Happyhorses123
Member
My horse has just been diagnosed with a small tear in his middle patella ligament. What are other people's experience of thus injury?
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Stifle middle patella ligament tear
- Thread starter Happyhorses123
- Start date
ALO
Well-Known Member
Hi, how has this been diagnosed?
The reason I ask is that my horse had an injury last year that resulted in a diagnosis of a tear in the lateral patella ligament. However once all the swelling had gone and he had a rescan it was all clear. I was told the only way to check the ligaments completely was through an arthroscopy as they are only partially visible on x-Ray and ultrasound. I did a bit of research when I thought mine had done this and it didn't look promising. I think you can cut the cranial ligament (my friends horse had this done at the same time as had a genetic issue with both of his) but think the other two are difficult to treat. Stifles are tricky things. My horse was lame for a good 6mtjs but is now sound and back in full work, we still don't know for definite what he did.
I was reluctant to put mine through an arthroscopy in case there wasn't any trauma inside the joint and then the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits so tried the wait and see approach. I hope yours comes right.
The reason I ask is that my horse had an injury last year that resulted in a diagnosis of a tear in the lateral patella ligament. However once all the swelling had gone and he had a rescan it was all clear. I was told the only way to check the ligaments completely was through an arthroscopy as they are only partially visible on x-Ray and ultrasound. I did a bit of research when I thought mine had done this and it didn't look promising. I think you can cut the cranial ligament (my friends horse had this done at the same time as had a genetic issue with both of his) but think the other two are difficult to treat. Stifles are tricky things. My horse was lame for a good 6mtjs but is now sound and back in full work, we still don't know for definite what he did.
I was reluctant to put mine through an arthroscopy in case there wasn't any trauma inside the joint and then the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits so tried the wait and see approach. I hope yours comes right.
Happyhorses123
Member
Ah interesting. It has been diagnosed by ultrasound. He hasn't had any swelling there. But did respond to a stifle nerve block. How lame was your horse? When did you start riding him again?
ALO
Well-Known Member
Was about 8 tents lame initially then around two tenths for months. Injured in September, started long reining January, riding again in walk in March.
Would highly recommend Physio treatment alongside your vet also.
Would highly recommend Physio treatment alongside your vet also.