2025 signifies my 16th year practising as an equine veterinarian. As part of this wonderful job, I perform multiple lameness assessments on a daily basis which would include nerve blocks, diagnostics including radiographs and ultrasound, and joint injections to treat painful and therefore performance limiting problems.
Whilst these are all very visible tasks to those on the day , what I have recently come to realise is, most of you do not know what im trying to best understand during an assessment. I also realise whilst I do try to ensure my clients are well informed, I may not get every detail across.
So here goes, a wider summary of all the stars I am trying to align whilst assessing your horse.
First analysis:
Horses temperament, muscle activity and muscular cover, and overall condition for their lifestyle.
Then immediately I shift my priority to my client and consider the question:
What does the client and horse need from me today?
How do I get them to that point the fastest with the least financial pressure.
Next:
I assess the horse and look for;
Symmetry, movement compared to the horses breed, each leg for quality smooth strides: Note sometimes a horse does not show ‘lameness’ but will change the entire way they move.
Asymmetry, on the lunge at all paces, flexion tests (comparison of legs is the key here).
Atypical movement, neurological steps, painful expressions, abnormal responses to myself or my client
Finally hands on;
What is each leg telling me? Do the feet give away any clues? Are the soft tissues inflamed and are any joints angry?
Then finally…. The spine
The poll, neck, saddle area, lumbar and SI region. These are all covered by muscles. Do any indicate the underlying skeleton is painful?
THE FUN PART….
Whilst my brain travels at a million km per hour, I put together an internal spider diagram of how to answer that important question:
How do I fixed my clients concern, describe the condition easily, make a treatment plan within financial constraints, quickly (of course), and also describe all the potential side effects without scaring you all half to death.
Many of you will already have experienced such instances with me, and sadly some are likely to in the future, this season or in the up coming ones.
Have confidence that I think of everything on the inside, but try to describe the scenario, and best route to recovery in simple, cost effective steps.
Remember, the greyer I get, the more answers I have for you 😉
I take pride in continually upskilling.