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5. Lameness examination

Lameness examination

Lameness in pets is one of the most common complaints in veterinary medicine. Lameness is a way for an animal to express pain. Sometimes there is a simple explanation, but often it involves conditions that are not so easy to diagnose. Our clinic is highly regarded in Europe for diagnosing and solving lameness problems. We keep searching until we find the cause, which can sometimes involve quite a few tests.
Preference is given to patients who are referred by their vet, but animals without their own “pet doctor” are certainly just as welcome.

A thorough examination usually allows us to make a probable diagnosis, which is then confirmed by medical imaging. We use the latest techniques for this, ranging from traditional radiography and ultrasound to more specialised CT scans, MRIs and scintigraphy. Recently, intra-articular anaesthesia (anaesthesia of a joint) for dogs and cats has also been perfected. This allows for even clearer localisation of the lameness. Performing flexion tests can also sometimes help to localise the problem.

As a University Veterinary Clinic, we also have a duty to provide the new generation of veterinarians with comprehensive orthopaedic training. Final-year students are therefore given the opportunity to make their own diagnosis and suggest a treatment under the supervision of an experienced orthopaedic surgeon. This allows them to gradually build up their experience and gives them a broader foundation for their future careers as veterinarians.

Appointment for a lameness examination:

T 09 264 77 00

info.khd@ugent.be

Available Monday to Friday, continuously from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.