New global survey: 95% of orthopaedic vets say earlier detection could prevent more serious lameness cases

Stockholm, Sweden 2025-09-10 

A new report released by Sleip highlights early intervention as one of the most powerful — and underused — tools in equine health today. In a survey of more than 100 specialist veterinarians worldwide, 95% said they frequently or occasionally see lameness cases where earlier intervention could have prevented more serious outcomes.

Veterinarians also report that lameness remains one of the most common and complex challenges in equine practice — with joint disease, tendon injuries, and back and pelvic issues leading the list of diagnosed causes.

The 2025 Equine Lameness Insights report, based on responses from members of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), offers a current snapshot of diagnostic practice, clinical pressures, and the evolving role of technology in supporting earlier detection and better outcomes.

Key findings at a glance

• 95% of vets say earlier intervention could have improved the outcome
• 80% say access to historical movement data would be valuable in their work
• 63% cite managing client expectations as their top professional challenge
• 44% expect objective gait analysis to become a standard tool within five years

Gait analysis gains ground — with AI tools supporting earlier referrals 

Objective gait analysis technology is increasingly viewed as a way to detect subtle asymmetries earlier, guide treatment decisions, and support referrals before more advanced pathology sets in.

The report shows that:

• Over 60% of vets have already used objective gait analysis in their clinical work
• 75% would consider using gait analysis in pre-purchase exams
• 44% expect it to become a standard diagnostic tool within the next five years
• 80% say access to historical gait data would be valuable in their clinical work — especially for chronic conditions and rehab tracking
• Both early-career and highly experienced vets report challenges in relying solely on subjective assessments to detect subtle lameness

“Earlier isn’t just better — it can be the difference between recovery and retirement,” says Elin Hernlund, DVM, biomechanics researcher and Chief Medical Officer at Sleip. “By establishing an individual baseline for each horse, we can interpret gait data within that horse’s natural patterns, making it easier to catch even subtle shifts”, she explains. 

Data supports the full team — not just the vet

The findings also point to the need for stronger collaboration between vets, farriers, physiotherapists, and trainers. 60% of respondents cite differing approaches as a barrier to coordinated care, and 30% highlight the lack of a structured communication system.

Consistent, precise and objective asymmetry measurements offer a shared data language that helps all professionals around the horse work from the same picture. Analysis results can be shared between, for instance, a farrier and a veterinarian, or a trainer and a veterinarian, improving communication and collaboration.    

The pressure behind the practice

The report also highlights broader pressures in equine practice — from rising client expectations to the routine use of WhatsApp videos for informal assessments, now received weekly or daily by over 75% of vets. While intended to help, these unstructured interactions add to workload and blur professional boundaries. Sleip plans to explore these findings further in upcoming resources for the equine professional community.

Full report available now

The 2025 Equine Lameness Insights report is available to download here.

About ISELP

The International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP) is a global network of equine veterinarians with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of lameness and performance-related disorders. ISELP provides  continuing education and promotes evidence-based approaches to equine locomotor health. Learn more at www.iselp.org 

About Sleip

Sleip is a leading provider of AI-based gait analysis for horses, dedicated to improving equine welfare through  accessible, data-driven technology. Using only an iPhone, Sleip enables equine veterinarians to detect subtle  movement changes, track progress over time, and support better clinical decisions — without additional  hardware. The technology is scientifically validated and trusted by equine professionals worldwide, from solo  practitioners to top referral clinics. Sleip is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Learn more at www.sleip.com.

For interviews, comments, or other media requests:

Åsa Wilde
asa@sleip.com
+46-708868799

Download the press release