Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks (diagnostic analgesia) are commonly performed in lameness cases or cases of poor performance.
Local anaesthetic is placed around nerves that supply a particular region of the limb and when this has taken effect, the horse is re-examined to determine if the lameness has improved.
Local anaesthetic can also be placed into joints or tendon sheaths to determine if they are the source of pain.
By working logically, the area of pain can be determined and radiography and ultrasonography can be pursued in order to determine the exact cause of pain and lameness.