Equine Veterinary Services Focused on Prevention, Health & Longevity
Lameness is one of the most prominent issues in performance horses—and it doesn’t just impact results, it affects long-term comfort and soundness. Some problems can be addressed right at your farm, while others benefit from advanced diagnostics at our clinic. We’ll help you decide the safest, most effective plan for your horse.
Acute vs. Ongoing Lameness
We manage both acute (sudden, often emergency) and ongoing (chronic or intermittent) lameness. If your horse is acutely non–weight bearing, has a severe wound, or shows rapid worsening signs, please call us immediately so we can triage and guide you on whether to haul in or wait for an on-farm assessment. Our ambulatory team is fully equipped for field evaluations, and we can transition seamlessly to in-clinic care when advanced imaging or hospitalization is needed.
How We Diagnose Lameness
Every case starts with a thorough history and gait evaluation. From there, your veterinary team may recommend other diagnostics:
- Flexion tests to localize discomfort and surface subtle issues
- Diagnostic analgesia (peripheral nerve and joint blocks) to pinpoint the source of pain
- Imaging—including digital radiographs and ultrasound—to visualize bone and soft-tissue structures
These are core elements of our standard lameness workup and help us move efficiently from “where does it hurt?” to targeted treatment.
Advanced Therapies
for Soundness
For performance horses, precision treatment matters. When appropriate, your plan may include regenerative or adjunctive therapies such as:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): concentrated platelets to support tendon, ligament, and joint healing.
- Pro-Stride® APS: an autologous protein solution is processed stall-side to help manage osteoarthritis and other causes of lameness.
- IRAP (Autologous Conditioned Serum): often pronounced “eye-wrap;” processed from your horse’s blood to deliver anti-inflammatory proteins to the joint.
- Stem cell therapy: for select soft-tissue or joint conditions where cellular therapy may enhance repair.
- Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): a noninvasive modality used to reduce pain and stimulate healing in bone, tendon, ligament, and back conditions.
Your veterinarian will discuss indications, timelines, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.
At the Farm or In the Clinic
Many evaluations and treatments can be performed on-farm with portable radiography and ultrasound. When cases require advanced diagnostics, procedures, or continuous monitoring, we’ll coordinate a smooth haul-in for comprehensive care at the clinic.
Rehabilitation & Return to Work
Soundness doesn’t end with the injection or bandage. We’ll outline a practical rehab plan—rest, controlled exercise, farriery adjustments, and rechecks—so you know exactly how to support healing and measure progress. Follow-up exams help us fine-tune the plan and protect your horse’s long-term performance.
Not sure if it’s urgent? Call us. Early, accurate diagnosis is the fastest path back to comfort and performance. Our team will help you triage, decide on farm vs. clinic care, and map out a clear plan for recovery.