Lameness & Performance Assessment
Lameness and poor performance investigation forms a major part of our equine team’s work. Their extensive experience with lameness investigation, accurate diagnosis and treatment plans can help your horse recover and reach its full performance potential.
Lameness Exam / Work Up
Our lameness investigation begins with a comprehensive physical examination of your horse. Our vets will thoroughly check each limb looking for any sign of swelling, effusions, heat, confirmation faults, pulses and pain responses.
For an accurate diagnosis the exam may involve trotting and lunging your horse and be followed by flexion tests, nerve and/or joint blocks, and diagnostic imagery.
Flexion Tests
Flexion tests apply stress to joints and can increase lameness to help us identify source of pain or discomfort.
Nerve and joint blocks temporarily numb certain areas to help identify source of pain. These can be time consuming but once we identify an area we can focus in with radiography and ultrasound via our mobile units to help reach a diagnosis.
Referral to specialists in the Waikato or Massey University can be utilised in problematic cases.
Treatments
Once the cause of lameness and/or poor performance has been established, our vets will guide you on the appropriate treatment and management options.
Medical treatments may include systemic medications, joint therapies/injections, anti-inflammatories, and science based supplements.
Physical treatments often involve rest and rehabilitation. Your treatment plan may involve a physio, chiropractor and farrier who can assist your horse with a timely recovery.
Some surgical treatments can be provided locally, but our team will refer you to specialists as required.
