SportHorses.vet is an independent equine veterinary service based in Bocholt (3950), Belgium.
Specialized in equine orthopedics, sport horse medicine and performance-oriented veterinary care across Europe.
Low-grade lameness and progressive performance loss in a high-level sport horse
A high-level sport horse was presented with a progressive decline in performance, without obvious lameness at rest or during basic evaluations. This type of presentation is common in sport horses and represents one of the most complex challenges in equine orthopedic practice.
A comprehensive orthopedic work-up was performed, including detailed gait analysis, targeted functional tests and a critical clinical interpretation of diagnostic imaging. The goal was not merely to identify a structural lesion, but to understand the biomechanical origin of the problem and its relationship with cumulative training and competitive load.
By integrating clinical findings with imaging data, a functional pattern was identified that, if left unaddressed, could have progressed toward a more limiting condition. Based on this assessment, specific recommendations were made regarding management adjustments, training modification and preventive strategies focused on long-term soundness and athletic durability.
This early, targeted approach allowed intervention before the development of overt pathology, supporting a more sustainable and performance-oriented athletic career.