Oh no my girl is broken

[alsxx]

I'm so upset my girl has gone lame

we had a lesson this morning and were practicing our canter on her 'bad' (right) rein and she had a funny moment and after that was ever so slightly lame on her left hind.

I know I probably shouldnt suspect the worse, but as a 2 year old she started to develop clicking from her stifle on that side, and I've always had my suspicions about it. I've had it looked at twice by 2 different vets and both were were not particulary concerned about it. The last time she was looked at was as a 4 year old before she was backed and vet advised to leave and see what happens as her workload increased, and only go down further investigation route if she became unsound.

She's always been very difficult (she's only 5 by the way) to get to canter on the right lead on the right rein, and its been at the back of my mind now for a while that this may be because of whatever is going on in the stifle. If anyone has seen my post from the other day, she has also been quite naughty to hack out recently so now I am wondering whether something has been brewing in there and making her uncomfortable - for which I feel terrible!

I'm going to leave her for a few days and see how she goes. I just dont know what to do for the best though - do I leave her and if she comes right again carry on, or do I just get vet back out and ask for a thorough examination inc x-rays? For which I would need to get the insurance co involved. As I said she is only ever so slightly lame in trot. If she does come right i wonder how long again before she goes lame and then i would feel like i am just making things worse anyway

And then I'm so worried about what they may find in there and that she will never be able to have a useful life. Ok - I know I'm jumping the gun a bit now but I'm just so worried!

 

[cellie]

If its stifle sometimes with the right work to build up the muscle and a good supplement the condition can be managed.The muscle will help hold the offending area and support we had a pony a few years ago and the more work he did the better he was.I would try a good supplement if she has problems and keep in contact with the vet and monitor her lameness.I have had lameness issues for the last year so I know how despondant your feeling try and keep positive.

 

[alsxx]

Thanks for your reply, I know I need to stay positive, but I just instantly think the worst! This evening she was about the same, I would say she is only 1/10th lame so I know its nothing major....but shall see what the vets suggest.

What sort of supplements are good to use?

 

[cellie]

My vet recommended new market joint supplement.He has a friend in the trade that tests in newmarket some of the cheaper supplements dont get into the blood stream ,I believe its the size of the molecules.I was told to keep my boy on it as he is so accident prone and has damaged his tendon and ligament in the past they said it would help maintain healthy joints. Its also good for any arthritic changes and as he has had a spavin op this yearI wanted to make sure his other joints kept healthy.Any good quality glocosomine product if you cant get hold of the one I use would help.Good Luck

 

[monstermunch]

Don't panic yet. It sounds like she may very well benefit from an x ray to show whether it is the stifle that is affecting her. If it is to do with this depending on what it is it can usually be extremely well managed with exercise to build the muscles up and a very good joint supplment to prevent further damage. have a look on www.riaflex-equine.co.uk they do quite a few.
Stifle problems are quite common especailly in the young growing horse so get advice from your vet and keep a positive mind. Hopefully it will be nothing too serious