Q: What do I do when my horse is limping?

    A: Lameness problems are one of the most common reasons clients call us. Most of the time, the
         lameness is not serious and a short period of rest and care will bring your horse back to full service.
         Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

    Q: How do I know which leg my horse is limping on?

    A: It is not as easy as it may seem! In general, a front end lameness will show a head nod. The horse nods
         his head down when the sound leg hits the ground. A hind leg lameness looks like skipping. The horse
         brings the sound leg forward faster to get weight off the sore leg as viewed from the side. You can also
         have multiple leg lamenesses which can look like the horse shortens his stride or doesn't want to walk.

    Q: Now that I know which leg my horse is lame on, what do I do next?

    A: You should pick out the foot and examine it carefully for any nails (especially in the frog), cracks, heat or
         an increased pulse. Then push on the coronet (the skin around the top of the hoof) for any sensitivity.
         Finally run your hands up and down the leg and feel for any heat or swelling. Remember, you can use
         the other leg as a "normal." Finally, take his temperature (a normal temperature is 99 to 101 deg F).

    Q: When should I call Ledgewood Equine?

    A: If he is willing to only put the toe on the ground at the walk, it could be an
         emergency situation and requires an immediate call. If he shows a limp at
         the walk, a call for an appointment should be made. If he shows a
         lameness only at the trot, then you could either a) wait 3-5 days, restrict the
         exercise and see if he improves or, b) if you are concerned place a call for
         an appointment. In other words, it is always ok to call us! A fever should
         always warrant a call.

    Q: Can't I just put him on bute?

    A: Bute is a prescription drug even though the use of this drug is common. It can potentially have serious
         side effects including intestinal and kidney problems. therefore we recommend its use only in the advice
         of a veterinarian.

    Q: What is restricted exercise?

    A: Restricted exercise means the horse needs to be kept in the stall and either hand walked or turned out
         in a paddock no larger than a round pen. Some horses get anxious and run even more when they are
         away from their buddies so we recommend you keep a stablemate next to him and offer plenty of hay.
         If necessary, some horses require tranquilization which can include either herbals such as valerian root,
         or medications such as injectable or oral tranquilizers.

    Q: What should I do if there is heat or swelling in the leg?

    A: Good first aid includes cold hosing (or icing with cooler packs/frozen peas) for 20 minutes every 2 hours
         (or as much as possible). If the swelling is on the lower leg, the limb can be bandaged with a standing
         wrap or poulticed (if there is no wound). Only give medications after the advice of the veterinarian.
         We like to see them most of the time before they have bute.

    Q: What should I do if I find a nail in the foot?

    A: As tempting as it is, PLEASE DO NOT remove the nail! It is important for us to see its location and
         take radiographs with it still in place. Horses will usually not drive it in further if you restrict the exercise.

    Q: If it looks like a hoof abscess, what should I do?

    A: We like to look at the foot anyway. If the abscess is under the frog it could be very serious because
         there could be injury to deeper structures. Once we have evaluated the hoof, then we usually recommend
         soaking in 4 parts warm water and 1 part Epsom salts for 20 minutes. If your horse tries to run you over
         while soaking, then the next best thing is to use Magnapaste to draw the abscess out. Once the abscess
         drains through the coronet (a gravel) he should become sound in 1-2 days.

    Q: What if there is a cut on the leg too?

    A: Always call Ledgewood Equine ASAP. If the cut or a puncture wound is over a joint or tendon it could
         be serious, especially if your horse is lame.

    In conclusion, the reasons for a horse to be lame can be quite varied. Even though the majority of the
    time it is not serious, it can be difficult for a non veterinarian to make that determination and a thorough
    evaluation is important for your horse's long term soundness.

    Ledgewood Equine welcomes Dr Smedley as our intern for 2006/2007. She replaces Dr. Michelle
    Courtemanche who is now practicing north of the border. Dr Smedley is an avid horseperson, with
    her family owning a riding facility in Maryland. She grew up with horses and has extensive experience
    breeding and training Morgans. After her internship, she plans to return to Maryland where her parents
    are looking forward to getting back their investment in her education. Dr. Smedley is looking forward to
    meeting all of you!

1. Standing- least expensive option. Can be performed on well behaved colts from 6 months to 2 yrs of age. Sedation and local anesthetic are used. The incision is left open to drain and exercise is needed to prevent infection.
2. Down (general anesthesia)- Similar surgical technique to standing. Used for minis, kickers, and well endowed, older horses.
3. Closed. A down procedure where instead of leaving an open wound to drain and heal over, we suture it closed. It is more expensive, but many clients are choosing this new alternative. The advantages of this technique include lower infection rates, lower chances of herniation, and less aftercare.