Horses can appear lame in the front limb when the real lameness is the hind limb on the same side, researchers found. | The Horse Staff

Localizing a lameness can be challenging for even the most experienced equestrians and veterinarians. And just when you think you’ve got it down pat, researchers find new information that could add another point of consideration to lameness exams. For instance, recent research has revealed that what appears as lameness might actually just be a reaction that compensates for pain in another foot or leg—specifically, some horses can appear lame in the front limb when the real lameness is the hind-limb on the same side.

“Horse owners should pay close attention to signs of lameness, but also be aware that the leg that appears to be lame may not be the leg that is the source of the problem,” said Sylvia Maliye, BSc, BVM&S, of the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine Weipers Centre Equine Hospital, in Scotland.

“Previous research has revealed that observers find accurate identification of forelimb lameness easier than hind-limb lameness,” she said. “Correctly identifying the lame hind limb is more challenging. To successfully treat the horse with hind-limb lameness, it is essential to correctly identify the limb with the primary problem. Sometimes two legs appear lame (a forelimb and a hind limb), but there is only pain in one leg