Every horse owner knows that moment of concern when their equine companion shows signs of discomfort or altered movement. Lameness in equines is a symptom that should warrant veterinary attention, affecting everything from weekend trail rides to competitive performance. Recognizing and addressing lameness early can make the difference between a minor setback and a career-ending injury. Kokinos Veterinary Services helps horses in the Veron area return to their full athletic potential.

How to Recognize Lameness in Horses

Early detection of lameness requires careful observation of your horse's movement patterns and behavior. The most obvious sign is visible limping or favoring one leg, but subtle lameness can be much more challenging to identify. Watch for a “head nod.” This is a slight head nod when the horse is moving, where the head drops when the sound leg hits the ground and lifts when the lame leg bears weight.

Changes in gait rhythm or stride length often indicate developing problems. Your horse may show shortened strides, reluctance to move forward, or difficulty with specific movements like turning or backing. Under saddle, you might notice resistance to certain leads, difficulty with transitions, or unusual stiffness through turns.

Behavioral changes can also signal lameness issues. Horses may become reluctant to leave their stall, show decreased appetite, or display signs of discomfort when being groomed or tacked up. Some horses develop compensatory movement patterns, shifting weight away from painful areas, which can eventually lead to secondary problems in other limbs.

Common Causes of Equine Lameness

There are many causes of lameness in horses. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or severe soft tissue damage, require immediate attention and often present with obvious signs of distress and inability to bear weight.

Degenerative conditions develop more gradually but can be equally debilitating. Osteoarthritis affects joint cartilage and surrounding structures, causing chronic pain and reduced range of motion. This condition commonly develops in high-motion joints like the fetlock, pastern, and hock, particularly in older horses or those with extensive athletic careers.

Developmental problems can also occur, including bone chips and splints.. These conditions result from repetitive stress or trauma to growing bone structures. Infectious processes, such as joint infections or abscesses, can cause severe lameness and require aggressive treatment to prevent long-term damage.

Environmental factors also contribute to lameness issues. Poor footing, inadequate hoof care, or improper shoeing can lead to various problems ranging from sole bruises to more serious structural issues.

How Equine Lameness Can Be Treated 

Treating lameness varies by the health condition causing lameness as well as the individual equine.

Bone chips represent small fragments of bone that break away from joint surfaces. These fragments can cause significant pain, inflammation, and interference with normal joint function. Bone chip removal procedures eliminate these problematic fragments and restore comfortable movement.

Fractures range from hairline stress fractures to complete breaks requiring surgical intervention. Stress fractures often develop gradually in performance horses, while acute fractures typically result from trauma or severe overload. Typically, fractures in equines must be treated with fracture repair surgery.

Splints involve inflammation due to bony growths, usually found in younger horses. They can cause significant discomfort and lameness during the active inflammatory phase. Treatments can be as mild as rest and medication, but sometimes the horse will require surgery.

Tendon and ligament injuries affect the crucial support structures of the lower limb. These injuries can range from minor strains to complete ruptures, with healing time and prognosis varying dramatically based on the severity and location of the damage.

Treatment for Equine Lameness in Vernon, NY

Lameness in horses represents a complex challenge requiring professional expertise and comprehensive care. Whether dealing with bone chips, fractures, osteoarthritis, or soft tissue injuries, early detection and proper treatment can help your horse return to comfortable, productive activity. Kokinos Veterinary Services diagnoses and treats equine lameness in Veron and for horses from Utica, Rome, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule a consultation for your horse.