Poor conformation or improper hoof balance/shoeing.
Hard, slippery, or rocky surfaces.
Inciting Factors (Immediate Causes):
Direct or indirect trauma.
Fatigue leading to muscle incoordination.
Inflammation and infection.
Early Warning Signs: Failure to notice reduced training times or resistance to lead changes.
Secondary Lameness and Compensation:
The Chain Effect: Lameness in one area often leads to soreness in another part of the same limb or the contralateral limb due to compensation.
Holistic Evaluation: The entire horse must be assessed even when the primary cause seems obvious.
Severe Complication:Biomechanical laminitis can develop in the "normal" limb if it is forced to bear excessive weight due to a severe injury on the opposite side.