LOCKING STIFLE ANYONE !!!!!

Skinny Minnie suffered from this quite badly, it stuck almost every step she took.

She was underweight and in poor condition when she came here, and was 3.5 years old. Her field is on a hill. In just a couple of weeks there was a vast improvement as she built up muscle and put on condition. In a month or two there was no evidence of her stifles locking anymore :)

It was suggested to me on here to try walking her uphill to build up muscle, running around the hill in the field seems to have done the trick.
 
My first horse had it if he'd been in the stable overnight. Similar advice to MrsElle - we did lots of walking up hills, also vigorous strapping of quarters to encourage circulation/muscles. Unfortunately, for him, it didn't work and he ended up having them operated on but it was a complete success and we had no further trouble for the rest of the time we owned him.
 
It can happen in native types and usually at a young age, they can grow through the problem. Good advice above and in addition if you find you pony locked up, mkae him/her step backwards which will unlock the joint.
 
Yeh we have an ex racer with sticking stifles that was a secondary issue to her kissing spine.. She was treated by living out, acupuncture & osteopathy over 2 weeks, followed by having her stifles injected.. Lots better now x
 
I used to work with shetland ponies and it was a very common problem with the youngsters, most outgrew it as they got older. We did lead them out in hand to build up their muscles when they were old enough and that really helped. A lot of the time it looks a lot worse than it is, the clicking sound is horrible too!
 
We had a shetland with it and we just cut the ligament. It's a quick and simple op done under standing sedation at home and it just leaves a small 2-3in cut to deal with for a week or so after. The ligament isn't really used so the horse never misses it and with it being snipped it won't ever lock again. Only cost £95 too so cheaper than a gelding.

If I ever had another with it I wouldn't hesitate to op them.
 
Yes spot has a locking stifle on occasions, we've had it happen a few times, had to back him out of it when it happens, and sometimes he'd be a bit lame afterwards, but time off until he was sound then lots of hill work to strengthen it helped and it doesn't happen much any more. There is an op they do I've heard if it's really bad
 
One of mine has it. Managed through lots of work to build up the quarters e.g. hill work, lateral work, transitions within and between paces. Noticeably worse if not worked for two days in a row, or not schooled 'properly'. Jumping helps too. We also use Boswellia serrata for her which reduces the inflammation that occurs as a result of the ligament locking, and helps quite a bit - she never built up as much muscle on her quarters before using it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top