Nerve and joint blocks are strategic diagnostic procedures where a local anesthetic is specifically injected along a nerve pathway or into a particular joint . By temporarily numbing a certain area, these blocks help pinpoint the source of lameness.

The local anesthetic is injected either perineurally or intra - articularly into the joint under sterile conditions. This temporarily blocks nerve conduction in that area, resulting in your horse having reduced o r no sensation in that area. Sub sequently we will observe how your horse moves after each block to determine if there's any improvement in lameness. The nerve blocks on the limb are performed step by step, starting distally in the hoof area and progressing proximally closer to the horse's body.

An improvement in your horse's lameness following targeted local anesthesia helps us localize the area causing the lameness.

Based on the results of the nerve and joint bl ocks, targeted diagnostic tests such as X - rays, ultrasound examinations, or a CT scan can be conducted to identify the exact cause of the lameness. Following this, we can explore the most effective treatment options tailored to address the identified issue .

D iagnostic nerve and joint blocks are pivotal in equine lameness examinations, aiding in pinpointing the source of lameness. This leads to t argeted imaging examinations to precisely diagnose the cause of lameness and formulate a treatment plan aimed at restoring your horse's comfort and mobility.