Common Causes of Lameness in Horses

Horses can go lame for a variety of reasons. Here are 4 common causes of lameness and their treatment options. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
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Lameness is a generic term for a wide variety of conditions that affect the horse's gait. It's a costly health problem in the equine industry because of the price of treatment and the time lost for rest and recovery.

Osteoarthritis describes chronic degeneration of the joint surface and affects one in five horses.

Podotrochlosis is degeneration of the navicular bone and its associated structures. Affected horses often display weight-shifting, a shuffling and/or toe-first gait, and soreness after working.

A hoof abscess is a localized infection of a horse's foot, usually behind the hoof wall or sole

If your horse shows signs of being lame, contact your veterinarian.

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The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care is an equine publication providing the latest news and information on the health, care, welfare, and management of all equids.

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