Lameness in horses is a movement disorder caused by pain or mechanical problems in the limbs. Studies show that around 60-70% of lameness occurs in the forelimbs, with the hoof joint and tendons being particularly affected. Hind lameness is less common but accounts for around 20-30% of cases, often due to problems in the stifle or hock joint. Causes range from injuries such as tendonitis and fractures to degenerative diseases such as arthritis. Early detection and targeted treatment are crucial for the prognosis and well-being of horses.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lameness in horses can vary, but common signs include:
- Irregular gait
- Lowering or raising the head to take the weight off the painful limb
- Reluctance to move, especially on hard floors or when making tight turns
- Swelling and increased warmth in the affected limbs
- Unusual hoof positions: The horse relieves the affected limb by putting less weight on it or adopting a different posture.
- Muscle tension: Overuse of healthy limbs can lead to muscle tension and pain.
- Changes in gait: The horse may move stiffly or unsteadily and shorten its stride.
Causes
The causes of lameness in horses are varied and can be divided into different categories:
Injuries
- Tendon and ligament injuries:
Overstretching or tears, often due to overloading or trauma. - Fractures and broken bones:
Direct trauma or excessive strain lead to bone fractures. - Joint injuries:
Sprains, dislocations or other joint injuries.
Muscular problems
- Muscle strains and injuries:
Overloading or insufficient warm-up can lead to muscle injuries. - Myopathies:
Muscular diseases, such as PSSM (polysaccharide storage myopathy).
Hoof problems
- Hoof abscesses:
Infections in the hoof that cause severe pain and lameness. - Hoof ulcers:
Pressure points or injuries that can lead to inflammation and infection. - Hoof canker (thrush):
Bacterial infection of the frog in the hoof.
Diseases
- Arthritis:
Inflammatory or wear-related diseases of the joints that cause pain and restricted movement. - Laminitis:
Painful inflammation of the hoof corium, often caused by metabolic disorders. - Osteoarthritis:
Joint disease caused by wear and tear, which often occurs in older horses.
Skeletal abnormalities
- Kissing Spines:
Close-fitting or overlapping spinous processes of the vertebrae that cause pain. - Growth disorders:
In young horses, growth disorders or developmental problems can lead to lameness.
Neurological causes
- Nerve injuries or compressions:
Problems in the nervous system that affect the ability to move. - Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM):
Parasitic infection of the central nervous system.
A precise diagnosis of the cause often requires a combination of clinical examination, imaging procedures (such as X-ray, scintigraphy, MRI or CT) and, if necessary, special tests (e.g. nerve blocks).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lameness in horses begins with a thorough clinical examination, during which one of our vets observes the horse standing and moving to identify the affected limb. This is followed by a manual examination of the limb to identify pain points, swelling or temperature changes.
Imaging techniques play a central role in accurate diagnosis. X-rays are often used to detect bone abnormalities such as fractures, arthritis or other degenerative changes. Ultrasound examinations provide detailed images of soft tissue structures such as tendons and ligaments, allowing injuries or inflammation in these areas to be visualised.
Another valuable imaging procedure is scintigraphy. This involves injecting a radioactive isotope that accumulates in areas of increased metabolic activity, such as inflammation or injury. The resulting images show "hot spots" that indicate problematic areas and are particularly useful for identifying lameness that is difficult to localise.
In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerised tomography (CT) may also be required to obtain even more detailed images of the affected areas. These procedures are particularly useful for diagnosing complex or deep-seated injuries that cannot be adequately visualised by X-ray or ultrasound.
In addition, diagnostic anaesthesia, in which specific nerves or joints are anaesthetised, can help to localise the exact source of pain. This combined approach enables our vet to make a precise diagnosis and initiate suitable treatment.
Treatment
The treatment of lameness in horses begins with identifying the underlying cause. After an accurate diagnosis, the vet develops a personalised treatment plan. In the case of inflammatory processes, anti-inflammatory medication can be used to reduce pain and swelling. Physiotherapy and controlled exercise are often important components of rehabilitation to improve mobility and strengthen the muscles. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural problems or repair damaged tissue.
Supportive measures also play an important role. Orthopaedic hoof supports or special bandages can be used to relieve the affected limb and promote healing. Regenerative therapies such as the injection of stem cells or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are innovative approaches that can support the healing process.
Regular follow-up examinations and close co-operation between us, the horse owner and - in the case of referred patients - the family vet are crucial in order to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. The aim is to restore the horse's mobility and quality of life and prevent long-term damage.
Behavior afterwards
After lameness, a horse's behaviour is often characterised by adaptation and caution. Horses may show increased reluctance to perform certain movements or activities that previously caused pain. Horses that have been lame for a long time often develop muscle tension or weakness in the affected limbs or in the limbs that have been put under more strain to compensate.
In order to restore confidence and normal mobility, gradual and patient rehabilitation is necessary. This often involves a combination of controlled movement, physiotherapy and targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles. Careful reintroduction to previous performance levels is important to minimise the risk of relapses and ensure the horse's well-being. Regular veterinary monitoring and adjustments to the training plan are crucial for a successful recovery.