Although lameness is commonly associated with a loss of weight-bearing capacity, it can be a combination of both. Weight-bearing (supporting leg) and non-weight-bearing (swinging limb) lameness are two types of pain-related lameness. In all horses, pain is the most common cause of lameness. The following common causes of equine lameness are broadly discussed below Lameness: Pain or Trauma in Horses There are four natural gaits which we would see in wild horses - walk, trot, pace and gallop. The most common causes of lameness in horses are infections (such as foot abscesses and issues relating to hoof problems), trauma injuries (such as tendon and ligament strains), joint conditions (such as fetlock injuries or equine arthritis) and inflammation.ĭefinition of Gait: The ‘gait of a horse’ can be defined as a particular way of moving, either natural or acquired, which is characterised by a distinctive rhythmic movement of the feet, hips and legs. Lameness is not a disease but a trauma that causes disabilities, so pay particular interest in how the horse moves, it’s gait and overall demeanour. But take a close look at them often so you can identify the issues as in most cases no one will know your horse better than you. It may be tough to detect lameness in your horse as it is quite common for them to face different levels of lameness at varying stages of their lives and development. We’ll be discussing this topic thoroughly below including various treatments horse owners adopt, how best to spot lameness in your horse and preventative measures you may wish to take. Your horse requires care just like your own child. It is something to worry about no matter how mild the lameness is. Lameness is due to discomfort in the musculoskeletal system (muscles, ligaments, or bones) which causes irregular trotting. Pain, a mechanical issue, or a neurological disorder can all contribute to lameness. Having a lame horse holds a lot of responsibilities and will require immediate attention.Įquine lameness usually refers to a condition in which a horse's gait or posture is irregular. But keep in mind, a common issue you might face throughout different stages of the horses life is equine lameness. You need to check-up daily on their health and well-being and feed them properly to ensure they live a long and healthy lifestyle. Just like any other modern domesticated animal, horses can suffer from a number of illnesses and health conditions across their lifetime.
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