Lameness

Lameness problems continue to be one of the most common causes of performance issues in our equine athletes. While some lameness problems can be worked up on the farm it is helpful to do these at the hospital where all the diagnostic equipment is available. A thorough exam, which often includes flexion tests and diagnostic nerve or joint blocks, is used in combination with a good history to identify the location of the lameness problem. Once the area of concern has been identified the next step usually requires some type of diagnostic imaging. Diagnostics available at our clinic include digital radiography and ultrasound.

After the images have been evaluated the next step is treatment. The treatment plan is designed for each individual horse and may include joint injections, extra-corporeal shock wave therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, specific exercises or even surgery. Frequently it will require a combination of therapies to hopefully return the equine athlete to the desired level of fitness.. 

{Photo By Shelley Paulson}

Lameness Evaluations 

• Conformation Evaluation
• Gait Evaluation (in hand, lunging, under saddle, over fences) 
• Hoof Balance 
• Hoof Testers 
• Limb Flexions 
• Regional Anesthesia (nerve blocks) 
• Intraarticular Anesthesia (joint blocks) 

• Tendon, ligament and soft tissue injuries
  
  

• Large 300 MA X-ray Machine
  
  

{Photo By Shelley Paulson}

Portable X-ray unit for digital radiographs in the field

• Contrast Radiographic Studies
• Navicular - bursagrams
• Lamintis - laminar blood flow studies
  
  

Treatment Modalities offered at our clinic 

• IRAP 
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) 
• Stem Cell Injections 
• Shockwave Therapy 
• Mesotherapy 
• Chiropractic 
• Acupuncture 

If you would like to speak to one of our team members regarding any of the above diagnostics or treatments please call 763-441-3797. 

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