What Can Cause a Horse to Go Lame?

Horse owners should pay attention to their animal to determine whether it is lame. Unlike dogs -- which whine when they are distressed -- horses don't vocally communicate when they are in steady pain. A healthy, well-balanced diet and regular check-ups will prevent your horse from going lame.

  1. Laminitis and Navicular Disease

    • The disease laminitis -- one of the most common causes of horse lameness -- causes inflammation to the hoof wall and is often prompted by a high-grain diet or infection. The infection doesn't have to originate in the foot for laminitis to develop there. Navicular disease also affects the foot and is very common. The navicular, at the back of the foot, attaches the ligament and tendon. Slight inflammation in the area can cause a lot of pain.

    Legs

    • Leg pain is a common ailment on horses because of their proportion. The animal's legs are quite thin, contrasted with the rest of its body. The problem is especially common among overweight horses that are top heavy and particularly susceptible to injuries. Lack of exercise increases the problem because diminished leg strength makes the horse incapable of handling the weight. A horse that is trotting off-center likely has a leg injury.

    Feet

    • Occasionally, your horse can get an object, like a stick or rock, stuck in its shoe. The object wears on the horse's foot until the animal can't put weight on it, or puts very little weight on it. Notice if the horse drags one of its feet when it walks. You will need to replace the shoe and put ointment on the wound. Let the horse rest for several days before easing it back into movement.

    Inspection

    • A horse owner or veterinarian will feel the hoof for excess heat, pain and swelling. He will also see if there is uneven wear on the hoof. The vet will then work his way up the horse's leg, feeling for heat, pain and swelling. The tendons and joints are palpated to see if the horse reacts to pain there. Seeing a vet regularly will likely prevent horse lameness.