Where does it hurt? Problems with interpretation of regional and intra‐synovial diagnostic analgesia

Abstract

Summary Detailed clinical evaluation and diagnostic analgesia are crucial for accurate lameness diagnosis. This review discusses the ways in which local analgesic techniques can cause confusion and highlights how important it is to recognise that the majority of methods are less specific than was formerly thought. Interpretation of responses must be done together with the results of clinical examination and careful assessment of diagnostic images. With the knowledge of false negative and false positive results of local analgesic techniques and the recognition that there may be more than one focus of pain contributing to lameness, it is still possible to reach accurate diagnoses, provided that a logical, thoughtful approach is utilised.