Lameness Examination

Every lameness has a story. Using a thorough clinical examination, diagnostic nerve blocks, advanced digital X-rays and high-resolution ultrasound, we work systematically to identify the source of pain and develop the most effective treatment plan—all at your own yard.

Lameness is one of the most common reasons horses require veterinary attention, affecting everything from performance and comfort to long-term soundness. Whether your horse has suddenly become lame or is showing a subtle decline in performance, our experienced equine vets provide comprehensive ambulatory lameness investigations designed to identify the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate treatment.

At KR Equine Veterinary Services Ltd, we bring advanced diagnostic equipment directly to your yard, allowing many lameness investigations to be completed without the need for referral. By combining clinical expertise with modern imaging technology, we aim to deliver accurate diagnoses, practical treatment plans and the best possible outcomes for every horse.

Every Investigation Begins with Listening

A successful lameness investigation starts with understanding the horse.

We begin by taking a detailed history, discussing:

• When the lameness first appeared
• How it has changed over time
• Training and competition history
• Previous injuries or treatments
• Shoeing and farriery
• Recent workload and management changes

These details often provide valuable clues and help us tailor the examination to your horse’s individual circumstances.

A Thorough Clinical Examination

Every horse undergoes a comprehensive examination before any diagnostic procedures are performed.

This includes:

• Assessment at rest
• Limb palpation
• Hoof examination and hoof tester assessment where appropriate
• Flexion tests
• Evaluation in walk and trot
• Assessment on different surfaces
• Lunging where appropriate
• Dynamic gait assessment under saddle if indicated

Our aim is to identify not only which limb is affected, but also how the horse moves and where pain may be originating.

Diagnostic Nerve & Joint Blocks

When the source of lameness is not immediately obvious, diagnostic anaesthesia is often the next step.

By carefully desensitising specific nerves or joints in a logical sequence, we can accurately localise the area causing pain. This allows us to distinguish between structures that may appear similar during the clinical examination and provides a much clearer direction for further investigation.

Diagnostic nerve and joint blocks remain one of the most valuable tools in equine lameness diagnosis and are performed with meticulous attention to technique and horse welfare.

Advanced Digital X-Rays

Once the area of pain has been identified, digital radiography allows us to examine the underlying bones and joints in exceptional detail.

X-rays can help diagnose:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Bone cysts
• Stress-related bone injuries
• Developmental orthopaedic conditions
• Changes associated with long-term athletic wear

Our portable digital X-ray system produces high-quality images instantly, allowing findings to be discussed with owners during the examination.

High-Resolution Ultrasound

Many causes of lameness involve soft tissue structures that cannot be assessed using radiography alone.

Ultrasound allows us to examine:

• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Joint capsules
• Muscles
• Tendon sheaths
• Soft tissue injuries

Ultrasound is also invaluable for monitoring healing and guiding rehabilitation programmes, ensuring horses return to work at the appropriate stage of recovery.

A Tailored Diagnostic Approach

No two lame horses are the same.

Some cases are straightforward and can be diagnosed following a clinical examination, while others require a combination of diagnostic anaesthesia, imaging and follow-up assessments.

Our investigations are tailored to each individual horse, ensuring that every test has a clear purpose and contributes towards reaching an accurate diagnosis.

From Diagnosis to Treatment

Once the cause of the lameness has been identified, we develop an individual treatment plan based on your horse’s diagnosis, intended use and long-term goals.

Treatment may include:

• Medical management
• Ultrasound-guided joint or soft tissue injections
• Advanced Regenerative PRP or Alpha2 therapy
• Rehabilitation and exercise programmes
• Corrective farriery recommendations
• Follow-up imaging to monitor healing
• Referral for advanced imaging or surgery where appropriate

We work closely with owners, trainers, riders and farriers to ensure every horse receives a coordinated approach to recovery.

Advanced Diagnostics, Delivered to Your Yard

Our fully ambulatory service allows many lameness investigations to be performed efficiently in the horse’s familiar environment, reducing the stress and inconvenience of travelling to a clinic.

With experienced equine vets, state-of-the-art portable digital X-ray and ultrasound equipment, and a structured, evidence-based approach to diagnosis, KR Equine Veterinary Services Ltd is committed to helping horses return to comfort, soundness and performance.

Because successful treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis.