1. Lameness
a deviation from a normal gait that indicates a structural or functional disorder of the musculoskeletal system

2. Lameness Classifications
Supporting Limb Lameness
lameness is apparent when the horse lands on the affected limb or is supporting weight on it
associated with lower limb injuries
Swinging Limb Lameness
lameness is apparent when the affected limb is in motion
associated with axial or upper limb injuries

3. Lameness Classifications
Compensatory (Complementary / Secondary) Lameness
pain in a limb can cause uneven weight distribution on another limb, therefore producing lameness in that limb
even minor changes in weight-bearing can produce secondary lameness at high speeds, especially over long distances.

4. Lameness Evaluation Objectives… Determine if the horse is lame
Determine the limb(s) involved
Determine the site(s)
Determine the specific cause
Determine treatment
Determine prognosis

5. Routine Lameness Exam Procedure
Complete History
Visual Exam at Motion
Visual Exam at Rest
Palpation of the Horse
hoof testers
Flexion Tests
Diagnostic Anesthesia
Diagnostic Imaging

6. It is important to keep detailed records…
Duration of Lameness
How long has the horse been lame?
Exercise Protocol
Has the horse been rested or worked since onset of lameness?
Alteration of Lameness
Has the lameness worsened, improved or stayed the same?
Does the lameness improve following warm-up?
Possible Cause
Treatment & Effectiveness
Has the horse been given any medications since the onset of lameness?
Shoeing Records

7. Visual Examination at Motion
Objective: identify the limb(s) involved and the degree of lameness
Examine the horse from the front, side and rear at the walk & trot
Assess All Limbs
Assess Limb in Question
Assess Opposite Limb for Comparison

8. AAEP Lameness Grading Scale
The American Association of Equine Practitioners developed a grading scale for equine lameness to improve communication between owners and veterinarians.
0 - Lameness is not perceptible under any circumstances
1 - Lameness is difficult to observe and is not consistently apparent, regardless of circumstances
2 - Lameness is difficult to observe at a walk or trot in a straight line but consistently apparent in certain circumstances
3 - Lameness is observable at a trot under all circumstances
4 - Lameness is obvious at a walk
5 - Lameness produces minimal weight bearing or a complete inability to move

9. Forelimbs (DOWN ON SOUND): As a result of lameness in a forelimb, the head will drop when the sound foot lands and rise when weight is placed on the unsound foot or limb.
Hindlimbs: Assess the symmetry of gluteal rise and duration of gluteal use
Hip Hike: increased gluteal rise (pain during the support phase of the stride)
Decreased gluteal use (pain during the swing phase of the stride) – involves structures above the stifle

10. Visual Examination at Rest
Note alterations in posture and weight shifting
Compare each limb to the opposite!!
Examine joints and tendons for swelling (fluid)
Examine muscles for swelling or atrophy (muscle shrinkage)
Examine feet for abnormal wear / cracks
If lameness is chronic in a forelimb, the lame limb will have a more narrow hoof with a higher heel than the opposite hoof

11. Please use the following password to access Quiz 2 in Blackboard…
Evaluation2015