Lameness & Poor Performance Examinations
Lameness examinations typically involve detailed assessment of conformation, palpation and flexion tests, nerve and/or joint blocks and radiographic and/or ultrasound examination. In more complicated causes of lameness, our partner practice REC Equine Specialists offers more detailed imaging techniques which include nuclear medicine (bone scanning) and computed tomography (CT) at their Horsley Park Hospital.
Poor performance, while often caused by lameness may result from numerous other abnormalities. A poor performance investigation initially consists of a detailed history, physical examination, and lameness examination. Depending on the history and physical examination findings one or more of the following investigations may be indicated, including; routine bloodwork, upper airway endoscopic examination, exercising endoscopic examination, ultrasound and/or fluid sampling of the lungs (tracheal aspiration and bronchoalveolar lavage), endoscopic examination of the stomach and/or evaluation of the heart by ECG and/or ultrasound.
