What You Need to Know About Horse Lameness

Horse lameness is a common ailment that has many possible sources. It often manifests as an apparent lack of coordination that makes it difficult for a horse to move around without causing pain. A horse may walk with a wide stance, making its limbs unbalanced and resulting in an uneven gait.

There are two main types: superficial and deep-seated. Superficial lameness usually occurs due to damage to any muscle or tendon tissue, such as those on a horse's back or chest region, after being ridden too hard or over rocky terrain. This type often improves on its own within 2-3 days but should be examined by a veterinarian if left untreated since there are internal injuries that are potentially causing damage that could lead to long-term problems.

Horse Lameness Facts & Statistics

Around 90% of horses will have some form of lameness at some point in their lives. In many cases, lameness is caused by a permanent, inherited anatomical defect (such as a club foot or weak pastern), but an external injury or illness can also cause it. Although different types of injuries and illnesses can cause similar symptoms, your veterinarian will use an arsenal of diagnostic tools to determine exactly what's causing your horse's lameness. There are over 250 known types of equine lameness; that number increases if you factor in individual muscle strains, stress fractures, etc.

Causes Of Horse Lameness

Lameness can be caused by injuries, infections, or many other conditions. Finding and treating lameness as early as possible can help your horse continue to live a long and healthy life even when suffering from an injury or condition that causes lameness. So, in order to pinpoint your horse's lameness and discover what is causing it, you must first determine which parts of his body are affected. Identifying which leg is lame is important since horse lameness causes affect one or two legs at a time. Factors such as your horse's age, breed, weight and sex can also play an important role in determining how to correctly care for him. If you believe your horse might be lame, it is important to seek medical attention from an equine veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further injury and aid in proper healing if necessary.

Symptoms Of Horse Lameness

There are several different symptoms of horse lameness, each one indicating a specific type of injury. Your veterinarian can help you distinguish between these by taking x-rays and performing a physical exam, but it's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with possible warning signs of common horse lamenesses. For example, if your horse begins to refuse feed—or has been turning his nose up at his grain for a day or two—that could be an indication that he is in pain when he moves around. Watch out for other behavioural changes like aggression and anxiety; they can indicate more serious problems such as colic or laminitis.

How Do I Treat Horse Lameness?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to dealing with lameness in horses. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so there's a lot that goes into successfully diagnosing and treating lameness. Each horse will have its own set of needs, just like humans do. The circumstances surrounding an injury, diet, and overall health should all be taken into account during treatment.

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