Lameness

Lameness is a term used to describe a horse's gait being negatively affected by pain or a restriction in the typical range of movement, and it is a common problem in both pleasure and competition horses. Whilst in some horses the cause of the lameness may be easily determined – in others, a more detailed lameness work up is required. The severity of lameness is measured on a gradient scale, and in some horses lameness may be very subtle and difficult to recognise and only reveal itself as a loss of performance or difficulty or resistance in performing some activities. 

At Agnew Equine, all of our vets are experienced at diagnosing and treating lameness cases. In addition, Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, so he is uniquely qualified to work with and assess any tricky lameness issues at your own stables – with no need to refer to a hospital for assessment.  

We go through a number of steps to help determine the cause of your horse or pony’s lameness. To start, the history of the horse is important. What are the presenting signs, how long has the horse been lame, is it persistent or intermittent lameness, when do you notice the lameness, does the horse warm up and improve? All these will aid us when trying to figure out the cause. Then we would go through the following steps, until we are satisfied we’ve found the source of the lameness:

1) Physical examination

A careful examination of the horse is necessary both visually and with manual palpation. This is to identify any abnormalities such as asymmetry or limb swelling which could suggest the cause of the lameness. As a common culprit of lameness, the foot requires special attention and hoof testers are routinely used.

2) Walk and trot up in a straight line

The majority of lamenesses will be assessed further by walking and trotting in a straight line ideally on a hard, level surface. This will help to identify the leg (or legs) where the horse is lame. We also evaluate the gait of the horse – as the way in which the horse moves and loads the limb can sometimes give clues to the site of pain and cause of the lameness. Our Equinosis® Lameness Locator® can be used to help identify the specific area of lameness – for more information on how this works click here.

3) Flexion tests

Flexion tests involve holding the leg (or the section of the leg) up before trotting the horse away. Flexion tests increase pressure on joints and surrounding structures and may exacerbate lameness associated with the area that has been stressed. The response or lack of a response will all add information when determining the site and causation of a lameness.

4) Lunging / ridden exercise

Lunging the horse on a surface is of great importance when dealing with troublesome lameness issues. The character and nature of the lameness will often appear as a certain pattern that can be identified when lunged. For example, a ligament or tendon strain may show lameness more obviously when the leg is on the outside of a circle. On occasion, ridden assessment will be useful.

5) Nerve blocks

Nerve blocks (or diagnostic regional analgesia) uses local anaesthetic to ‘numb’ along the nerves a specific area of a horse’s leg. If the painful area is nerve blocked and the lameness improves – then it can be inferred that the site of the pain causing the lameness has been identified. Agnew Equine vets routinely perform nerve and joint blocks efficiently and safely at our client’s home premises. If the case requires it 2 vets will attend to perform the nerve block (all at no extra cost!)

6) Joint blocks

A joint block is performed under sterile, aseptic conditions. The area is cleaned and the joint or synovial structure is infiltrated with local anaesthetic. The lameness will then be assessed at various time points (5 mins, 10 minutes, 20 minutes) after injection. These tend to be more specific than nerve blocks, and are often used to further identify the structure affected.

Both nerve and joint blocks can be performed by our veterinary team on site at your stables.

7) Diagnostic Imaging

Once the site of the pain has been established, we use our mobile digital x-ray and/or ultrasound to determine a diagnosis. These are hospital-grade imaging modalities and are delivered stable-side. Occasionally, circumstances will require specialist imaging techniques. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is particularly useful for investigating horses with foot pain and produces highly detailed images of the complicated soft tissue and bony structures of this area. Nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) can be a useful tool in lameness and poor performance investigations with areas of damaged or inflamed bone identified as ‘hot spots’.

8) Treatment

Once the cause of the lameness has been established, our vets will advise you on appropriate treatments and management strategies. Broadly speaking, treatments can be subdivided into medical therapies such as anti-inflammatory medicines, regenerative treatments or surgery, such as arthroscopy. Once the treatment plan has been actioned, success rates will be maximised by using corrective shoeing, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and controlled exercise programs.

With the experience we have at Agnew Equine, we are able to diagnose and treat most cases of lameness ourselves. But sometimes, specialist input is required especially if an MRI, nuclear scintigraphy or surgery is required. As an independent practice, we are free and able to refer you to the best specialist for your particular case and we work alongside the referral hospital as well as with the follow-up care.

Ambulatory
We always come to you! We have hospital-grade veterinary and diagnostic tools which are entirely mobile, which means you have the convenience of keeping your horse right where they are.
Independent
We are proud to be a local, family-run practice, and if your horse needs specialist treatment, we are free to refer them to the top experts in the country for their specific needs, not where a corporate dictates.
Experience
Over 20 years as a practice we have built an outstanding reputation for trustworthy care, treatment and professionalism - and our team of vets have devoted their careers exclusively to equine medicine.
Emergencies
We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you always have our support and your peace of mind.

Our Services

Castrations

Castrations

Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, ideally during the spring or autumn.
Dental Care

Dental Care

We provide expert routine dental care and examinations - as the condition of your horse’s mouth plays such an important role in their overall health and welfare.
Emergencies

Emergencies

We know that emergencies can happen any time of the day or night - and we offer the assurance that you always have the veterinary support you need standing by. We offer our own in-house emergency cover, meaning you will always see one of our vets in your time of need.
Equipment and Diagnostics

Equipment and Diagnostics

We are proud to be a fully ambulatory practice and welcome the fact that modern mobile technology allows us to effectively deliver treatment and diagnoses at the convenience of your stable.
Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

We are privileged in veterinary medicine to have the ability to end suffering, and have a responsibility to work with you to do so in a way that is painless and minimises stress for all involved.
Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy continues to be the only reliable method for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses. At Agnew, we offer this service using our mobile equipment at your home stables to avoid any additional stress caused by transporting your horse or pony.
Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

We examine horses for a wide range of medical problems including weight loss, diarrhoea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders and skin disease right at your stables.
Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

We have close links with a number of outstanding veterinary clinical laboratories in Newmarket and around the country - and we are able to choose the most appropriate and experienced lab depending on what we are testing for.
Lameness Investigations

Lameness Investigations

Our vets have a great reputation for their lameness investigations at the convenience of your own stables. Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics.
Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Vettings are very important and are one of the most consequential things you’ll ask your vet to do – because purchasing a horse is a big decision! On that basis, Robin, Arnie & Stuart carry out the majority of our vettings as we feel experience is key to delivering the best outcome for you and the horse.
Reproductive Services

Reproductive Services

We offer a variety of reproductive services for your mare including artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancy management, foal management and vaccinations to prevent abortion.
Routine Health Care

Routine Health Care

At Agnew Equine, we believe that keeping your horse happy and healthy starts with Routine Preventative Care; vaccinations, regular dentistry, parasite control are fundamental to the well-being of your horse and doing all you can to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Surgery/Referral

Surgery/Referral

As an independent practice, our vets at Agnew Equine are able to review each case and, where necessary, recommend referral to the most appropriate hospital in the circumstances to help with the specialised care of your horse or pony.
“My best advice is register with Agnew Equine - they are the best!” Louisa Kelly
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“A great team of vets! Calm, caring, experts with a professional manner” Kelly Pope
“Best vets anyone could have. Fantastic in all ways.” Angela Frost
“By far the most attentive and polite practice I’ve come across”
Agnew EquineHot Lane Farm, Hot LaneBiddulph MoorStoke-on-TrentStaffordshireST8 7HP01782 510502find us
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