young horse stifle problems

[pattywatty]

HI, I HAVE A YOUNG HORSE ( 2 YRS AND7 MTHS).I NOTICED SHE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING UP,OR AFTER SHE HAD LOCKED HER LEGS TO SLEEP STANDING.HER ONE LEG SEEMED TO HAVE GONE TO SLEEP. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW. IT'S EASY TO FIX AND SHE HAS HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH HER GAITS OR MOVEMENT ANY OTHER TIME.OUR VET SAYS IT'S BECAUSE HER HIND END IS GROWING NOW AND SHE SHOULD GROW OUT OF IT.WHAT SAY YOU ALL ANY OTHER IDEAS. SHE IS A QUARTER HORSE FED HAY ,MINERAL SALT,WATER AND PASTURE .SHE GETS ABOUT 5 LB OF 11% PROTIEN HIGH FAT GRAIN DAILY

 

[AengusOg]

I'd stop the grain feed and up the amount of hay or time at pasture if necessary.

There is a condition called 'OCD' which can cause stifle problems in young horses, and over-feeding can be a causative factor.

 

[raspberryripple]

My horse has had locking/slipping stifles since he was 2, he is now 4.

The more turn out the better as restricted movement (ie in a stable for lengthy periods) increases the locking up.
Uphill walking is also good for the ligaments involved.

I find in the summer it rarely happens but in the winter when he is in more it is regular.

Once they are in work it usually stops.

 

[pattywatty]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. SINCE THIS HORSE IS JUST STARTING TO BE BROKE WE WILL BE USING HER FOR ABOUT 20 MINS DAILY. WE ALWAYS HAVE OPEN STALLS WHERE THE HORSES CAN COME AND GO AT WILL.SO ANYTIME SHE WANTS TO BE IN THE PASTURE SHE CAN BE. I HOPE SHE WILL GROW OUT OF IT AS SHE HAS THE TEMPREMENT TO BE A GREAT SCHOOL HORSE