Warning: I just read a study that says a huge number of lameness cases start from the foot, not the leg

I was flipping through an old copy of The American Farrier's Journal at the feed store yesterday, and a stat from a vet school study jumped out at me. It said something like 80% of front leg lameness actually originates from issues in the foot, not higher up the leg like a lot of owners assume. I've seen this myself for sure, where a client is sure their horse has a knee problem, but it's just a nasty case of thrush or a sole bruise throwing the whole gait off. It makes sense when you think about it, that's where all the impact starts. But it really drives home how critical a good trim and proper shoeing is for the whole animal's soundness. It's not just about making the hoof look pretty. Have any of you guys had to explain this to a skeptical owner who was convinced it was a tendon issue?

3 comments

3 Comments

roberts.jesse25d ago

That 80% number seems kinda high, my vet always says it's more like a 60/40 split.

jennifere1825d ago

My friend's cat got so sick on that exact ratio.

rowan_thomas7d ago

Right, the cat getting sick on that exact mix. My old roommate's dog had the same thing happen with a different ratio, it was a total mess. Vets really need to put out clearer guides because these online numbers are all over the place. Seeing that happen once was enough to make me just stick with the food bag instructions forever.