Glossary Index

Palpation means your vet carefully feels the limbs, back, neck or pelvis to check for heat, swelling, pain, tension or asymmetry. It is one of the first steps in building the clinical picture.

The pedal bone is the main bone inside the hoof capsule. It is important in conditions such as laminitis and some foot-related lameness problems, and can be assessed with imaging such as X-ray.

PET, or positron emission tomography, is a specialist imaging technique that provides functional information about the area scanned. In selected cases, it may help vets assess whether a finding is active or clinically relevant.

Poor performance means the horse is not performing as expected, such as losing impulsion, confidence, rhythm or willingness. Sometimes this is linked to subtle discomfort or lameness rather than attitude or training alone.

A poultice is a dressing applied to the hoof or limb, often to protect an area or encourage drainage, commonly when a hoof abscess is suspected. Use it as advised by your vet or farrier.