Clinical study of palmar foot pain in 30 polo ponies with forelimb lameness in Thailand
Authors: Krisana Watchrarat, A. Kidtiwong, Ashannut Isawirodom, Tanakorn Phetkarl, Teerapol Sthaporn, K. Na Lampang, K. Warrit, P. Rungsri
Journal: Veterinary Integrative Sciences
Summary
# Palmar Foot Pain in Polo Ponies: A Clinical Perspective from Thailand Palmar foot pain represents a significant chronic condition affecting sport horse performance, yet its prevalence in polo ponies—animals with unique biomechanical demands—had not been systematically investigated. Researchers in Thailand examined 30 Argentine polo ponies (10 geldings, 20 mares; aged 7–20 years) that were barefoot and rested for at least 2 months, employing a comprehensive lameness assessment protocol including trot analysis, lunge work, full flexion tests, toe wedge tests, hoof conformation evaluation, percussion, and palmar digital nerve blocks. The findings were striking: 83.3% (25/30) demonstrated forelimb lameness, subdivided into 56.7% unilateral and 26.7% bilateral cases, with 83.3% showing positive hoof tester and frog percussion responses, yet only 30% (9 ponies) responding positively to palmar nerve block—suggesting that whilst hoof pain indicators are prevalent in lame polo ponies, true palmar foot pain may be less common than hoof sensitivity alone. These results underscore the importance of differential diagnostics in polo populations: practitioners should recognise that positive hoof percussion and tester responses do not automatically indicate palmar digital structures as the primary pain source, and comprehensive nerve block protocols remain essential for accurate localisation before committing to farriery or therapeutic interventions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Palmar foot pain is highly prevalent in polo ponies with forelimb lameness (30% confirmed by nerve block), warranting targeted foot pain assessment in your polo and sport horse populations
- •Hoof tester and percussion testing are sensitive diagnostic indicators (83% positive) and can be valuable screening tools in your lameness workup before proceeding to nerve blocks
- •Consider palmar foot pain in the differential diagnosis of forelimb lameness in polo and sport horses, as it represents a significant portion of cases and may require specific management strategies
Key Findings
- •83.3% (25/30) of polo ponies presented with forelimb lameness, comprising 56.7% unilateral and 26.7% bilateral cases
- •30% (9/30) of ponies were positive to palmar digital nerve block, indicating palmar foot pain
- •83.3% of ponies responded positively to hoof tester and percussion at frog area, suggesting foot pain sensitivity
- •56.7% (17/30) of ponies responded positively to full forelimb flexion test