Vet visit update - Stifle Arthroscopiy experiences please!

Undecided

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 June 2012
Messages
502
Visit site
Still lame, being reffered to Cotts Farm for an arthroscopic investigation. I've done some reading (I know, never a good thing!) and am under the impression that those who undergo the procedure need box resting for up to 2months. But the whole reason we are in this situation is because of being in the stable and kicking the wall constantly. We've moved yards, hung toys, given feed, all sorts but he still does it however long he's in a stable so obviously box rest is out or we'll be back at square one. Has anyone any stories of this type of procedure without the box rest, just turnout into a small pen or similar and how long was your recovery?

For those who dont know the diagnosis, after scans and xrays back in April Rio was diagnosed with thickening of both cartilages in the stifles because of the wall kicking.
 
No experience of stifle arthroscopy I'm afraid but just wanted to share that wall kicking whilst in the stable was one of the symptoms of ulcers in my horse. Now the ulcers are treated he only bangs occasionally.
 
No experience of stifle arthroscopy I'm afraid but just wanted to share that wall kicking whilst in the stable was one of the symptoms of ulcers in my horse. Now the ulcers are treated he only bangs occasionally.
I did think that at first as he also started lifting a leg when girthing, I did mention to the vet but they didn't think it was a likely cause, obviously if we find nothing we will take a look down that route. At the moment we are thinking it was the frustration of being in all the time due to ****** turnout and a ****** stable.
 
I've not had a horse with SA, but I did have a horse that you couldn't stable, so box rest was out of the question. She unfortunately damaged a DDFT, but with the vet's approval she was put in an electric fenced off area of my flattest paddock and fully recovered.
 
I've not had a horse with SA, but I did have a horse that you couldn't stable, so box rest was out of the question. She unfortunately damaged a DDFT, but with the vet's approval she was put in an electric fenced off area of my flattest paddock and fully recovered.

That's great to hear. We do have a shelter in the middle of the field so I guess I can ask YO to fence a bit around that so he's in but not confined which could stop the kicking, never tried that so wouldn't know if it would work but once Rio's out he's generally very quiet, no hooning etc.
 
It worked so well in my old mare's case, that I would consider it with the others too if they ever need box rest/restriction of movement, depending on the injury concerned.
 
Interesting to hear more as my girl is about 1-2/10 lame with a stifle injury which is currently unknown. Had nearly the whole leg x-rayed & scanned with nothing more than thickening & fluid. She wasn't box resting very well and she was sound on bute we've turned her out & she's field sound off bute and I a straight line but not on a turn; vets were happy for me to start walking her again but this highlighted the lameness on a turn more. Vets are thinking about an arthroscopy. There seeing her Tuesday.
I'm very scared as it's unknown territory!
She's great though at the minute
 
Top