Stifle Soreness 14 y/o OTTB

Hannah Kate

New Member
Jun 15, 2017
27
9
3
26
An OTTB I have known for years and owned for just under a year has a stifle problem.

The stifle locks ever so slightly but he just gets tight and sore.

Multiple vets have seen him the lameness is only bad when ridden/lunged in a circle on a slight slope.

All of the vets have suggested long term Bute before work and keep him in work as long as possible.

The sort of work he is currently doing is light flat schooling and hacking he's only ever slightly off with his trot work.

He raced for 10 years so the problem was caused by the hard fast work and is irreversible, the added muscle from work should ease the progression of the problem in his old age.

Just looking for advice/reassurance that what has been suggested by 3 vets (1 is a uk lameness specialist) is correct and has worked for others...
 
Standard advice for locking stifles is work to strengthen the structures around them. Severe cases can be operated on, but that's not a route you want to go down if work is enough.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
Standard advice for locking stifles is work to strengthen the structures around them. Severe cases can be operated on, but that's not a route you want to go down if work is enough.

That's fab I'm hoping work with Bute will help him he's a cracking horse, doesn't move like an old racer
 
The only thing would add its it may be worth trying some of the herbal bute substitutes for long term use.They don't always work but when they do they minimise the long term side effects.

That makes sense I have 'no Bute' and 'devils claw' at home is this the type of think you mean?
 
My youngster had locking stifles and to free them I had to reverse her.
She grew out of it but the physio along side the suggested exercises helped.
She had an injury as well so maybe you could contact a physio.
Also pay attention when your farrier is out, he will see any wear changes when he visits.
Down hills will be harder.
 
My mini has locking stifles (both legs) and he has coped really well with driving, the more he does the better he gets, only once or twice over the last 18 months has he got sore from it and that's generally been if I have stepped his work up too quickly (suddenly gone a lot further than normal), I've not had to bute him for any of it as once he's moving they don't lock, its only from a stand still.
 
newrider.com