Chris White – Equine Sports Medicine and Lameness Diagnosis
DVM
Chris White, DVM, is a leading figure in equine sports medicine, renowned for his expertise in diagnosing and treating lameness in performance horses. His journey from a childhood in Litchfield, Maine, to becoming a respected veterinarian in Nova Scotia, Canada, reflects his lifelong dedication to equine health.
Dr. White’s career reflects the evolution many equine veterinarians experience – from early procedural confidence to diagnostic precision, and from protocol-driven habits to judgement-based clinical decision-making.
For practitioners seeking to refine their lameness evaluation, imaging interpretation, and treatment planning, that progression is both professional and personal – and often shaped by experience.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in central Maine, Chris White was immersed in the world of horses, training and competing in barrel racing events. His early experiences with his own horse’s lameness issues sparked a passion for veterinary medicine, particularly in helping horses overcome similar challenges.
At 18, White moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada, to attend the University of Prince Edward Island. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the Atlantic Veterinary College. During his studies, he developed a keen interest in equine lameness and imaging.
Dr Chris White Professional Experiences
After completing a year-long internship at the Equine Clinic at OakenCroft in Upstate New York, Chris White returned to Southern Maine to join TNT Equine. There, he led the sports medicine service, focusing on wellness and performance care for horses across Maine and New Hampshire.
In 2021, Chris White relocated to Nova Scotia, Canada. His services soon expanded to include standing procedures and biologic injectables for intra-articular use, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from high-end performance horses to rural backyard operations. He is currently in the midst of getting his certification from the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology, or ISELP.
As of 2025, Dr. White, his wife, Dr. Damita Hansen, and their business partner, Dr. Kristen Pyke struck off on their own and founded Valley Equine Clinic, an equine ambulatory practice that services the Annapolis Valley. Dr. White focuses on sports medicine, but is happy to work in dentals, vaccines, and cover on call.
His role involves advanced lameness imaging and diagnostics, accepting referrals to enhance the performance of equine patients in the Annapolis Valley and beyond.
Clinical Perspective: Lessons From Practice
Years of referral sports medicine work have refined Dr. White’s clinical approach. Reflecting on his career, he notes that experience has not only sharpened his diagnostic skills but reshaped his decision-making in the field.
What Dr. Chris White does differently now
Early in my career, I would take appointments for horses that were simply booked ‘for injections.’ No workup. No imaging. Just show up and inject, often because a trainer thought it would help.
That is not my modus operandi anymore.
Now, we have a conversation about why a proper exam is necessary. Imaging is ideal. A hock injection won’t resolve a 3/5 left forelimb lameness that hasn’t been fully investigated.”
With experience came a shift from reactive procedures to structured diagnostics.
Diagnostic Discipline in Hindlimb Lameness
In sports medicine practice, hindlimb lameness presents particular diagnostic challenges – and common pitfalls.
I think practitioners often jump to intra-articular hock injections. I’ve done it. A horse flexes positive on upper flexion, radiographs look relatively normal, so injections are performed to ‘see’ if the horse improves.
I’ve had horses with proximal suspensory desmitis that became markedly worse after injection because the suspensory ligament was overloaded.
His conclusion is direct:
The goal of a lameness exam should be discovering why the horse is lame. A proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment – and almost inevitably to a better outcome.
Clinical Judgement Beyond Protocols
While nerve blocks remain foundational in lameness diagnostics, Dr. ChrisWhite emphasizes that judgement must guide application.
Blocking is incredibly important. It’s something I try to emphasize and do consistently. But I am not going to put myself in danger to do so
He recalls examining a two-year-old filly that was fresh and kicking during the physical exam. The hindlimb lameness was not blocked.
If the horse had been more suitable, I would have tried.
Practical adjustments – such as applying lidocaine cream prior to needle placement – have improved both safety and efficiency in his practice.
Choosing Between Steroids, Biologics, and Hydrogels
With expanding intra-articular treatment options, decision-making has become increasingly nuanced.
Corticosteroids remain the most commonly used option due to availability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use – though repeated administration raises valid long-term safety concerns.
Orthobiologics play a major role in his treatment planning:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for soft tissue healing
- Autologous protein solution (APS) for joint therapeutics
- IRAP less frequently used due to logistical constraints
In advanced osteoarthritis cases with marked bony change, he tends to move away from biologics, believing some joints are beyond their therapeutic window.
Hydrogels represent an emerging option, particularly in severe OA cases, sometimes used alongside anti-inflammatory therapies to optimize results.
As he notes, there are many ways to approach a joint – and individual clinical philosophy inevitably shapes decision-making.
The Importance of Mentorship
Despite years in practice, Dr. White continues to rely on mentorship.
Mentorship is incredibly important – not just teaching, but support. I still regularly speak with mentors when faced with difficult cases or even imposter syndrome.
Clinical growth, he believes, is rarely a solo endeavor.
Professional Affiliations and Writing
Chris White is a member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), working towards certification to further his expertise in equine locomotor pathology. He is also a founding member of the Atlantic Association of Equine Practitioners, demonstrating his leadership in the veterinary community.
As a freelance writer for The Horse Magazine, White contributes articles on various topics, including sports medicine and equine health, sharing his knowledge with a broader audience.
Dr Chris White’s Personal Life
Dr. Chris White resides in Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia, with his wife, Dr. Damita Hansen. They share their home with Copper, his childhood barrel horse, who remains part of both his life and professional journey.
Outside of practice, he enjoys exploring the wineries of the Annapolis Valley, karaoke nights, and (reluctantly) the gym.
Continuing the Evolution of Practice
Dr. White’s career reflects the trajectory many equine veterinarians follow – from procedural enthusiasm to diagnostic discipline, and from confidence to clinical clarity.
For practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise in lameness evaluation, imaging, and evidence-based treatment planning, structured continuing education remains central to that evolution.
The Equine Practitioner’s Program is a continuing education experience built by equine veterinarians, for equine veterinarians.
Designed to bridge cutting-edge science with clinical practicality, this program features leading minds such as Dr. Sue Dyson, a global authority in equine performance and lameness, Dr. Dylan Gorvy, renowned for his surgical and dental expertise, and Associate Professor Steven Zedler, a leader in equine medicine and pathology.
Equip yourself with the insight, confidence, and tools to elevate your practice and deliver the highest standard of equine care.