Stifle injury - any thoughts/experiences?

tigger01

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My gelding has slipped in the field and injured his stifle - it's swollen and very tender, and he really doesnt want anyone to touch it too much. Vet's put him on Bute (2x2 a day for 2 days, down to 1x2 until weekend). We're on box rest for at least a week until we see how the leg fares with rest. Poor pony - I've only had him 6 weeks and we were just starting to get to know each other.

Anyone's thoughts on stifle injuries greatly appreciated!!!
 
Oh God you don't want to ask me ... long and very stressful story
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Get an x-ray if it doesn't improve as quickly as you would expect, just in case there is a bone chip.

On the plus side, my horse had a puncture would with it as it was from a kick, and that was the real root of the problem as infection got in. If your horse has injured his stifle from slipping in the field then I assume there is no flesh wound - things will hopefully be more positive for you.

I would get a physio to give you some guidance when he's over the worst.
 
Dont worry, my horse did the same a few years ago. He was being silly in the field and slipped too, came in hopping lame in fact I thought it was an abcess. Vet came and found a bit of swelling in his stifle area, put him on bute and box rest for about 2 weeks. I walked him out in hand 3/4 times a day to stop him getting stiff. He was right as rain after a couple of weeks and never been lame since! (Touches wood)
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Thanks you lot. I knew I could rely on you for sound advice. Went to see the boy this evening and altho sore he doesnt seem as sore. Will keep fingers crossed and hope the outome's like GigglePig's!!
 
My boy has just had an arthroscopy on both stifles. He is currently having IRAP injections in his stifles and on box rest.

He wasn't lame as such when this all started but was walking with his hind legs out of line with his fronts. As I called him at the time... my wonky donkey!!
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He got kicked on his right stifle months ago and the vets think the kick and the favouring his opposite hind has caused the damage, hence both stifles having soft tissue inflammation within the joints.

I'd keep a very close eye on his movement and foot placement even though no obvious lameness as this is how all my boys problems showed.

I originally thought it was a saddle issue but thank goodness I took the advice of people on this forum to get him checked out! Hopefully he is now well on his way to a full recovery!
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