upward fixation of patella or locking stifle

[moodiemare]

anyone have any experience of this, my 3yr old has had it for 2 years following a closed castration under general anasthetic, doesnt lock just catches but he finds it very annoying and gets quite angry about it. Im using muscle and joint supplments, physio and just started working him. It has improved and he can go ages with no signs but then it starts up again. Dont fancy surgery but will look into it if he hasnt improved with another years growth. He is a very slow grower (warmlood) and looks like he has another inch or so in height and obviously more filling out to do. Any suggestions, comments, experiences please?????

 

[lyndsayberesford]

Mine was the same, it disappears when he gets worked regularly and regular turnout also. I don't think any supplements help. It is not nice to see them catch/lock but usually pushing the horse to walk backwards unlocks it etc

My vet advised lots of hill work and basically to keep him in work as time off let's the muscle drop which is what causes it to be unable to unlock

 

[TrasaM]

Same ^. 5 year old cob also intermittent but given the same advice. It's noticeable again at the moment as he's not being worked as much because of the mud and mud and winter. He doesn't seem to notice it too much luckily.

 

[moodiemare]

thanks for response, difficult as he isnt yet backed and hates being turned out!!!!! vet recommended a particular supplement which has bulked him up a bit but its very expensive guess its just a case of wait and see, just wondered how many of them dont come right without surgery???