Lameness
Lameness Evaluations
Ashbrook Equine Hospital provides a complete lameness evaluation service. This service is offered both at the hospital and
whilst out at yards on visits. For the initial examination it is important the vet can watch the horse move in walk and
trot both in a straight line and on the lunge. On some occasions it is necessary to have the horse ridden. Ashbrook Equine
Hospital has a smooth flat trotting path and a firm, non-slip lunge area for this gait evaluation.
Following initial assessment several further tests may be performed, including testing the hoof for pain and sensitivity,
and flexion tests. Flexion tests often exacerbate the lameness which can allow some localisation of the area causing pain.
Often the next step involves ‘nerve blocks’ – the introduction of local anaesthetic around superficial
nerves, usually blocking out sensation to any structures below the site of injection. These can be performed at the yard,
if necessary, providing suitable facilities are available. Local anaesthetic can also be injected into joints allowing
further localisation of the area of pain.
Once the area giving rise to the pain is identified, this area will require imaging to identify the cause of the lameness.
This may be in the form of radiographs, ultrasound or sometimes both. These techniques are best performed at the clinic
where the best possible machines are available for use, however we do have portable machines should the need arise.
Further imaging techniques are required on rare occasions; MRI and Nuclear Scintigraphy (bone scan), and are available at
Leahurst with whom we have good working relationship.
Once a diagnosis is reached treatment can begin. Most patients are monitored regularly while the condition is being
treated and may require repeat radiographs during this period. We work closely with our farrier with a lot of lameness
cases and also have available a lot of very modern therapeutics.
Modern Lameness Therapeutics
Shock Wave Therapy
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is performed either at Ashbrook Equine Hospital or on visits. This is most commonly
used for suspensory ligament disease but has many applications in the lame horse. The shock wave treatment provides
analgesia and is thought to enhance healing.
Stem Cell Therapy
• This is used to improve the quality of tendon repair increasing the likelihood of the horse returning to its previous
career. Stem cells are obtained form the bone marrow of the horse then cultured in a laboratory before being sent back
to the practice. The stem cells are directly injected into the tendon injury under ultrasound guidance. A carefully
devised exercise program is then initiated.
• Vets at Ashbrook Equine Hospital have a lot of experience with this technique for treating flexor tendon injuries.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• PRP has been designed for use in ligament injuries. The main purpose is for suspensory ligament injuries. This procedure
is carried out during one visit to the clinic. Blood is obtained in a sterile fashion from the horse and processed through
a special kit. The platelet rich plasma is harvested from this kit and injected directly into the site of injury.
This therapy speeds healing of the injury, allowing faster return to work for the horse.
• This therapy is still in its infancy, but vets at Ashbrook Equine Hospital already have successes with this treatment.
IRAP (Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein)
• This is a novel biological treatment used to aid management of inflammation in joints. The technique involves collection
of blood in a special syringe which is processed in a laboratory to produce conditioned serum. This serum has increased levels of
naturally occurring anti-inflammatories. One collection usually results in 3-5 doses of serum which can be stored when frozen. The
joint is usually injected on 2-4 occasions at 1-2 week intervals.
• Vets at Ashbrook Equine Hospital have experience with this technique and access to the necessary equipment.
