How to Fix a Stifle Injury

▶

Fixing a stifle injury in horses requires a multifaceted approach that may involve a combination of rest, exercise, supplements, and in some cases, surgery. The treatment plan will depend on the severity and type of injury, and may include Medial Patella Desmotomy, a surgical procedure that aims to relieve patellar luxation and restore normal joint function.

Understanding Stifle Injuries

To develop an effective treatment plan, it’s essential to understand the different types of stifle injuries and their causes.

Causes and Symptoms

Stifle injuries can be caused by direct trauma, overuse, or conformational issues, and may exhibit symptoms such as lameness, swelling, and pain in the affected joint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers related to stifle injuries in horses:

1. What is the treatment for a locked stifle in horses? The treatment for a locked stifle in horses can range from a tailored exercise program and supplementation to a more invasive surgical procedure known as Medial Patella Desmotomy.
2. How long does it take for a stifle injury to heal? Tissue healing within the stifle can take up to a year and occurs in three phases: the inflammatory phase, the reparative stage, and the remodeling phase.
3. What are the signs of a sore stifle in horses? A horse with a sore stifle may exhibit signs such as lameness, swelling, pain, and reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg.
4. Can a horse recover from a fractured stifle? Horses with small, nondisplaced, nonarticular fractures may be treated conservatively with stable rest for 6–8 weeks and have a good prognosis for return to athletic function.
5. Can you ride a horse with stifle issues? It’s generally recommended to stop riding the horse until the condition is fully understood and a treatment plan is in place.
6. How much does stifle surgery cost for horses? The procedure can cost around $750 to perform on both stifles, and is typically performed in a standing, sedated, and locally-anesthetized horse.
7. What is the most common stifle injury in horses? The most common stifle injuries include arthritis, bone cysts, and meniscal tears.
8. How to tell the difference between hock and stifle pain in horses? A horse with hock pain will usually point the leg and place it under the body more, while a horse with stifle problems will rest the more painful leg but may be more comfortable standing with the stifle joint rotated to the outside.
9. Can you wrap a stifle on a horse? Yes, using an Ice Horse Stifle Wrap with Cold Capsule inserts can provide uniform compression and coverage to reduce heat and inflammation.
10. How long does it take for stifle injections to work? The effect of the medication typically maximizes in 2 weeks post-injection, so it’s recommended to wait 2-4 weeks to assess the initial response.
11. How long does it take for a horse ligament to heal? Ligaments heal slowly, with a mild strain taking six to eight weeks, and a tear taking eight to 12 months.
12. What does blistering a horse’s stifle do? Blistering involves injecting an irritant directly into the ligaments to cause a limited inflammatory reaction, which can help to “tighten the ligament”.
13. What is a slipped stifle? A slipped stifle refers to the dislocation of the tibia bone in relation to its position with the femur and the patella.
14. When should you not massage a horse? Massage is contraindicated in cases of tumors, lacerations, unhealed scar tissue, heat, swelling, infectious conditions, fever, and shock.
15. How do I strengthen my horse’s stifle? Strengthening the stifle can be achieved through a combination of exercise, including hand-walking up and down slight inclines, and cross-training to improve overall core and hind end strength.