Stifle Injuries In Equines - A Complex Issue
Stifle lameness in horses is fairly common, but can be difficult to diagnose. The stifle is the largest joint in horses and is like a human knee, with ligaments, bones and soft tissues, which include a patella, cruciate ligament, and menisci.
Author:Dr. Felix ChaosphereReviewer:Xander OddityNov 09, 20233.1K Shares147.7K Views
Stiflelamenessin horses is fairly common, but can be difficult to diagnose. The stifle is the largest joint in horses and is like a human knee, with ligaments, bones and soft tissues, which include a patella, cruciate ligament, and menisci. There are three patella ligaments that allow a horse to rest while standing; this is also called the stay apparatus. There are two joints in the stifle, both of which can cause problems.
A horse with stifle issues may have swelling or be reactive to flexion tests. X-rays and ultrasounds are helpful for diagnosis, but a veterinarian may also inject an anesthetic to see if the horse becomes more comfortable. A high-motion joint, the stifle can be injured when horses work at high speeds or when they are jumping. The two main categories of stifle injuries include femoropatellarand femorotibial.
Femopatellarconditions can include locking stifle, osteochondrosis, and patellar fractures.
Locking stifleis common in young horses and ponies. It has a variety of severity, but treatment is generally concentrated on increasing the horse's hind-end strength. If that is unsuccessful, injecting the ligaments to tighten them may be performed next, with surgical incisions to thicken the ligament used as a last resort.
Osteochondrosisis when the blood supply to a bone is interrupted and part of the bone dies; bone regrowth is often not linear, resulting in lameness. This commonly occurs in foals and young horses, and can range from mild to severe; it is most often diagnosed by X-ray. Treatment can range from stall confinement to surgery and success rates depend on the severity of each case.
Final Words
Patellar fractures are most commonly seen in sport horses that hit a solid cross-country fence. The horse becomes severely lame and surgery is usually performed, either to remove small bone fragments or to place screws to stabilize the joint.
Jump to
Dr. Felix Chaosphere
Author
Dr. Felix Chaosphere, a renowned and eccentric psychiatrist, is a master of unraveling the complexities of the human mind. With his wild and untamed hair, he embodies the essence of a brilliant but unconventional thinker. As a sexologist, he fearlessly delves into the depths of human desire and intimacy, unearthing hidden truths and challenging societal norms.
Beyond his professional expertise, Dr. Chaosphere is also a celebrated author, renowned for his provocative and thought-provoking literary works. His written words mirror the enigmatic nature of his persona, inviting readers to explore the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche.
With his indomitable spirit and insatiable curiosity, Dr. Chaosphere continues to push boundaries, challenging society's preconceived notions and inspiring others to embrace their own inner tumult.
Xander Oddity
Reviewer
Xander Oddity, an eccentric and intrepid news reporter, is a master of unearthing the strange and bizarre. With an insatiable curiosity for the unconventional, Xander ventures into the depths of the unknown, fearlessly pursuing stories that defy conventional explanation. Armed with a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience in the realm of conspiracies, Xander is a seasoned investigator of the extraordinary.
Throughout his illustrious career, Xander has built a reputation for delving into the shadows of secrecy and unraveling the enigmatic. With an unyielding determination and an unwavering belief in the power of the bizarre, Xander strives to shed light on the unexplained and challenge the boundaries of conventional wisdom. In his pursuit of the truth, Xander continues to inspire others to question the world around them and embrace the unexpected.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles