As a horse owner, it is your responsibility to be on the lookout for any health changes that could affect your animal's quality of life or longevity. Lameness is a serious health condition that can affect horses, donkeys, sheep, and other animals. At The Doggie Dude Ranch, we can help you better understand this condition, get important lameness exams done quickly, and create a treatment plan. Keep reading to learn more about how we can help with equine care in Ames, IA.

Understanding Lameness

The first thing you should understand is exactly what lameness is. Lameness is defined as any difference in gait. This is a broad definition. A difference in gait can be different for each individual animal. You, as the animal owner, will know best what constitutes a change in gait. If you spend a lot of time with your animal, especially if you ride your animal, you may even start to notice this change before any physical manifestations appear. You may just notice that your horse feels different when you ride it.

In most cases, the change in gait is caused by pain. The point of a lameness exam is to determine what is causing the pain.

An Equine Veterinarian Can Help

When you first notice any changes in your animal's gait, you will need to make an appointment with an equine veterinarian. This professional will be able to examine your animal and determine what is causing the pain. Following this, a treatment plan can be developed that will help your animal recover.

To learn more about lameness evaluations or any of the other services we provide, contact us at The Doggie Dude Ranch, serving Ames, IA, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to help you and your animals today. Call us today at 515-382-1444.