Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Foot or Hoof Conditions, Undiagnosed
Summary
To diagnosis a lameness, a vet goes through a series of methodical steps including a clinical exam and nerve and joint blocks.
Ninety percent of the time, forelimb lameness is diagnosed below the fetlock joint. In many cases, lameness is localized to the hoof with nerve blocks. In some of these cases, radiographs and ultrasound are performed, but a clear diagnosis is not reached. In this case, MRI may be recommended.
If MRI is not an option, prolonged periods of rest may be prescribed with the hope that the condition resolves.
Ninety percent of the time, forelimb lameness is diagnosed below the fetlock joint. In many cases, lameness is localized to the hoof with nerve blocks. In some of these cases, radiographs and ultrasound are performed, but a clear diagnosis is not reached. In this case, MRI may be recommended.
If MRI is not an option, prolonged periods of rest may be prescribed with the hope that the condition resolves.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Depends on specific diagnosis.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- How can this lameness be diagnosed?
- Why are you unable to reach a diagnosis?
- If we are able to reach a diagnosis using additional diagnostics such as MRI, how will it change the course of treatment?
Prevention
Good general care and husbandry including good hoof care.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health