Vet advice please...Stifle Lock

W

walkandtrot

Well-Known Member
Joined
31 January 2008
Messages
204
Location
Scotlandshire
Visit site
Hi, my 5 year old has an odd bout of Stifle lock in his near hind, his last being about 2 months ago and just lasted a day, he is fit and we do lots of hillwork, polework etc etc, we had a flat lesson on sunday which was quite intense and involved quite a bit of small cirlces leg yield to large etc, yesterday (Tuesday) he started to lock up, albeit a few mad moments in canter gallop, he is on Global herbs move free all the time and I gave him alpha bute last night and this morning, he was stabled from 9pm last night, and had hoped he would be fine this morning as last time, but its still locking, almost every step, I also have walked him backwards a few steps, which he is finding difficult and avoiding and stepping sideways...My question is at what point to I get my vet to intervene, although a very good equine vet, he admits he hadnt seen a stifle lock case in about 30 years and suggested box rest the first time round, which my gut feeling was to have him move around.... not sure what to do, as it seems quite acute this time.....
 
Firstly, don't panic. Locking stifles are common in young horses as they go through growth spurts and the bones and ligaments etc grow at different rates. They are also common after loss of condition. You are doing everything right so far, lots of polework, lots of hills and lots of work to build up the muscles. It is better for the horse to be out as much as possible though. To be honest, given how common locking stifles are, I'd be concerned if my horse vet said he'd not seen one for 30 years......

If the locking continues after the hill work and the muscle building I'd get it investigated. There is a very simple operation that can be done with the horse under a local to snip the bit that is causing the issue but it can cause arthritic problems later one. There may also be a bone chip that is causing the issue.

Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top