Making a Diagnosis

Is your horse lame? Learn why it’s important to do what it takes to make an accurate diagnosis before you treat.

- BARB CRABBE, DVM

When I entered equine practice 30 years ago, I got my schedule from the office at the beginning of the day, then checked in when I had finished my appointments. I carried a beeper, and when I got a page, I had to stop at a convenience store along my route to use a pay phone. If I had to take radiographs, I developed them at the end of the day by dumping them in vats of chemicals in the practice darkroom. If I needed more or different views, I had to go back to the farm to repeat the process. Diagnosing a lameness was tricky, and chances were a horse would be treated based on a “likely guess” about what was wrong. Sore hocks? Inject them with corticosteroids and see if that helps. Sore feet? Talk to your farrier about corrective shoes.

Times have changed. These days, my cellphone is always at my side. My office can reach me any time they need me, and so can my clients. The beeper is long gone, and I haven’t seen a pay phone in years. I can take as many radiographs as my heart desires on the digital system, and if I don’t like what I see, I can simply repeat the view—right then and there. I honestly don’t know how any of us did it “back in the day,” but I do know things are better now. Technology has not only improved on the things we use every day, it’s also opened up a whole new world of tools for diagnosing lameness, and has led to treatment options that increase the chances for a successful outcome.