While the search results do not offer comprehensive information on preventive measures for lameness in animals, they do mention some causes of lameness in horses.
Lameness in animals, especially horses, can be a significant concern. While a comprehensive guide to prevention isn’t available here, understanding the common causes is the first step in protecting your animals.
What Causes Lameness in Animals?
Lameness in horses can stem from various sources, including:
- Infections Horses are subject to a number of contagious diseases.
- Parasites Certain mites, ticks, and lice can affect horses’ skin.
- Poor hygiene Sensitive skin is especially subject to eczemas and abscesses, which may result from neglect or contamination.
- Injuries Sores caused by injuries to the skin from ill-fitting or unclean saddles and bridles are common ailments.
- Digestive issues The horse’s digestive tract is particularly sensitive to spoiled feed, which causes acute or chronic indigestion, especially in hot weather.
- Worms Worms can develop in the intestine and include the larvae of the botfly, pinworms, tapeworms, and roundworms (ascarids).
- Overexertion Overwork and neglect may predispose the horse to pneumonia and rheumatism.
- Infections of the larynx The ailment known as roaring is an infection of the larynx that makes the horse inhale noisily; a milder form causes the horse to whistle.
- Asthma Chronic asthma, or “broken wind,” is an ailment that is all but incurable.
- Leg and foot injuries A horse’s legs and feet are sensitive to blows, sprains, and overwork, especially if the horse is young or is worked on hard surfaces. Lameness may be caused by bony growths, such as splints, spavins, and ringbones, by soft-tissue enlargements, known as windgalls, thoroughpins, and shoe boils, and by injury to the hooves, including sand crack, split hoof, tread thrush, and acute or chronic laminitis.
What Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Lameness?
Given the causes outlined above, preventive measures would include:
- Ensuring proper hygiene and regular grooming.
- Maintaining a clean living environment.
- Providing a balanced diet to avoid digestive issues.
- Implementing a regular deworming schedule.
- Avoiding overwork and providing adequate rest.
- Using properly fitted equipment.
Want to discover more about specific conditions that cause lameness and how to treat them?