Catching and addressing a lameness problem early, when you first notice something is "not quite right," gives your horse a better chance for a quick recovery. If your horse is lame, getting a prompt diagnosis might mean the difference between a few days off or a few months. If the lameness is caused by a soft tissue injury, usually the veterinarian will recommend an ultrasound. A hand-held probe pressed against the horse’s body emits sound waves, which reflect back to the probe as they bounce off body structures. These reflections create a dynamic digital image of the scanned structure.