Lameness

Lameness is the term used to describe a disturbed gait pattern that occurs mainly in horses. A distinction is made between supporting leg lameness and sloping leg lameness.

In the case of supporting leg lameness, the disturbed movement usually manifests itself in the form of limping, because the horse wants to put less weight on the affected leg, which is under load, due to pain.

In sloping leg lameness, the horse lifts the affected leg comparatively lower and the stride length is usually shorter than it is known to be. The affected pain area is usually further above the leg, e.g. in the area of the shoulder, knee or even hip joint.

The causes of lameness can be very diverse. It can be sprains, fractures, infections or injuries. Due to lameness, there is automatically a shift in weight and the rest of the horse’s legs are subjected to greater strain. This overload can in turn lead to further lameness.