With any type of lameness, the joints should be examined. Skin the hide away from the joint of interest. Bend the joint in it's natural direction and cut through the muscles toward the middle of the joint. All joints are surrounded by a thin layer of connective tissue, cut through this to expose the inside of the joint. Carefully examine the joint fluid and the bones involved in the joint.

Normally the joint fluid is clear to slightly yellow in color and is viscous or "stringy". There should not be any blood or pus in the joint.

The bones should be smooth and white.