Annular Ligament injury and stumbling?

[spotty_pony]

Is there a link?

My Appy strained his ligament back in 2018 and was off for a couple of months. There is thickening around the area, but on scan it was described as a 'mild sprain'. Vet said I could operate but it was likely the other leg would need the same operation at some point. At the time he was nearly 19 so I decided against the op and opted to stop Hunting him and just continue with light hacking. I had the ligament steroid injected and he came back into work and was fine. Fast forward to this spring and he knocked it in the field and was lame for a week but after a week of rest and bute he was fine again.

He is fine in himself but I have noticed he seems to be tripping more lately. There are numerous factors which could be contributing towards this... he's not as forward going as usual due to the weather, he's busily trying to snack on his hacks so isn't concentrating (!) and it is worse towards the end of his shoeing cycleif his toes have got a bit long. The Farrier has rolled his toes to try and help with the breakover which has made a bit of difference but he is still tripping - mostly offroad on never ground and only in walk.

I am just wondering if the ligament could be playing a part in this or would he be lame? Has anyone had this diagnosis and if so did more work lessen the tripping or make it worse? I have read conflicting information for both sides to it.

 

[ycbm]

Is it just the one foot he trips on? If so, I'd suspect it was related.

I think the annular ligament can thicken and restrict another ligament or tendon that runs under it. Is it possible this has happened and it needs loosening?
.

 

[exracehorse]

My mare had a bad annular ligament tear. She had 14 months as a field ornament. She occasionally has a potter down the road but has a permanent slight limp. Wonky donkey. Vet said it was thickening. She’s 22 now

 

[spotty_pony]

Is it just the one foot he trips on? If so, I'd suspect it was related.

I think the annular ligament can thicken and restrict another ligament or tendon that runs under it. Is it possible this has happened and it needs loosening?
.

I am not 100% sure whether it's one leg ir both I will keep an eye out on our next ride. If he is awake and walking out it doesn't happen though so I am unsure.

 

[hobo]

My mare has a thickened annular ligament, a doggy hock and a cloudy stifle all have been medicated over the last 18 mnts she does light hacking about 3 times a week and like exracehorse can be slightly wonky but she does not trip hers is all her back right.
So I would not say that the ligament is the cause but as you say there could be any number of reasons for yours if it is of concern I would have a check from your vet. It is tough as they get a bit older knowing what is going on mine is 21.

 

[chocolategirl]

When my mare started tripping and stumbling suddenly, it turned out to be neck arthritis. Not saying this is what yours has, but it’s just one more of many things to consider as a cause of tripping?

 

[spotty_pony]

When my mare started tripping and stumbling suddenly, it turned out to be neck arthritis. Not saying this is what yours has, but it’s just one more of many things to consider as a cause of tripping?

yes could very possibly be arthritis somewhere as he already had it in his hocks (which are medicated). I even wonder if it could be his knees and he is just not picking his feet up high enough because he is stiff ?‍ so many things it could be, have to tell myself not to overthink it unless it gets worse and then I will talk to the Vet.