Ready for inspection

Although we always try to do our best to keep our ponies healthy, unfortunately every pony during their life is likely to experience some form of lameness that’s outside our control. If your pony does become lame, your vet might need to investigate the problem further. Let’s take a closer look at what they’ll do. 

1. Background checks

First, your vet will take a full history of your pony by asking you questions, such as…

• what’s his current management routine, such as turnout and feeding?
• does he have any general medical issues or previous lameness problems?
• what’s his current exercise regime?
• is he shod or trimmed and what’s his footcare routine?
• what do you plan to do with him? 

Your vet will also ask questions about the current problem; for example, for how long has the lameness been going on and is there anything that seems to make it better or worse? 

Top tip

Try not to get too worried if your vet says your pony needs a lameness investigation. It doesn’t always mean it’s very serious and will require months of box rest – keep positive and focus on helping your pony get better. 

2. Get a feel

Your vet will then carry out a general health check before feeling (palpating) and moving (manipulating) his legs, back and neck to look for any pain, swelling, heat or reduced range of movement. They’ll also check your pony’s feet by feeling for heat, assessing his digital pulse and seeing his response to hoof testers. 

3. On the move

Next, your vet will want to see your pony moving, starting with walking and trotting in a straight line, and they’ll look for any abnormal movement or asymmetry that could indicate something’s wrong. At this stage, they might perform flexion tests, too – when the vet holds up each of your pony’s legs before then watching him trot away. Flexion tests are used to see whether the extra stress on the joints makes the lameness worse. 

To work out if there are certain factors making your pony more lame, vets will sometimes want to see him lunged in both directions on soft and hard surfaces. Depending on the problem, your pony might need to be ridden, too.

Get clued up

A lameness investigation, or workup, is a process of examinations and tests that help the vet pinpoint where your pony’s pain is coming from. If your pony’s behaviour or performance changes, the vet will also suggest a workup so they can formulate a treatment plan.

4. Delving deeper

If the cause from the initial examination isn’t obvious, your vet may advise further tests which might include…

• nerve or joint blocks – local anaesthetic is injected in order to numb areas. If your pony’s sound when nerve blocked it shows where the lameness is coming from
• X-rays – to look for bone or joint problems
• ultrasound scans – to check for soft tissue problems affecting tendons and ligaments
• advanced imaging – MRI, CT or bone scans

5. Next steps

Once complete, your vet will discuss the findings with you and formulate a plan for further treatment or management. The type of treatment will depend on the cause but might include box or paddock rest, surgery, remedial farriery or medication.

Our expert: Georgie Hodson is an equine vet at Haven Vet Group