Posted 2006-04-06 6:28 AM (#40016) Subject: Stifle Problems
Elite Veteran
Posts: 662 Location: Vanzant, Missouri
I have a coming 3yro SSH filly. Lately she has been popping her stifle. This has happened in th past but lasting only a day. This last episode has lasted a week. She has learned to back up then move forward when it pops out. I'm shipping her to the vet tomorrow for xrays. I know that this isn't a uncommon thing in foals but a 3yro? Has anyone else ever had any experience in this area.
Posted 2006-04-09 7:31 PM (#40152 - in reply to #40016) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Member
Posts: 41 Location: Alvordton Ohio
To answer your question I have a 5yr old Paso Fino and she had stifle problems.When she was 1 and 2 yrs old. I really don't know if it was passed down from the stallion or if she grew to fast or the feed she was on was high in protein. But both of her back stifles would go out and she would not get up until I popped them back in. I had bought her from someone else. But she has no problems now.But I do not feed my horses grain anymore they get all the first cutting of hay they want I am pleased how they look too. I knew of people that have had surgery on their horses. I guess they are okay. But I never had surgery done on mine. And she is fine. And I don't beleive in riding them until they are 4 yrs old. Hope yours turn out okay.
Posted 2006-04-11 5:02 PM (#40273 - in reply to #40152) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Member
Posts: 41 Location: Merrillville, Indiana
Originally written by Doc on 2006-04-09 7:31 PM
I knew of people that have had surgery on their horses. I guess they are okay. But I never had surgery done on mine. And she is fine. And I don't beleive in riding them until they are 4 yrs old. Hope yours turn out okay.
Daughter has a 4 now 5 year old POA that had this problem. Vet said it is very commom. She had the surgery done on both legs. very cheap about ($200.00) worked great. This is now one smooth riding little pony. He seem to move in in a much more collected mannor. Well worth it.
Posted 2006-04-11 8:21 PM (#40283 - in reply to #40016) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
If they cut the stife they can't sleep standing any longer.Usually they will cut one and avoid doing both if at all possable.They can also use a internal blistering agent or so I've read.I've also read were a LOT of hills etc.will build up the muscle that creates this issue and help prevent it from occuring.
Posted 2006-04-12 7:34 AM (#40307 - in reply to #40016) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
Locking stifles are usually caused by the hind quarters being too straight and therefore the ligaments are weak. I had it occur in a appendix quarter horse that was 2 and turned him out for a year to grow up. It can also be caused because of growth issues. My horse was very high behind and too straight in the hind quarters. He improved by having turn out, trotting up hills to strengthen the hind end (walk down to avoid slipping), and no tight circles. It is rare that a 3 will develope this condition. Could he be lowere at the withers right now? My vet was NOT in favor of surgery.
Posted 2006-04-12 9:58 AM (#40314 - in reply to #40016) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Several vets I talked to were against surgery.Advise was to get them fit in the back end.Easier said then done! One said he had known a few to use joint additives with success and exersise.
Posted 2006-04-12 10:05 AM (#40315 - in reply to #40016) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Newton, NJ
We had luck with the exercise theory as well!. Had a young Hackney pony - known to be straighter in the back end (I believe most gaited horses are) who had the problem. We did a lot of hill work, started gradually as he was only 3 yrs old - but within about a year and a half he was completely "cured". This was all driving work. We did not ride him until he was older.
Posted 2006-04-12 12:29 PM (#40328 - in reply to #40016) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Newton, NJ
Yes,we usually started out in the cart, but I remember having to hop out on a couple of occassions as he would sometimes have a hard time dragging both my daughter and I up those hills. The following year I rescued another Hackney pony who needed a lot of road work prior to hitching him. I lost a ton of weight that summer. I'm thinking of taking up ground driving rather than going to Curves!!!
Posted 2006-04-12 8:21 PM (#40344 - in reply to #40314) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Member
Posts: 41 Location: Merrillville, Indiana
Originally written by hounddog on 2006-04-12 9:58 AM
Several vets I talked to were against surgery.Advise was to get them fit in the back end.Easier said then done! One said he had known a few to use joint additives with success and exersise.
We talked to two of the best Horse vets in our area and they both favor the surgery. guess it just depends on who you talk to. Our regular vet did it, took him in early morning, brought him home that afternoon. one inch cut on each leg. almost no swelling. Within three weeks all healed.
Could talk to the folks at Purdue University vet school. They have a great Horse program. I'm sure they can give you sound advice. In the end thats what we did, and now that we know, I'd do the same every time. (but I hope this is the only time)
Posted 2006-04-13 5:23 AM (#40362 - in reply to #40016) Subject: RE: Stifle Problems
Elite Veteran
Posts: 662 Location: Vanzant, Missouri
Update on my ssh filly...The vet took x-rays and everything looked good in both legs. So she did a blister treatment. So far so good. I have had her going up and down a hill and also have her walking in knee deep water at the pond. She loves water so that works pretty good. Thanks everyone for the advice.
Stifle Problems
