stringhalt/ locked hip???

[bonesinmypocket]

Hello
My friends halflinger mare has been diagnosed with stringhalt and we don't know much about it. The vet said there is a surgery that can be performed- does anyone know if the mare would have to be shipped to a facility or is this a minor surgery that can be done at home? Apparently ponies are more likely to get stringhalt than horses- does anyone have experience with this or know anything about it? Any info is much appreciated, my friend is worried about her mare and would like to get a handle on this! Thank you for any info.
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[Stella2]

I think (I'm not sure) that Stringhalt is a neurological problem in the same family as Shivers and Wobbler Syndrome. I don't know anything about the treatment, but I'd be interested to know more about it so I'll have a look in my Hayes et al Veterinary Notoes for Horse Owners. Then hopefully I'll be able to come back with something and with a bit of luck I'll find then that members with more knowledge have already posted replies ;)

[Jacquie]

Tell your friend not to worry....my horse has stringhalt, it's not a painful complaint and doesn't effect his performance in any way. I think it's more common in TB's than any other breed.

The link below explains the complaint in detail: :)

http://www.equusite.com/articles/health/healthStringhalt.shtml

[shirley]

A friend on our yard has a horse with stringhaut and she still manages to do lots of hacking, general showing / dressage / jumping. It does appear to be worse at times, but she does keep an eye on her back, having treatment as she feels she needs it from equine physiotherapist. Her horse was quite badly treated as a youngster, so every so often has like a panicky attack, which my friend just sits quietly to and soothes her down. Also during these times stringhaut appears worse, but soon calms down and is not very noticable.
Although has been asked to retire from dressage comps because judge thought it unfair of her to compete with a lame horse (when not acutally lame at all). She has researched it thoroughly - no known cause or cure - except surgery could help by doing surgery to the tendons of the affected leg / legs.
Good luck.

[The Flying Irishman]

My TB has stringhalt and it does not hinder him at all. does appear worse when atmosphere is damp though

[bonesinmypocket]

thank you for your responses, my mind is a little at ease now and i'm sure it will be news gladly accepted by my friend (she's been very worried, thinking the worst case scenario, as most would I suppose). I would be interested in what your 'veterinary notes for horse owners' says, Stella. Thanks for the link Jacquie.
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