How do you treat a stifle injury in horses?
Horses with a mild stifle lameness may respond to rest, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or injections of a corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid to battle inflammation. The vet will discuss a timeframe after the rest period for resuming work with the focus on building conditioning.
What type of joint is the stifle horse?
The stifle joint (often simply stifle) is a complex joint in the hind limbs of quadruped mammals such as the sheep, horse or dog. It is the equivalent of the human knee and is often the largest synovial joint in the animal’s body. The stifle joint joins three bones: the femur, patella, and tibia.
Can a horse recover from stifle injury?
In cases where the joint capsule is stretched and not ruptured, recovery can happen with 2-3 months of rest and a slow return to activity. When inflammation is present, intra-articular medication may be recommended.
Can a horse recover from stifle?
What type of synovial joint is the stifle joint?
complex condylar synovial joint
The stifle joint is classified as a complex condylar synovial joint owing to the separation of its articular surfaces by intra-articular fibrocartilages—the menisci. Flexion-extension and rotation are the primary types of motion about the stifle.
What types of cartilage are found in the stifle joint?
What types of cartilage are found in the stifle joint and where are they located? Fibrocartilage is found in the joint. It is located medial and lateral in the joint and are called meniscus.
How long does it take for a horse’s stifle to heal?
How do you strengthen a weak stifle?
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 to treat stifle problems in horses?
– When treating locked stifle, you should walk your horse by hand instead of riding it. – Regular exercise is also a good way to prevent locked stifle, as a lack of exercise is one of the possible causes of the condition. – You can attach ankle weights to your horse to work the muscles that support the stifle, strengthening them in the process.
How to treat locked stifles in horses?
Peering Into the Stifle. The stifle is the largest of all the horse’s joints.
What is OCD in horses stifle?
What Is Ocd In Horses Stifle? Osteochondrosis (see Osteochondrosis in Horses) is a common cause of stifle lameness in young horses. Lesions in the stifle most commonly occur on the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur but may also occur on the medial trochlear ridge, in the intertrochlear groove, or on the patella.
What is a stifle injury in a horse?
Lameness