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?

2 comments

2 Comments

roberts.jesse1d ago

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

jennifere181d ago

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