Equine Body Lameness

Recovery from body lameness is rarely linear. Learn why dips, plateaus, and fluctuations are a normal part of equine rehabilitation—and how to recognize true progress over time.

DSMD (idiopathic hopping) is a commonly missed cause of front-end pain in horses, linked to dysfunction of the scapular and thoracic sling rather than the lower limb. Learn the signs, why it’s often overlooked, and when veterinary evaluation matters.

Performance lameness does not always present as a clear head-nod or limp. In many sport horses, discomfort in the neck, back, or pelvis shows up first as subtle performance decline rather than obvious limb lameness.

Understanding the Pain Cycle in Horses – Part 3 explores how movement patterns and management strategies help interrupt chronic pain loops and restore more comfortable, efficient motion.

When pain persists beyond tissue healing, the nervous system itself may be driving discomfort. Central sensitization and neuropathic pain help explain exaggerated reactions, inconsistent movement, and behavior changes in horses.

Some horses continue to show pain, tension, or behavior changes long after an injury has healed. Peripheral sensitization helps explain why normal touch or movement can become painful—and how early intervention can break the cycle.