Lameness is one of the most common ailments, but also one of the hardest to diagnose.

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Lameness is very common and may range from extreme acute cases to more subtle chronic unsoundness. 

Lameness may result in poor performance or varying periods of inactivity for the horse. All lame horses require a thorough diagnostic examination.  In some cases, a lameness exam may be simple; in others, an extensive and time consuming investigation, including nerve blocks and diagnostic imaging (Radiography or Ultrasound), may be required.
 
The evaluation process and comprehensive lameness examination in complicated cases requires patience, and a step by step evaluation of musculoskeletal system.  Such challenging lameness cases may take repeated investigations and are even more difficult to evaluate once the lameness becomes chronic.  Horses, particularly those with chronic problems, may develop compensatory gait abnormalities which further complicate the lameness evaluation and possibly its treatment.  Therefore, it is important to have a lameness evaluated as soon as it is recognized.