Can a horse recover from stifle injury?

Kaycee Monnens. In the past, an injury to the stifle joint of a horse may have certainly ended his or her career or usefulness. Now, with the ever-evolving science of veterinary medicine, afflictions to the joint have a much higher chance of being treated or even healed.

How are equine stifle disorders diagnosed?

Symptoms of Stifle Injuries in Horses

  1. Swelling.
  2. Lameness.
  3. Seemingly intolerant of exercise.
  4. Kneecap locking up.
  5. Joint thickening.

What causes stifle injury in horses?

But any horse can injure a stifle. “A horse could certainly slip in the paddock while playing and pull a ligament,” says Baxter. “And years of riding and concussion of any type can take a toll on the joint, leading to arthritis, which is simply a long-term chronic injury.”

How do you treat weak stifles in horses?

Walking and trotting in straight lines and over ground poles is commonly the first step. Tail pulls to the side can be used to strengthen the tensor facia latae. And cavaletti are eventually incorporated as well. Simple additions to care such as cold hosing and NSAIDS are often used to help progress the rehabilitation.

How long does it take for a horse to recover from a stifle injury?

These injuries are caused by trauma, and can be localised to the ligament due to pain and swelling over the affected area. These can be further characterised with ultrasound. The prognosis for mild sprains of the ligaments is good with 4-6 weeks of rest and a further 4-6 weeks of controlled exercise.

How do I strengthen my horses stifles?

Specific exercises Another common recommendation is to include hill work, if possible. Going up and down hills regularly is especially beneficial for strengthening stifles. If hills aren’t accessible in your area, you can also use cavaletti or raised poles to encourage your horse to lift and strengthen the stifles.

What does stifle lameness look like?

Initially, signs of stifle lameness are often subtle. Horses may seem off when taken out of their stalls, but get better as they continue working. A long period of stall rest and subsequent loss of muscle and ligament tone may exacerbate the problem. Reluctance to work may prove an early indicator of a stifle issue.