Locking joints

[miriam vernon]

My 4 year old Fell/Welsh cross has a problem with his off hind hip locking sometimes. He shows no discomfort and there is no heat in the joint. He can go for days when nothing happens and then other days I have to walk him around and then it improves. Both my farrier and an experienced friend of mine say that it is nothing to worry about and is not uncommon in native breeds. Has anyone ever heard of this before? Any advice or wisdom would be gratefully received.

[artemis]

Backing up unlocks it - just a couple of strides. As they muscle up they usually grow out of it. Plenty of riding up & down hills!

[miriam vernon]

Thanks for the advice I'll try it and see how Ted gets on. I'm in Derbyshire so hills are something I've got plenty of!! Can there be any long term problems with locking joints i.e. arthritis?

[artemis]

Some need surgery if the problem persists.

[miriam vernon]

AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH:( :eek:

Could you tell me more - you've just seriously got my attention now!!!

[artemis]

I think it's when they are fit & mature (stopped growing ) & the problem still persists. I read up on it when I had a youngster with the problem, she outgrew it. Try a veterinary website/textbook.

[Big Ears]

It's the stifle slipping and is common in youngsters - I've had two with it and as they matured and got into work it stopped happening. They were also turned out on a field with a very steep slope and that built up the muscle to keep it in place.

So if you can do lots of hills and build up general fitness it will help. To unlock it, put pony into reverse, or to back its weight onto back legs and that generally clears it. As it gets fitter, it should decrease in frequency and if all else fails there is surgery.

Shouldn't lead to arthiritis as it isn't the joint that is the problem but the tissue supporting it, and as it strengthens the problem resolves itself and should remain fixed.

[miriam vernon]

Thanks so much for you help both of you. Glad to know that its quite common and Ted should grow out of it. The field is on a hill and as for hacking we can't go anywhere unless we go up hill first!!

Thanks again.