Page 155 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

VetBooks.ir

Figure 4.5 Examination in hand on a hard level surface

The handler should stay slightly in front and to one side of the horse in order not to

obscure the vet’s view. Placid or lazy animals should be driven on from behind, as pulling on
the reins or holding them too short can prevent the slight head movements which aid

identification of the lame limb. The horse is observed:
• walking away from and towards the vet

• turning

• trotting away from and towards the vet

• from the side at walk and trot
• turning in a tight circle

• walking backwards.

The vet will look for the following signs of lameness.

Head nodding

Horses with forelimb lameness lift their heads up as the lame limb contacts the ground. The
head drops as the sound limb takes the weight. If the horse is very lame, the horse may

visibly tighten its neck and shoulder muscles as the head and neck are lifted. This is easiest to
see at trot.

With hind limb lameness there is not likely to be a head nod unless the lameness is
severe. In these cases, the horse will attempt to shift its weight forwards and lower its head at