Locking Stifle

MissSBird

MissSBird

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Hi guys

I'm lookign for a new horse at the moment and have enquired about one. The owner has had him since he was weaned, and have told me that when he was 3 had an issue with a locking stifle. They were told 6 months turnout which they did, and it apparently hasn't been a problem since.

I know nothing of this condition, nor even what it is really. Is it the sort of thing that is fully fixed, or would it be a concern for the future? Or is it a case of avoiding this horse entirely?

Thanks and cookies
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ah i see.. hard one prob best to ask a vet i know a 5yo with locking stifle and she is great but its when she is left in for long periods she gets it pretty bad. it would be interesting to know if it gets worse as they get older?? im going to have a google now....
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We had a horse who had that - but he was fine. He didnt really get it if he was properly in work - and only ever did it when he started being worked when you first got him out of the stable. He showjumped well, and certainly never showed any signs of discomfort with it. And he passed a vet when we bought him - and later when we sold him (never had a lame day either... - v tough horse).

But as others have said, your vet can give you his more expoert view.
 
From what I have read the locking stifle is more common in young horses. Hill work can help strengthen the muscles and naturally correct the problem.

I have a Shagya Arab who locked at four but doesn't any more. She is 6 now.
 
Locking patellas is common in horss with upright hindlimb conformation or those lacking muscle tone. Certain breeds are also pre-disposed, such as shetlands. It is most likely in young, growing horses.

In many horses conservative treatment is all that is necessary i.e. lots of turnout and work to build up muscle. worse case scenario one of the ligaments on the patella has to be cut, which may increase the risk of arthritis later in life.

It shouldnt stop you from being able to ride the horse, as riding is a treatment so to speak.

Speak to your vet so if you have it vetted they can have a good feel of the stifle for any damage. Although x rays would be the only definite way to tell. It wouldnt put me off, i had a horse that had to have her ligaments cut and she recovered ok.
 
my mare used to have locking stifles when i first brought her out of the stable in the morning. did lots of hillwork and it happened less often. then moved her to my own land where she had an open stable system (thus wasn't left standing for hours overnight) and i never saw her drag her leg again!
 
My horse had this the day after I bought him when he came out of the stable. he was three.Hes fine now . Hes out 24/7 and is ridden a lot.
 
I eventually had a brainwave and called my own vet, who confirmed that most horses get them (though a lot go undiagnosed because they right themselves before the owner finds out). 99.9% of the time it's no cause for concern.
 
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