Pain is the most common cause of lameness in horses. This may arise from short-term injury, mechanical lameness (e.g., the result of damaged connective tissues or an abnormality in anatomy) or neuromuscular disorders. Physically immature horses that are subjected to repetitive stress due to activity have been prone to lameness. Certain breeds of horses and those occupying specific areas of discipline are more commonly predisposed to developing lameness conditions. Orthopedic disease, poor conformation, improper hoof balance or shoeing and failure to adequately condition performance horses can also cause lameness.¹

In general, lameness is used to describe a horse’s change in gait, usually in response to pain somewhere in a limb, but it can also be the result of a mechanical restriction on movement. Lameness is considered when a horse develops a limp, but lameness may cause subtler change in gait, or even a slightly decreased willingness to perform.² Examples include arthritis in the knee of racehorses, hock arthritis in cutting horses, and hind limb lameness in dressage horses.³

A high percentage of lameness in the forelimb originates in the hoof.² Well-known and of particular concern is laminitis, a common and potentially devastating foot problem that affects all members of the equine family. The disease process involves a breakdown of the bond between the hoof wall and the distal phalanx. Forelimb lameness is often easier to recognize than hind limb lameness. This is probably because the mechanics of the forelimb causes lameness to be recognizable and more obvious to the casual observer. Upper forelimb lameness is not often seen in adult horses. Hind limb lameness is much more difficult to recognize and diagnose, particularly when subtle upper hind limb functions are involved. The large musculature of the horse’s upper hind limb makes it harder to detect damage and anomalies, even using radiographs and ultrasound.³

Lameness in horses accounts for hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses in the equine industry each year. Lameness can range from subtle, to reduced performance, to loss of use, to chronic severe pain ultimately resulting in euthanasia. 

Where to buy Phenylbutazone + Omeprazole

Phenylbutazone + Omeprazole is available in the U.S. through pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. 

This product carries numerous potential drug interactions. Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹Merck Veterinary Manual.

²aaep.org.

³equimanagement.com.