What happens when a horse has a stifle injury?
The horse’s stifle is akin to a human knee, and it usually bends forward. A horse with a locked stifle will likely hold its hind leg stiff and straight, unable to unlock the joint. Can a horse recover from a 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.
What are the symptoms of swollen leg joints in horses?
Symptoms horses may have due to this condition are typically observed by the owner. Symptoms of swelling of the legs may include: Swollen leg joint in one leg. Swollen leg joints in more than one leg.
Can a locked stifle cause a horse to jerk?
Diagnosing Locked Stifle Joints. In severe cases, a locked stifle will be very obvious. The horse will have difficulty moving its leg normally. However, don’t mistake a locked stifle for stringhalt, a neurological disease that causes exaggerated and uncontrollable movement, sometimes making your horse jerk its hind leg up high while stepping.
Why does my horse have a fever and swelling?
The swelling is associated with heat and pain including lameness if associated with the legs. Because fever is present infection or autoimmune disease is high on the list of suspects. Occasionally noninfectious processes will cause fever particularly if very painful or excited.
What happens when a horse has a stifle problem?
When you state stifle problems, we assume that lameness is involved. Horses with stifle problems are going to be lame in the hind end. The lameness can be on one or both sides, depending on if one or both stifles are affected. Usually the stifle joint will be swollen and possibly painful but not always.
Symptoms horses may have due to this condition are typically observed by the owner. Symptoms of swelling of the legs may include: Swollen leg joint in one leg. Swollen leg joints in more than one leg.
Can a stifle joint cause lameness on one side?
The lameness can be on one or both sides, depending on if one or both stifles are affected. Usually the stifle joint will be swollen and possibly painful but not always. If the problems have been going on for a period of time in one leg, the other leg may develop problems from supporting too much weight.
What can I do to prevent stifle injuries in my horse?
There are things that you can do to prevent stifle injuries in your horse. You can help him avoid direct trauma to the joint by not pushing him past his abilities, particularly in performance activities.
