Orthopedic disorders in the equine patient are always related to acute or chronic pain. Unfortunately, pain management in the orthopedic patient is often underestimated; although it is essential for a sustainable treatment and for consideration of animal welfare.

The farrier usually meets the diseased horse more often than the veterinarian, who is typically called during the acute phase of a disorder and for diagnosis. Therefore, it’s the responsibility of the farrier to recognize pain in horses and evaluate the pain level of the orthopedic patient.

In the presence of pain, the farrier should advise the owner to consult the veterinarian to improve the welfare of the horse. In practice, it’s often the case that owners get used to the feelings and pain expression of their horse, so they become routine-blind and do not recognize that their horse suffers from pain.

The signs of a horse in chronic pain are often misinterpreted or even ignored. Therefore, the farrier must recognize pain in horses and give professional advice to the owner. This article aims to explain the physiology and difference between acute and chronic pain, pain recognition and evaluation and the possibilities of pain management to…