clicky joints

[weesophz]

noticed when i was riding the other day that my boys right hind leg clicks quite loudly when he moves. hes not in pain and isnt lame, and apart from being a bit stiff from standing in moves comfortably.

anyone know what the clicking is, and if its anything to be worried about?

thanks

 

[Janah]

I have no idea what causes the clicking, sometimes my boy does it and sometimes doesn't. Never caused a problem and I've owned him for 11 years.

 

[Sparkly Snowdrop]

My boy used to be really clicky in both his hind legs, I believe it is caused by air bubbles in the joints or something like that. I have started feeding him turmeric this winter and have noticed recently that he doesn't click at all!

 

[mightymammoth]

I have the same problem myself with a creaky knee, have had it since I was a kid. It sounds painful but isnt

 

[weesophz]

i googled it and read its something to do with tendons maybe being too short or arthritis, google symptoms shouldnt be allowed for anything! haha panic mode!

 

[kippen64]

If you are really worried, you could get your vet out to have a look if the clicking has continued. My TB was retired due to a clicking knee. The vet said he wasn't capable of anything but light work, but as he was a horse fond of flinging himself around under saddle, I didn't think I'd be able to explain the concept of light work to him.

In short, if you are worried, get the vet out. Cheers.

 

[Jesstickle]

It's almost certainly just air moving in the joint. Lots of horses (and people too) have clicky joints and it doesn't mean anything at all. What is more worrying is a grinding joint.

 

[weesophz]

thanks guys dont think its anything to worry about as hes not sore or anything, was just curious as to what it might be!

 

[BeachBreaker]

My horse clicks in walk almost constantly but never had any lameness issues with him. Vet said not to worry and just to put my ipod in when I ride!

 

[weesophz]

Vet said not to worry and just to put my ipod in when I ride!

think ill do the same haha!

 

[ShowJumperBeckii]

Wasn't there a thread like ages ago on this and someone said it was called mice joints?(or something along them lines) and its harmless and means nothing

 

[weesophz]

im not sure, but it seems to be a very common thing so i dont doubt it!

 

[Hippophilia]

My TB mare has developed a click in her right hind, which is also her stiff side generally. She's had most of the winter off so I was veering towards it being a clicking stifle caused by lack of muscle tone. She's back in work now so I was going to give it a few weeks to see if it goes as she regains some fitness before calling the vet. She doesn't seem to be in pain and its only noticeable in trot, so I'm not too concerned (although I will be if it sticks around or get worse). Mind, she is 22 so I guess she may just not be as flexible as she used to be!