Why Would A Horse Be Lame In Both Front Feet?

Navicular disease is noted as one of the leading causes of front leg lameness in horses. Foot stresses from hard stops, twists at high speeds, and abrupt changes in direction are thought to damage the navicular bone located at the heel of the foot beneath the frog.

What causes front leg lameness in horses?

The most common causes of lameness in horses include infection (e.g. foot abscess), traumatic injuries, conditions acquired before birth (e.g., contracted tendons) or after birth (e.g., osteochondritis dissecans).

What causes bilateral lameness in horses?

Common Causes The incidences of lameness most commonly seen result from stone bruises, trauma, laminitis (founder), overload injuries, or arthritis. Stone bruises: Stone bruises occur when the horse steps on something high enough and hard enough to cause damage to the sole of the foot.

What does bilateral lameness mean?

Sometimes horses will ‘plait’ the lame leg, which is where they swing the limb outward and then back in, so they don’t have to flex the joints so much. Horses can also be lame in both legs, which is called bilateral lameness.

What are the signs of navicular in horses?

Clinical signs of navicular disease include a short, choppy stride with lameness that worsens when the horse is worked in a circle, as when longeing. Frequent stumbling may occur at all gaits, even the walk, or when horses are asked to step over short obstacles such as ground poles.

What is the best treatment for a lame horse?

Conventional therapies are still commonly recommended to treat horses’ lameness issues. “[These include] rest, cold therapy in the form of cold hosing, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Bute® [phenylbutazone] or Banamine® [flunixin meglumine],” says Robinson.

Why is my horse stiff in front legs?

Stiff or rigid limbs can result from a variety of injuries or illnesses such as foot soreness, muscle soreness, abdominal pain (colic), chest pain, or many other other neurologic or muscular diseases. This condition becomes more evident when a horse moves forward.

What is Cushing’s syndrome in horses?

Equine Cushing’s disease (ECD) is a chronic progressive disease of the intermediate pituitary gland of older horses. Horses with Cushing’s disease often have other health problems, such as laminitis, chronic infections, pseudolactation, and other issues.

What are the first signs of laminitis in horses?

10 Early Warning Signs of Laminitis

• A strong/bounding digital pulse.
• A hoof that’s hot for hours.
• A distorted hoof shape and/or unusual rings.
• An increased heart rate.
• Too little—or too much—foot lifting.
• Apparent stretched and/or bleeding laminae.
• A shortened stride.
• Increased insulin levels.

What are signs of neurological problems in horses?

Lack of coordination, weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, muscle twitching, impaired vision, head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions, circling and coma are some of the severe neurologic effects. Horses typically have non-neurologic signs, too, such loss of appetite and a depressed attitude.

Can a horse be lame but not in pain?

Lameness usually results from pain in an anatomic location within a limb, but can also result from mechanical restrictions on limb movement without pain. Visible gait deficits indistinguishable from painful conditions can result from a mechanical impediment to a horse’s movement.

When should I call the vet for horse lameness?

An obvious limp is usually worth a call.
A horse that’s a little bit off might recover with a few days of rest, but a horse that’s having trouble bearing weight on a limb is a horse that should be seen by your veterinarian.

How long does it take for a horse to recover from lameness?

Recovery from lameness varies depending on diagnosis or underlying cause of the lameness. Some minor injuries can take just a few days to a week to heal, while more extensive injuries may take up to 6 months or more.

What does navicular lameness look like?

Horses with navicular usually have a history of subtle onset of lameness. The horse may just look stiff early on in the course of disease and stumble frequently. The lameness may seem inconsistent and switch from one (front) leg to another. Putting the horse on a circle or a hard surface can make it worse.

What are the most common signs of navicular syndrome?

Lameness is the classic sign of navicular syndrome. This can appear suddenly, but a more common pattern is mild lameness that becomes progressively worse over time. A horse with navicular syndrome feels pain in the heels of the front feet, and its movements reflect attempts to keep pressure off this area.

What is the difference between laminitis and navicular?

While navicular syndrome causes pain in the heel of the hoof, laminitis results in dorsal (toe) pain. Laminitis may involve rotation of the coffin bone, sinking of the coffin bone, or a combination of the two. Laminitis resulting in sinking is often referred to as fatal sinker syndrome.

Should you turn out a lame horse?

If you notice any abnormality, notably swelling and pain on palpation around this area you should consult your vet before turning the horse out or continuing with work. Traumatic injuries involving the tendons or ligaments will always need urgent veterinary attention.

Can a horse heal from being lame?

“While I would say that for the most part we can at least benefit most horses with lameness, we can’t heal everyone,” says Carter. “We can, however, improve the outcome in the majority of cases.” Most horses with lameness problems will probably have to have some form of rehabilitation.

What is the most common cause of acute onset lameness in the horse?

Severe, acute onset lameness most commonly involves the foot, but may also be caused by more serious conditions such as a fracture or tendon/ligament injury. If the lame leg is obviously injured, swollen or broken, then it is vital to contact the practice as soon as possible to arrange an emergency visit.

What are the signs of foundering in horses?

Symptoms of Founder in Horses

• Sudden lameness at the walk.
• Increased heat in the hoof wall.
• Increased digital pulses.
• Hoof tester sensitivity over the toe of the horse.

What are the signs of rhabdomyolysis in horses?

Excessive sweating, quick, shallow breathing, rapid heart rate, and muscle tremors are also noticed. In extreme cases, horses may be reluctant or refuse to move and may produce discolored urine due to the release of myoglobin from damaged muscle tissue.