Lameness and Sports Medicine

At Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services, our team is passionate about keeping equine athletes sound, healthy, and performing at their best—whether they're heading to the show ring, the trail, or the breeding shed. We bring extensive experience, advanced diagnostic tools, and a team-based approach to every lameness and sports medicine case.

Comprehensive Evaluations

We begin with a thorough history, hands-on exam, and gait evaluation—often on multiple surfaces and under saddle, if needed. Our doctors collaborate to bring fresh eyes and perspectives, ensuring each case gets the time and attention it deserves.

Advanced Diagnostics

Our on-site imaging capabilities include:

Digital radiography
High-resolution ultrasound
Endoscopy
We also use diagnostic nerve and joint blocks to pinpoint sources of pain and performance limitations.

Individualized Treatment Plans

From regenerative therapies like PRP and IRAP, to therapeutic joint injections, rehabilitation planning, and shoeing consultations—we tailor every plan to the horse’s discipline, workload, and long-term goals.

Ongoing Monitoring & Client Collaboration

We believe in clear communication and working closely with clients, trainers, and farriers to ensure optimal outcomes. Whether managing a chronic issue or supporting recovery from an acute injury, we’re with you every step of the way.

Equine Sports Medicine

Equine sports medicine is a specialized field of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and conditions in horses involved in athletic activities. It combines elements of veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, and sports science to optimize the health and performance of equine athletes.

At Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services our veterinarians encompasses various disciplines, including orthopedics, lameness evaluation, diagnostic imaging, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, and nutrition. The goal at Oakhurst Equine is to ensure the overall well-being of the horse and enhance its athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injuries.

An equine lameness exam, also known as a lameness evaluation or lameness examination, is a diagnostic procedure performed by a veterinarian to assess and diagnose lameness in horses. Lameness refers to any abnormality or impairment in a horse's gait or movement, usually due to pain or discomfort in the musculoskeletal system.

Equine Lameness Exam

During an equine lameness exam, the veterinarian will typically follow a systematic approach to identify the source and cause of the lameness. The exam may involve several steps and techniques, including:

History and observation: The veterinarian will gather information about the horse's medical history, previous injuries, recent changes in management or exercise routines, and any observable abnormalities in gait or behavior.
Physical examination: The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of the horse, assessing overall body condition, muscle tone, joint range of motion, and palpation of specific areas to identify any signs of pain, swelling, or heat.
Flexion tests: The veterinarian may perform flexion tests on the horse's limbs, which involve applying pressure or flexing specific joints for a brief period, followed by observing the horse's gait immediately afterward. This helps to localize the source of lameness to a particular limb or joint.
Evaluation in motion: The horse is evaluated at various gaits, including walking, trotting, and sometimes cantering, either on a straight line or in circles. The veterinarian will observe the horse's movement, looking for any asymmetry, irregularities, or abnormal behavior that may indicate lameness. When appropriate, we have access to the Sleip AI-powered equine gait analysis system, a cutting-edge tool that provides objective, high-precision movement data. It can support our evaluations by helping to detect subtle asymmetries and track changes over time.
Palpation and manipulation: The veterinarian may further examine specific areas of concern through palpation, joint manipulation, or hoof testing to identify any pain or sensitivity.
Diagnostic imaging: If necessary, the veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound, or other imaging modalities to visualize and evaluate the internal structures of the horse, such as bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments.

Some common conditions and issues addressed in equine sports medicine include:

Lameness: Diagnosing and treating equine lameness is a crucial component of equine sports medicine. It begins with a thorough assessment of gait abnormalities, which can stem from a variety of conditions. Common equine lameness issues include osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, suspensory ligament desmitis, navicular disease, hoof abscesses, fractures, soft tissue injuries, spinal impingement, laminitis, joint inflammation, kissing spine, arthritis, and cartilage damage.
Musculoskeletal injuries: Equine athletes are prone to various musculoskeletal injuries such as tendon and ligament strains, muscle tears, and joint problems. Sports medicine veterinarians employ treatments like therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and regenerative medicine techniques like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to promote healing.
Performance evaluation: Equine sports medicine veterinarians use a variety of objective assessments to evaluate a horse's athletic abilities, identify areas for improvement, and create tailored training and conditioning programs to enhance performance. These assessments include visual observation, a standardized lameness scoring system, flexion tests, and detailed gait analysis. Additionally, specialists palpate the horse’s limbs, joints, tendons, and muscles to detect signs of pain, swelling, or heat. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, may also be utilized to further investigate underlying issues and ensure a comprehensive approach to the horse’s rehabilitation and performance optimization.
Rehabilitation: When horses experience injuries, a well-designed rehabilitation program is often essential for a safe and successful return to full function. These programs may include controlled exercise routines, physical therapy, bodywork, and advanced modalities such as shockwave therapy—effective for promoting healing in soft tissue, bone, suspensory, tendon, and ligament injuries. Our experienced veterinarians will work closely with you to develop a customized rehabilitation plan tailored to your horse’s specific needs and recovery goals.
Nutrition and preventive care: Optimal nutrition is essential to the performance, recovery, and overall health of equine athletes. Equine sports medicine veterinarians can help provide expert guidance on balanced diets, targeted supplements, and preventive care strategies to help minimize injury risk, support peak performance, and promote long-term well-being.

Based on the findings from the lameness exam, our equine veterinarians will then develop a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment may involve rest, medication, physical therapy, corrective shoeing, joint injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of lameness. The goal is to alleviate the horse's pain, promote healing, and restore normal function and soundness. Call Oakhurst Equine to schedule an appointment or consult with one of our experienced equine veterinarians. We're here to help!

Equine Sports Medicine and Lameness