Services

Lameness, Back Pain & Poor Performance Investigations

Thorough Investigation to Identify the Cause

Lameness and poor performance are among the most common reasons for veterinary examination in horses. Whether your horse is obviously lame, showing subtle changes in performance, or simply not working as expected, our aim is to identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Every investigation is tailored to the individual horse, recognising that many performance issues can have multiple contributing factors.

How we work

Our Approach

A typical lameness or poor performance investigation begins with a comprehensive orthopaedic examination, including:

A detailed review of your horse’s medical history, previous treatments, workload, and recent performance.
Static assessment, including conformation, posture, and muscle symmetry.
Careful palpation of the limbs, back, neck, and pelvis to identify areas of pain, swelling, or reduced range of motion.
Assessment of your horse moving in-hand at both walk and trot on a firm surface.
Flexion tests to help identify painful joints or soft tissue structures.
Lunge evaluation on both hard and soft surfaces where appropriate.
Assessment under saddle or ridden evaluation when necessary to investigate performance-related problems.

Reaching a diagnosis

Diagnostic Analgesia (Nerve and Joint Blocks)

When the source of pain is not immediately obvious, diagnostic nerve or joint blocks may be recommended.

These involve carefully placing a small amount of local anaesthetic around specific nerves or into joints. By temporarily removing pain from a particular area, we can accurately localise the source of lameness and ensure that further diagnostic imaging is focused on the correct region.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Once the affected area has been identified, we can perform diagnostic imaging using portable equipment at your yard whenever possible.

This may include:

Digital radiography (X-rays) to assess bones and joints.
Ultrasonography to evaluate tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissue structures.

In more complex cases, referral to an equine hospital for advanced imaging such as MRI, CT, bone scintigraphy (bone scan), or endoscopy may be recommended to achieve a definitive diagnosis.

Once the affected area has been identified, we can perform diagnostic imaging using portable equipment at your yard whenever possible.

The practice

Why Choose Our Practice?

Over 25 years of experience investigating equine lameness and performance problems.

Comprehensive, systematic diagnostic approach.

Portable digital X-ray and ultrasound equipment allowing investigations to be performed at your yard.

Clear communication throughout the diagnostic process.

Individual treatment and rehabilitation plans designed to return your horse to soundness and optimal performance whenever possible.

Concerned About Your Horse's Performance?

If your horse is showing signs of lameness, stiffness, reluctance to work, behavioural changes under saddle, or a decline in performance, early investigation often leads to a faster diagnosis and improved long-term outcomes.