Post by IH Health on Jul 30, 2009 15:16:49 GMT 1
Locking Stifle
What is it?
A locking stifle or ‘intermittant upward fixation of the patella’ is where the patella (knee cap) moves from its normal position and locks the joint, forcing the horse to hold its leg up in an abnormal way.
The locking is caused by the ligament not releasing properly.
Causes
The condition of locking stifle is thought to be hereditary due to conformation – if there is a very steep angle between the femur and tibia then the horse is more likely to have this condition. Trauma to the stifle can also cause it to lock. Young horses, unfit horses or those with poor muscle development can also be predisposed.
Symptoms
• No normal lameness but the horse may intermittently hold out their back leg with the stifle locked.
• The patella may feel like it is ‘catching’ on each step.
• In long-term cases the stifle may become inflamed, the horse lame and DJD may develop.
Diagnosis
Viewing the symptoms. If this happens it is recommended you speak to the vet to clarify your treatment plan.
Treatment
To unlock a stifle, backing the horse up slowly a few strides can unlock it. Improving muscle development/fattening up a horse can also decrease the chances of this occurring. Improvement of diet and turning a horse out more can also aid. When none of these treatments work, the vet can consider cutting the medial patella ligament.
Full patella dislocation can occur and is known as ‘slipped stifle’ and is often caused by the horse banging their stifle against an open stable door or fence. The vet will need to be called to put the patella back in place and treat with antiinflammatories.
Websites (click on the title for link)
Locking Stifle Joint
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
A locking stifle or ‘intermittant upward fixation of the patella’ is where the patella (knee cap) moves from its normal position and locks the joint, forcing the horse to hold its leg up in an abnormal way.
The locking is caused by the ligament not releasing properly.
Causes
The condition of locking stifle is thought to be hereditary due to conformation – if there is a very steep angle between the femur and tibia then the horse is more likely to have this condition. Trauma to the stifle can also cause it to lock. Young horses, unfit horses or those with poor muscle development can also be predisposed.
Symptoms
• No normal lameness but the horse may intermittently hold out their back leg with the stifle locked.
• The patella may feel like it is ‘catching’ on each step.
• In long-term cases the stifle may become inflamed, the horse lame and DJD may develop.
Diagnosis
Viewing the symptoms. If this happens it is recommended you speak to the vet to clarify your treatment plan.
Treatment
To unlock a stifle, backing the horse up slowly a few strides can unlock it. Improving muscle development/fattening up a horse can also decrease the chances of this occurring. Improvement of diet and turning a horse out more can also aid. When none of these treatments work, the vet can consider cutting the medial patella ligament.
Full patella dislocation can occur and is known as ‘slipped stifle’ and is often caused by the horse banging their stifle against an open stable door or fence. The vet will need to be called to put the patella back in place and treat with antiinflammatories.
Websites (click on the title for link)
Locking Stifle Joint
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
I know this has been touched on in the above, but I wanted to point out that locking stifle's are reasonably common place in growing youngsters especially around the age of two and three. I wanted to point this out to save new breeders from panicking when and if this happens to their baby. Keeping your youngster in the field walking around is the best way to deal with it, and eventually the condition will put itself right as the ligament sorts itself out and muscles improve in strength. If , however the complaint is apparent earlier in life, then it could be a congenital fault which needs looking into, as it may not resolve itself.
