prompt attention and careful diagnosis. It can be caused by various factors such as injury, disease or misalignment and often requires individualized management to relieve pain and restore mobility. Acute lameness can often be treated quickly with prompt veterinary intervention, whereas chronic lameness requires longer-term management and specialized care to maintain the horse's quality of life.

Treatment options range from acute measures such as rest, cooling and anti-inflammatory medication to long-term therapies such as physiotherapy and hoof correction and even surgery for serious problems. It is important to work closely with a vet to ensure appropriate therapy and rehabilitation.

Prevention plays a key role: good hoof care, a balanced diet, regular exercise and veterinary examinations play a major role in minimizing the risk of lameness. However, if your horse does show signs of lameness, it is essential to act quickly and seek professional help. This will ensure effective treatment and the best possible recovery. Only through patience, consistent care and following veterinary recommendations can the best results be achieved.

Horse lameness: The most important questions and answers

What is slope leg lameness in horses?

‍Lameness of the suspensory leg occurs when the horse experiences pain or impairment while lifting or swinging the affected leg. This is often manifested by a restricted or uneven forward movement of the leg.

How long does lameness last in a horse?

‍The duration of lameness depends on the cause. Acute lameness can heal in a few days to weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and prompt veterinary care. Chronic lameness due to conditions such as arthritis can be prolonged or permanent and require long-term management.

What can be done about lameness in horses?

‍Measuresto treat lameness include an immediate veterinary examination, rest, cooling of the affected area, anti-inflammatory medication and, if necessary, long-term therapies such as physiotherapy or hoof correction. The exact treatment depends on the cause of the lameness.

What helps with lameness in horses?

‍Dependingon the cause of the lameness, various measures can help, including Rest, cooling the affected area, administering anti-inflammatory medication and targeted physiotherapy treatments. The vet will recommend the most suitable measures.

Can a horse feign lameness?

Horses do not consciously feign lameness. Changes in gait that give the appearance of lameness may be due to subtle or short-term factors such as muscle tension or reactions to external influences. A thorough examination by a veterinarian is crucial to determine the cause.