A SEVERE lameness would be described as one that is visible at the walk or causes the horse to become non-weight bearing. It can be alarming to discover as an owner, but as with any injury or illness, it is important to remain calm so you can gather all the necessary information. Around 15% of Equicall equine emergency service visits are for lameness issues, of which most are severe due to the nature of out-of-hours work.
In most cases, irrespective of the underlying cause, the horse will at least require analgesia and anti-inflammatories. These are prescription-only medications, so veterinary attendance will be required.
Common causes of a sudden severe lameness include:
• A foot abscess. This is a frequent occurrence. While an abscess might require veterinary attention, it is not a true emergency.
