Knocking stifle...

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Spirit's mom

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Our 8 year old thoroughbred mare has just been diagnosed with a knocking stifle. We had the physio out yesterday, as we thought she'd twisted her back, but during some serious manipulation the stifle was found to be knocking. A month of walking; ridden and in hand has been prescribed, hopefully to build some muscle in order to support the stifle, and I suspect we'll see how things go from there, but has anyone else experienced this? I'd appreciate any advice!
 
Are sure it's "knocking" and not "locking" ?

I've not ever heard of knocking stifle, but locking stifle is not uncommon.c
 
I've never heard of a knocking stifle either. I'd ask the vet rather than the physio who isn't actually allowed to diagnose.
 
There are lots of threads atm re body workers and the legality of how they work. I don't see anything wrong with calling a physio if you think a horse is 'tight' or a bit sore somewhere but if the physio suspects an issue they should refer you straight to your vet to assess/diagnose.
You say your horse had 'serious manipulation' which should only be carried out on veterinary recommendation. If an issue is found that needs medical treatment there may also be problems with insurance.
Is the horse lame? I would be calling the vet as soon as possible, I hope you get to the bottom of it and some clear answers soon.

ETA - by the way I do know of a horse that had 'locking stifles' and did come right with physiotherapy, treadmill and equimyoplast supplement to build muscle. All the treatments were covered by insurance as the vet diagnosed and recomended the treatment :-)
 
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Your physio is wrong.no such thing as a knocking stifle.
a locking stifle or luxating patella however could be whats wrong.....

so the real question is are you going to consult your vet or continue to follow the diagnosis and advise of the person who doesnt even know the correct name for the conditon....
8 is quite old to have this diagnosed as well.
 
The physio cannot diagnose, I have also never heard of a knocking stifle, you need a vet out to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, if the physio is wrong you could be damaging your horse by following their advice, you need to be so careful getting an unauthorised physio, or any other therapist, without the vets knowledge as it can void your insurance if something goes wrong, serious manipulation should only be done under veterinary advice, be careful who you allow to treat your horse.
 
Whitehorseslave said:
There are lots of threads atm re body workers and the legality of how they work. I don't see anything wrong with calling a physio if you think a horse is 'tight' or a bit sore somewhere but if the physio suspects an issue they should refer you straight to your vet to assess/diagnose.
You say your horse had 'serious manipulation' which should only be carried out on veterinary recommendation. If an issue is found that needs medical treatment there may also be problems with insurance.
Is the horse lame? I would be calling the vet as soon as possible, I hope you get to the bottom of it and some clear answers soon.

ETA - by the way I do know of a horse that had 'locking stifles' and did come right with physiotherapy, treadmill and equimyoplast supplement to build muscle. All the treatments were covered by insurance as the vet diagnosed and recomended the treatment :-)
Click to expand...

hijacking thread slightly.....what was the symptoms the horse presented?
 
He was a young very tall horse and even though he was brought on very slowly he was always weak behind, lacked any power and had difficulty with canter. Sometimes you could see clicking/locking movement in the joint (not sure how to describe it??) he also showed signs of discomfort in his back regularly. He was 4 when diagnosed, he's 6 now and doing really well.
 
A horse I know has this. Trotting up hill for 20 minutes each day plus moving it as much as you can alongside joint supplements and you will barely notice it.. if ever. I think the last time the mare locked was two or so weeks ago and we've been doing this regime (advised by a vet ofcourse) for just over a month, good luck :-)
 
The horse i know does it when in his stable, he goes lame behind, the leg looks like it is locked in place and he walks on.the tip.if his toe......he just gets chucked out and by the morning he is fine again.

he will be getting a vet work up done next week as the episodes are getting more frequent and their is something to show the vet now.
 
Thanks all
The vet recommended getting the physio involved - don't worry!
Both vet and physio have confirmed the stifle is knocking and not (yet) locking, apparently this is something that can be helped by exercise in order to build muscle. It may in time start to lock, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
 
Ok, have consulted "it that knows everything" aka Google, and the only reference I can find to 'knocking stifle" is this thread. STP would love to know what the scientific name is.
 
Spirit's mom said:
Thanks all
The vet recommended getting the physio involved - don't worry!
Both vet and physio have confirmed the stifle is knocking and not (yet) locking, apparently this is something that can be helped by exercise in order to build muscle. It may in time start to lock, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Click to expand...

Erm . . . sorry, pardon? Very confused by this. Asked my vet about this in passing and he had never heard of it and he's an FEI approved/registered vet - so you'd think he'd know . . .

P
 
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