Stifle Arthritis

[Spangles]

12yo horse is under vet treatment (Cartrophen course) as suspect mild stifle arthritis. Would you expect an uneven take off when jumping ie slightly later take off on one hind (obvious on a photo) and is this a sympton ? What treatment route have you taken. Hoping for a positive outcome.

 

[Zoeypxo]

Highly recommend arthramid injections

 

[tristar]

has it been x rayed?

 

[mavandkaz]

My mare was diagnosed with arthritis of the left stifle last summer.
The original symptom was that she was going disunited when landing after fences on the right rein only. She did then start to refuse xc fences (fine on a surface) I presume due to firmer ground.
She was given steroid injection, and a short rehab plan (very similar to hock arthritis treatment). I probably took it a bit slower then needed due to the hard ground last summer.
She's now back up and running perfectly fine. Will see how she goes this summer.
I did have a jump lesson a couple of months ago where the instructor commented on her not pushing off evenly. But no other instructor has mentioned it, so not sure if it was a one off or they don't think it's a problem. I'm always on my own so haven't seen it myself.

 

[Spangles]

has it been x rayed?

Not yet, taking conservative route first. He's had field rest and now just hacking in walk for a month before re-assessing. I've been told that arthroscopy is the most accurate form of diagnosis ?

 

[Tiddlypom]

Unfortunately (as it invasive) arthroscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose stifle issues. A horse can have fairly clean x rays but significant soft tissue damage.

I had this discussion with a vet about one of mine. I believe that Arthramid can be very effective if it is stifle arthritis.

Good luck.

 

[AWinter]

Yes had one that always jumped across to the right

 

[tristar]

Not yet, taking conservative route first. He's had field rest and now just hacking in walk for a month before re-assessing. I've been told that arthroscopy is the most accurate form of diagnosis ?

we x ray first as per top international vet, last one by x ray only was pronounced fine, and still is.