What you need to know about osteoarthritis [H&H VIP]
Must a diagnosis of osteoarthritis be a debilitating life sentence, ending a horse's athletic career or making for a miserable old age?
Lameness
Go straight to the latest expert advice on lameness in horses
Lameness is a term used to describe the horse’s gait being adversely affected by pain or a restriction in the typical range of movement. The pain or restriction can originate in the hoof, in the leg or elsewhere in the horse’s body, such as the back or neck. It can range from a subtle change in gait, to the horse being unable to carry any weight on the affected limb. Lameness has been identified as the most common reason for older horses to be put down.
Causes of lameness in horses
Causes of lameness in horses are wide ranging and include, but are not limited to, the following conditions:
- Laminitis
- Tendon damage
- Ligament injuries
- Bruises or abscesses in the hoof
- Fractures
- Poor foot balance
- Back and neck problems
- Degenerative joint diseases
Diagnosing lameness in horses
Being able to identify the reason a horse is lame is an ongoing challenge for vets, particularly with subtle and intermittent problems. Unless there is a clear external injury to be seen, vets will use their expertise to identify the location of the problem. Examination of the limbs, trotting the horse up in a straight line and on a circle on soft and hard surfaces, plus nerve blocks are common ways to pin point the problem. There are also a range of diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and MRI scans, which vets can use to help with the diagnosis.
How to trot your horse up for a lameness examination
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When should you call the vet for your horse?
When do health problems become emergencies that require urgent veterinary attention? Keith Chandler MRCVS pinpoints the warning signs
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How to manage blackthorn injuries [H&H VIP]
Catherine Austen’s hunter is hurried to surgery for a joint flush after a blackthorn injury, and makes a speedy recovery
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5 facts about pedal bone fractures [H&H VIP]
Fractures of the pedal bone are fairly common and can occur in horses and ponies of all ages, types and breeds. Karen Coumbe MRCVS gets the facts straight
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Limb shape and lameness — are they related? [H&H VIP]
Peter Green MRCVS looks at the latest research into the relationship between limb shape and lameness in horses
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Managing the young horse for a sound future [H&H VIP]
Jane Nixon MRCVS explores the physical issues as young horses develop the foundations for future health and soundness
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Vet case study: steroid-induced laminitis [H&H VIP]
When a dressage horse was treated for a stifle injury it triggered laminitis. We explain how he recovered, and how he is managed now to avoid a recurrence
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Half of all sport horses are lame, survey finds
A new study shows that nearly half of all sport horses that were assessed were found to be lame or stiff
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Vet case study: mud fever causing lameness [H&H VIP]
Even a horse that is stabled full-time can get mud fever in certain circumstances as this case study demonstrates
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Foot shape and lameness [H&H VIP]
Pioneering research suggests that clues to future lameness can be found in the feet. Dr Sue Dyson explains what to look out for
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New research on foot lameness [H&H VIP]
There are some surprises findings about foot-related lameness in a new study. Peter Green MRCVS looks at the implications
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Horse owners needed for lameness survey
Researchers need owners to take part in a survey to learn more about lameness
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Study could lead to ‘unbiased’ flexion tests for horses
Can flexion tests ever be objective rather than subjective? Yes, say researchers involved in a new study that has trialled a sensor-based system to measure a horse’s response
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6 ways to minimise the risk of suspensory ligament injuries in horses
Suspensory ligament injury is surprisingly common in the dressage world. But how can we reduce the risk?
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OCD in horses: a degenerative joint condition
The complex joint disease osteochondrosis develops within a foal’s first year and has the potential to cause lifelong soundness issues
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Successful conference held by Hallmarq MRI
Hallmarq MRI has held another successful conference where diagnosis of equine lameness was discussed
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Could the majority of UK horses be lame?
New research would seem to indicate that many horses' lameness is going undetected in the UK and your horse could be among them
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Research shows a slipping saddle may point to lameness
A slipping saddle may be an early sign that your horse is suffering from hindlimb lameness, research by the Animal Health Trust has found
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Understanding flexion tests on horses
H&H looks at the factors that affect the response to flexion tests
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The pros and cons of neurectomy
What are the pros and cons of denerving your horse?
