Why horses go lame?
Reasons, why horses go lame, can vary from harmful to threatening. Overall they can be related to the neck, back, and legs. Most common causes why horses go lame are:
- Trauma;
- Tendon, ligament, joint, muscle or bone injury;
- Degenerative diseases like arthritis and osteoarthritis;
- Overload and stress to legs;
- Improperly treated hoof;
- Metabolic disorders as laminitis;
- Sprains and strains;
- Fractures;
- Infections;
- Inflammation;
- Orthopedic diseases.
However, the accurate reason why a horse is limping can be defined only by a veterinarian. The specific cause will determine the type of treatment.