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No Hoof, No Horse

When evaluating a lameness it is important to start from the basics. The foundation of a horse is the hoof.  

The Lameness Exam

     The lameness exam or soundness exam is designed to bring keen observation together with cutting edge technology to achieve a diagnosis. In order to do this we employ the following:
 

  • full body exam

  • movement exams

  • flexion testing

  • nerve blocks

  • Digital Radiography

  • Digital Ultrasound

 

     All of these services are available to our clients in the convenience of their barn. Our portable digital x-ray unit and portable digital ultrasound, have expedited an accurate lameness diagnosis in the field.

Joint Injections

     Often times joint injections are clinically indicated for the suppression of joint inflammation. These are utilitized frequently when a horse flexes positive to joint flexions on the movement portion of the exam. Another important factor in determining the benefit of joint injections, is the evidence of arthritic changes on radiographs. 
     The newer research available has proven that the use of joint injections with mild corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone (Vetalog®), in combination with high quality hyaluronic acid, can serve to be chondroprotective when used in appropriate dosages. We employ this research to bring the best joint health and therefore overall health to our patients. 

The Equine Hoof

  The following is a pictorial of the effects of trimming a horse to maintain a long toe and low heel. There have been many theories as to how this could be advantageous to the performance of the horse. Commonly the horse is said to be delayed in "breakover" therefore allowing for a longer "reach". Over time, this hoof conformation will lead to bigger medical conditions. Another way that this conformation can manifest, is in a horse that already had an underlying medical condition causing the hoof not to grow appropriately. Anytime a hoof does not grow proportionately, an exam and radiographs may be indicated to assist the farrier in addressing the complicated hoof. 

The picture below is an example of a negative hoof angle Due to the severe trimming of the foot, a negative plantar angle has formed. This has caused a backwards rotation of the coffin bone.

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