Lameness
It can be a simple problem or it can be the most elusive, frustrating and doggedly persistent problem. Lameness diagnosis is often very straightforward e.g. acute pain in the hoof on application of pressure testing, heat and an obvious crack in the hoof wall to explore. On the other hand, there may be no painful reference point and very little information as to the onset and development of the lameness. In these cases, the diagnostic pathway is progressive and generally a process of elimination.
The examination may include observation at different gaits, flexion pressure tests of lower limb joints, regional anaesthesia with nerve blocks, joint anaesthesia, ultrasound examination and selective radiography. Selective cases may need referral to a specialist facility for nuclear scintigraphy or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging.)
Owners need to understand that the process is often time-consuming and may take repeated examinations especially when progressive nerve and joint anaesthesia is used to "block out" the source of pain. All too often we are asked to examine the lame horse that has had a number of chiropractic and physiotherapy manipulations without resolution of the lameness. Diagnosis is our mantra - only then can constructive advice be given, which might include one of the previously mentioned modalities. It is not uncommon for these cases to have chronic osteoarthritic lesions which are only identified on thorough clinical examination.
IRAP Therapy
Our clinic can offer IRAP (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein) therapy which involves collection of the horse's blood into a special syringe followed by incubation for 24 hours. This results in a high level of the naturally occuring antibody to interleukin-1, one of the mediators of inflammation. The serum is then harvested and a portion injected into the joint with the remainder being stored for injection at a later date. Candidates for this therapy are young horses with early signs of arthritis and no inciting cause such as a chip fracture or OCD lesion. An advantage of this therapy is that it targets the direct cause of arthritis at the cartilage level, and has no withholding period for competition horses.
Evolutionary treatments with stem cell triggers are starting to supersede direct stem cell therapy for repair stimulus of lameness causing conditions, eg. tendon tears.
To find out more on this and other lameness issues you can call us on (02) 67 664333
