Lameness investigations

Lameness and other causes of poor performance are common. Many musculoskeletal conditions are caused by problems located in one or more limbs, the back, neck or pelvis. Sometimes conditions of the airways (respiratory) or heart (cardiac) may be the underlying cause of poor performance. Our multidisciplinary team provide a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services.

Some causes of lameness or poor performance may be straightforward to diagnose but require advanced treatments. However, others will require specialist assessment to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic options.

We provide a service tailored to each individual. We also offer assessment by our hospital remedial farriery team. 

We have a dedicated lameness examination area where horses can be assessed on different surfaces. We also have a menege for ridden assessments. We are one of the few clinics world-wide who have the facilities and expertise to perform Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the equine pelvis and other areas that cannot be imaged using standard equine standing CT systems.

Diagnostic tests and equipment available at the hospital include:

• Quantitative objective gait analysis – Lameness locator system
• Diagnostic analgesia (nerve blocks)
• Ultrasonography
• Radiography
• Muscle biopsy and biopsy assessment
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Gamma scintigraphy (bone scan)
• Exercising ECG
• Dynamic endoscopy
• Neurological examination.

We can also provide a range of treatments including:

• Corticosteroids
• Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
• Interleukin-1 antagonist protein (IRAP)
• Stem cell therapy
• Alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M)
• Systemic bisphosphonates
• Remedial farriery
• Mesotherapy
• Shockwave therapy
• Surgery.