Lameness and performance evaluation in ambulatory practice

Lameness and performance evaluation can be one of the most rewarding aspects of equine veterinary practice. There is a misconception that it depends on new sophisticated and expensive diagnostic modalities, when the reality is that knowing where and when to use these modalities form the real art of equine lameness practice. The most expensive ultrasound machine in the world is not very diagnostic if applied to the wrong limb. The art of lameness practice is vested in knowledge of horsemanship, an understanding of anatomy and function, and inquiring senses to sort out what the horse and his handlers are telling you. The ability to listen to both and figure out a horse’s lameness problem will be one of the most valuable services experiences the equine ambulatory clinician can provide for his or her clientele.