Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and sport horses are no exception. Whether your horse competes in jumping, dressage, barrel racing, or endurance riding, they rely on strength, agility, and resilience. However, the intense physical demands of training and competition can lead to injuries, chronic pain, and performance decline if not managed proactively. At Countryside Equine Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing lameness and sports-related injuries—keeping your equine athlete performing at their best for years to come.
If your horse seems "off," is resisting work, or showing signs of lameness, don’t wait. Contact us at (770) 787-4711 for an appointment with our experienced equine sports medicine team.
Equine Lameness
Lameness is any deviation from normal movement caused by pain or restricted range of motion. While commonly associated with the limbs, lameness can also originate from discomfort in the neck, withers, shoulders, back, loin, or hips. Some cases present as obvious limping, while others show up in more subtle ways—like difficulty picking up the correct lead, resistance to jumping, or a change in attitude under saddle.
Veterinarians use a standardized 0 to 5 grading scale to assess lameness, ranging from sound (0) to non-weight bearing (5). Because the signs can be subtle, early detection is key. If you notice an issue, a comprehensive lameness exam can pinpoint the underlying cause and guide an effective treatment plan.
Lameness Diagnostic Tools
To pinpoint the source of your horse’s lameness, we may implement any of the following diagnostic tools:
- Comprehensive movement evaluations (flexion tests, lunging, under-saddle assessments)
- Nerve blocks
- Digital wireless radiography
- High-resolution ultrasound imaging
- Endoscopy for airway and throat evaluations
- Echocardiograms
- Muscle biopsies
- Genetic testing
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can save time, money, and frustration while protecting your horse’s long-term soundness.
Advanced Treatments for Sports Injuries
When an injury does occur, effective treatment is key to a successful recovery. Our approach blends cutting-edge therapies with time-tested veterinary expertise, ensuring the best possible outcome for your horse.
Treatments we commonly use for equine sports injuries include:
- Customized farrier and shoeing recommendations
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- Joint injections (hock, stifle, coffin, navicular bursa, fetlock, pastern, tendon sheath)
- Back and neck injections
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
- Regenerative medicine (PRP, IRAP, Pro-Stride)
- Tailored rehabilitation programs
- Class IV Laser Therapy for pain management and healing
- Targeted anti-inflammatory medications and topical NSAIDs
- Stretching and strength-building exercise regimens
Each treatment plan is customized based on your horse’s discipline, medical history, and long-term performance goals.
A Collaborative Approach to Equine Performance
Your horse’s success is a team effort. As an owner, you know your horse best. By working together, we can develop a comprehensive plan that keeps your equine athlete healthy, sound, and competition-ready.
Ensure your horse is ready to perform at the top of their game. Give us a call at (770) 787-4711 or book an appointment online.