Form: acute lameness — systematic hoof examination
Anamnesis, pulse, inspection, decision – in that order
Complete the form at each emergency call. It forces the examination through all steps—even when the owner is stressed and the answer seems obvious. Most acute lameness sits in the hoof but the conclusion must be based on findings not statistics.
§1. Anamnesis (ask before you touch)
- 01Horse / owner / date / time: ______________________
- 02When was the lameness first seen and did it come suddenly or gradually? ______________________
- 03When was the horse last trimmed/shoed? ______________________
- 04What has the horse been used for in recent days (work, folding, transport)? ______________________
- 05Previous hoof problems (abscesses, founder, nail damage)? ______________________
- 06Tetanus vaccination — status known? yes / no / outdated
§2. Examination at rest and in motion
| Step | Findings | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Degree of lameness in walk/trot (which leg?) | Brushing on straight, fixed track if safe | |
| Relief position at rest (e.g. weight backward) | Weight shifted back + warm hooves → suspicion of laminitis | |
| Heat in the hoof (compare with the other hooves) | ||
| Increased pulsation at elbow joint | None / light / heavy | Always compare both sides |
| Visible damage, foreign body, wounds at crown margin | Foreign body in critical zone: leave it — veterinarian | |
| Systematic inspection with hoofpick, all the way around the hoof | reaction where? | Note the watch's position on the stud |
§3. Assessment and action
- 01Most likely findings: nail ulcer / nail puncture-nail stab / ingested foreign body / suspected confinement / other: ______
- 02Action performed by locksmith (cutting, drain, nail pulled, binding, relief): ______________________
- 03Handed over to veterinarian? yes / no — if yes: name and time: ______________________
- 04Recommendation to owner (box/rest, dry ground, observation, follow-up visit): ______________________
- 05Photos taken and stored in main journal? yes / no