Equine lameness refers to a condition in horses characterized by an abnormal gait or posture, indicating pain or discomfort in one or more legs. It can stem from a variety of causes, including injuries, infections, or degenerative diseases. Lameness can affect any part of the horse’s leg, including the hoof, joints, tendons, and ligaments.

There are several types of lameness, including:

1. Acute Lameness: This sudden onset of lameness is often due to an injury or trauma, such as a sprain, fracture, or abscess.
2. Chronic Lameness: This develops over time and is usually associated with ongoing conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or navicular disease.
3. Intermittent Lameness: This type occurs sporadically and may be difficult to diagnose. It can be caused by issues that worsen with activity and improve with rest.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, lameness evaluation, and sometimes diagnostic imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds. We offer mobile xray and ultrasound that help us reach a diagnosis in the field.  Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause and may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.

Preventive measures include proper hoof care, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet to support overall equine health. If you suspect lameness in a horse, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Lameness evaluations with digital x-ray and ultrasound.

Lameness is one of the most common maladies in the horse. Causes can range from something as basic as an abscess to something as complex as back pain. With our state-of-the-art mobile digital x-ray and ultrasound, we can help! In addition, we provide on-site pre-purchase exams in the Magic and Wood River Valley.

Equine dentistry is a specialized area of veterinary care that focuses on the health and maintenance of horses’ teeth. Just like with humans, horses need regular dental care to prevent pain, discomfort, and performance issues. Unlike human dentistry, however, equine dental work often requires a veterinarian use specialized tools and techniques due to the horse’s anatomy and the potential complexity of dental problems.

Here’s an overview of what equine dentistry typically involves:

1. Initial Exam

The veterinarian will start by conducting a full oral exam, which can be done with or without sedation depending on the horse’s temperament and the complexity of the exam. The vet will look for signs of:

• Sharp points: These are small, raised areas that can develop along the edges of the horse’s molars and premolars, which may cause ulcers or irritation in the horse’s mouth.
• Tooth wear and tear: Over time, horses can develop uneven wear patterns due to the way they chew. This can lead to difficulties in chewing or even colic if food isn’t properly processed.
• Loose teeth: Teeth can become loose or infected due to injury, age, or infection.
• Abscesses or infections: Dental issues such as abscesses or infected gums can be very painful and may lead to further complications if not treated.
• Jaw alignment: Misalignment can affect chewing, leading to problems with digestion and comfort.

2. Sedation

Horses require sedation for dental procedures, especially if the work involves removing sharp points or performing more invasive work. This is to ensure the horse’s safety and comfort, and also to allow the veterinarian to do a thorough job.  Only licensed, insured veterinarians have the training and insurance to safely sedate your horse.

3. Floating the Teeth

One of the most common dental procedures for horses is called “floating.” This involves filing down sharp points or uneven teeth to prevent them from cutting the inside of the horse’s cheeks or tongue. Over time, horses’ teeth can develop sharp, uneven edges due to their constant grinding motion when chewing. These points can cause oral discomfort or difficulties with eating.

The veterinarian uses a specialized equipment, called a float,  to smooth out these points. Dr. Crawford uses a  state of the art electric float in most situations that is fully battery operated

4. Addressing Tooth Issues

If a horse has more severe dental issues, such as broken teeth, abscesses, or loose teeth, the veterinarian may need to take more advanced action which can require additional diagnostics (i.e. x -rays) and skills:

• Tooth extraction: In cases of severe decay, broken teeth, or infection, a veterinarian may need to extract the problematic teeth.
• Treatment of infections or abscesses: If there’s an infection in the tooth or gum, the vet may clean the area, flush out any infected material, and sometimes use antibiotics.

5. Floating During Routine Exams

Typically, equine dental exams and floating are done once a year or every 6 months, depending on the horse’s age, breed, diet, and specific dental needs. Young horses (2-5 years old) often need more frequent checkups, as their teeth are still growing and changing. Older horses (15+ years) might also require more frequent care to deal with wear or tooth loss.

6. Other Considerations

• Diet: Diet can affect a horse’s dental health. Hard foods like hay help wear down teeth naturally, but some processed feeds can lead to softer teeth or other problems.
• Signs of dental problems: Owners should look out for signs that their horse might need dental attention. These include dropping food while eating, a reluctance to chew or eat, excessive salivation, weight loss, or signs of discomfort when bridling or riding.

7. Advanced Procedures (Rare)

In rare cases, horses may require more complex dental procedures, such as:

• Surgical procedures: In cases of serious dental diseases or jaw issues, surgical intervention may be necessary.
• Orthodontics: Rarely, a horse might need orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth or jaws, although this is not common.

Importance of Regular Dental Care

Regular dental care is essential for a horse’s overall health. Problems with the teeth can lead to:

• Difficulty chewing and eating, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.
• Behavioral issues, as pain or discomfort can cause a horse to be reluctant to work or be bridled.
• Serious infections or abscesses that can affect overall health.

In summary, equine dentistry involves routine check-ups, floating, and addressing any dental problems that arise. The goal is to ensure the horse is comfortable, can eat properly, and remains healthy throughout its life. Regular dental care is as important for a horse’s well-being as any other form of veterinary care

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a medical treatment that utilizes components derived from a patient’s own blood to promote healing and tissue regeneration. The process involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, which is then processed using a centrifuge to separate the blood components. This separation results in a concentration of platelets and growth factors that are key to healing.

PRP contains a higher concentration of platelets than usual, along with growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance healing processes. It is commonly used in various medical fields, including orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology, and dentistry.

Applications of PRP include:

1. Orthopedic Injuries: To treat tendon injuries, ligament sprains, and joint pain.
2. Surgical Recovery: To enhance healing after surgical procedures.
3. Chronic Wounds: To improve healing in non-healing wounds.

The treatment is generally considered safe since it uses the patient’s own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or transmission of diseases.

Dr Crawford offers onsite PRP processing and injection for patients using the Dechra ProVet System.  We also offer Renovo therapy as an option for cases that require it.