LamenessSlide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5Slide 6TreatmentPreventative MeasuresLameness•1) level or intensity of work •2) conformation and body condition - especially with structural defects–1 - feet –2 - joints–3 - muscle•3) most prone to lameness–too young–too old or worn out–pervious injury•4) training routines–inadequate warm-up and cool-down–15-20 min of intensive work•5) competition stress•warning signs–change in posture•point foot / off to side•leaning back or forward•rest foot on toe•performance clues–clumsiness, tripping and gait irregularity–rapid deceleration in turns–rough up and down transitions–refusals, uncooperative•chronically uncomfortable horses–depression–appetite loss –changed resting habits –difficult in rising after rest•routine check–soft swelling–thickening of tendons•strain–hard lumps on bones or joint edges•trama or calcification–elevated surface temperature/swelling–strong digital pulse on pastern•severe inflammation or infection in lower leg–upper muscle areas•limited freedom of movement•hoof–check for heat - toe and heel–check shape and size •flares, dished toe, contracted heels, unequal heels–check sole for bruises•old bruises - painless•angle of bars - “corn” - internal tearing from uneven forces–check for abnormal wear patterns•chronic low level pain from shifting weight•feet growing differently/ trimmed or set wrong•subtle signs of approaching lameness–check for sensitivity in neck, withers, shoulders–abnormal enlargements (swelling) and hollows (atrophy) in muscle mass–check back –press on the croup •2/3 way from sacroiliac to tailhead–anything abnormal on one side and not the other–decreased performance sidedness–attitude–new pattern of movementTreatment•rest–stop repeating painful activity•minimize destructive forces•avoid excessive painkillersPreventative Measures•icing and cold water hosing•massage •stable wraps•topical preparations–braces -