## Overview Compensatory overload occurs when a horse shifts weight or alters gait to protect a painful forelimb, thereby increasing stress on the opposite forelimb, the hind limbs, or the back and neck. This can produce secondary lameness, muscle strain, or joint inflammation that persists even after the primary problem is treated. ## Causes Any significant forelimb lameness (foot pain, tendon injury, joint disease) that causes prolonged weight redistribution. ## Diagnosis Recognition of a primary lameness plus secondary signs in other limbs or the axial skeleton. Sequential blocking and imaging identify both the original and compensatory lesions. ## Treatment Treat the primary lameness aggressively and support the overloaded structures with rest, anti-inflammatories, and rehabilitation. Corrective shoeing may help redistribute load. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good if the primary problem is resolved before secondary damage becomes severe. Chronic compensation can leave lasting issues. ## Prevention Early diagnosis and treatment of forelimb lameness.
primary forelimb lameness plus secondary lameness or stiffness in other limbs or the back; muscle soreness; altered posture
## Overview Compensatory overload occurs when a horse shifts weight or alters gait to protect a painful forelimb, thereby increasing stress on the opposite forelimb, the hind limbs, or the back and neck. This can produce secondary lameness, muscle strain, or joint inflammation that persists even after the primary problem is treated. ## Causes Any significant forelimb lameness (foot pain, tendon injury, joint disease) that causes prolonged weight redistribution. ## Diagnosis Recognition of a primary lameness plus secondary signs in other limbs or the axial skeleton. Sequential blocking and imaging identify both the original and compensatory lesions. ## Treatment Treat the primary lameness aggressively and support the overloaded structures with rest, anti-inflammatories, and rehabilitation. Corrective shoeing may help redistribute load. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good if the primary problem is resolved before secondary damage becomes severe. Chronic compensation can leave lasting issues. ## Prevention Early diagnosis and treatment of forelimb lameness.
primary forelimb lameness plus secondary lameness or stiffness in other limbs or the back; muscle soreness; altered posture