Stifle Problems, Revelations and Awards
My horse is a problem child … and a klutz. He’s tweaked something in his stifle and has been off all week. I’ve gotten quite an education researching stifle problems this week, and learned that Ace has several conditions and symptoms that predispose him.
Stifle Issues
His predispositions for stifle issues include:
- being out of work for a long period of time and then starting training
- lack of muscle condition n the hind end (see above)
- confirmation flaws including slightly straight back legs that are also base narrow
General symptoms I’ve noticed before:
- back legs slip out from under him occassionally (a stifle lock symptom)
- sticky left lead
Current symptoms:
- lameness at a trot on turns and in deep footing
- popping sound in stifle when turning at a trot
He’s totally sound at a walk, and he trots pretty well in straight lines on hard ground.
I did call the vet, but he didn’t want to tell me anything without hauling Ace into the clinic for a full lameness evalutation complete with nerve blocks and xrays. Since he’s not too seriously lame and he hasn’t gotten worse, the vet said it wouldn’t hurt to give him some time and see how he does.
Treatment for weak stifles and stifle lock is primarily conditioning. Lots of walk and trot work up hills to strengthen the muscles.
So, currently I’m handwalking Ace in the driveway, which is conveniently long, straight, and on a slight hill. Then following that up with cold hosing and pouticing his stifles. I’ve also got him on bute to reduce any inflammation he may have in the joint. And looking into some good joint supplements. I’m not keeping him in his stall because that would just stress him more, and he would spend the whole time walking in small circles – which definitely wouldn’t help.
Revelation
At first I was frustrated that we weren’t able to ride and work AGAIN for the third time since I got him last August. We were making such good progress and then we were stalled. But I realized yesterday, what’s the rush? We’ve (hopefully) got years ahead of us. Ace and I always have a blast together even if we’re just grooming, hand walking, or treating injuries. It doesn’t have to be all about being in the saddle. I still love this horse like crazy even if I can’t ride him right now!
Awards
I’m glad OnTheBit likes me, because she always manages to send blog awards my way just when I’m in need of encouragement. And I do love getting them, even if I’m terrible about responding to them right away! 
It is nice to be appreciated, and fun to have a chance to recognize others.
Zombie Chicken Award
What on earth a zombie chicken really has to do with blogging, I don’t know. The people who come up with this stuff are either way more creative than me or have entirely too much time on their hands.
Here’s what this award is about:
The Blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the Zombie Chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all…
Actually, I think I might just take a zombie chicken apocalypse over my horse having abscesses, injuries, and hurt stifles. And what would I do if I were attacked by a zombie chicken? Beat it up with my dressage whip, of course. Then run really really fast.
Blogs I love to read simply because I can really relate, and who would totally show grace (and their dressage whips) in the face of a zombie attack are
- Green Slobber On My Shirt (she’s a great writer and I think her horse Gabe is actually Ace moonlighting as a gray TB)
- Nuzzling Muzzles (maybe zombie chickens in your yard would keep those annoying neighbors away!)
- Oh Horse Feathers (Mrs Mom is the best! She’s the most helpful when it comes to hoof issues, and I think I’d rather face the zombie chickens than her wrath (rasp?)
I’m sticking with three for now. Hopefully that’s enough to keep the ZC’s away.
I found you because of your award – congratulations!
I have a mare with a similar problem – it’s been an issue from time to time – we have been able to largely resolve it by getting chiropractic (when your stifle’s not working properly you mess up your back and hips) and then working to keep her fit – we’ve had a set-back recently with a bout of laminitis (thankfully no rotation so no founder) so we’ve got to start the fitness routine all over again.
I am glad to hear that Ace is at least not getting worse. I hope he starts to get better soon! Poor pony. I think he has attention issues! And yes, you do get lots of Brownie Points for giving out the award to others already! And I am very glad Mrs Mom is on the list because I wanted to give it to her but ran out of space!
I love your perspective about Ace’s injuries! Good things will happen!
Oh boy, stifle problems can be so difficult to really pinpoint, because sometimes, it’s really an issue with the hip or the back, sometimes even the hock, causing the stifle issue. I’m crossing my spurs that it is no worse than an out-of-shape and back into work issue and nothing more than that. Calypso has a little bit of stifle lock…every now and then that back leg just gets stuck. I don’t think it’s painful to her, just surprises her when it happens. She usually walks right out of it and is never lame on it.
Your attitude about it is spot on. We hope to have years with our horses…might as well give them the time they need to heal up right instead of rushing them forward and potentially cutting their serviceable and sound years short.
Thank you for the award! I am very humbled.
Congratulations on your award.
I’m sure you and Ace will figure out the stifle problem and work through it. You have a great attitude towards the whole thing. After all even though it’s more fun riding and training, it’s still a great experience just being with your horse and helping him get healthy again.