02/20/2026
Localizing Lameness: The Importance of Nerve Blocks in Equine Lameness Exams
· Nerve Blocks are used to accurately determine where the pain is coming from when a horse is lame.
Starting at the heel and moving systematically up the leg, if the lameness resolves the block indicates that the source of the pain is below where the block was placed.
If the lameness persists after a block, then we can proceed with the next block higher up the leg until the lameness improves.
· Nerve blocks can be used to guide further diagnostics.
Localizing the source of pain avoids unnecessary imaging by determining which area should be imaged.
Nerve Blocks can also confirm whether an imaging finding is truly clinically significant.
Accurately localizing subtle lameness is critical for ensuring a complete recovery and restoring peak performance in your equine athlete.
