stifle lock

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Clarencec

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Hey, I've got a 7 yr old gelding , had him since he was a 4 yr old and ever since i've had him his stifle has been locking. At first i was told he was prob just going through a growth spurt but it seems 2 be happening more frequently (it doesn't affect him when he's being ridden) <font color="purple"> </font> Was advised 2 put him on msm but it doesn't seem 2 have made any diff. Spoke 2 my vet 2day about it and he suggested surgery but i'd like 2 try and avoid that if poss as its v expensive
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Just wondering if any1 has tried anything that really works or has any1 got a horse that has had that op???
 
It may not be of any help but I know a horse who has this and the best thing for him was as much turn out as possible and regular work if he couldn't have one or the other then just to get him out of his stable as much as possible.
He used to have slightly raised back shoes to help try and prevent this, although he had normal shoes on when I knew him (change of location and farrier).
How long has he been on MSM for? Just wondering if he has been on it long enough as it may take a while before it does start making a difference.
 
The best thing to do is keep him fit, lots of ridden work and turnout so the muscles are toned and then cant lock the joint up....we used to have a pony who stifle locked and if he went out of work for any reason and got unfit again it would be much work or he was stabled. Best thing for locking stifles is movement
 
My mare has always had periodic mild stifle lock - her leg can lock up and she raises it sideways and up herself when this happens to release it - sometimes it can be heard to click when she does this. It has never happened when ridden and she competes in all disciplines succesfully. I agree with what other postings have said that the best thing to do is keep your horse working and reasonably fit so that the muscles are toned and able to support the joint mechanism. I would never consider the operation which I think involves cutting the ligament (??) because I've heard that people say whose horses were operated on that it did more harm than good and in one case the horse never jumped successfully again.
 
Put him on global herbs movefree... its excellent but you must give it time to get into the body plus keep up with msm.

If it doesnt effect him when ridden i wouldnt worry to much, it isnt a painful condition.
 
i had a welsh d on loan who had a locking stifle, i put him on cortaflex which was very good but quite expensive although imo its worth it.

i also agree with everyone else the best thing for it is work and movement because it prevents them seizing up and so locking the stifle as much!
i wouldn't bother with the op as if he is fine ridden and it doesnt give other issues then u'd be better to stay as u are and see how it develops

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We have a mare on our yard with a locking stifle. Living out and keeping quite lean/fit seems to be the only way of keeping her stifle from locking.
 
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