Stifle Lameness
Stifle lameness refers to a range of conditions that affect the stifle joint in horses, which is akin to the human knee. This malady can be a result of various incidents and can have different underlying causes, often leading to discomfort and an irregular gait in the affected horse.
Commencement of Stifle Lameness
The root cause of stifle lameness could be a sprain, a bruise in the joint, or more commonly, a dislocation of the patella—also known as the knee-cap. This condition is typically seen when a horse falls, twists its joint, strains when pulling a heavy load (usually seen in draft horses) or encounters accidents within the stable. Accidents might include incidents like slipping, getting stuck in a confined space, or striking the joint against door-frames or other hard surfaces.
Stifle Lameness in Young Horses
Young horses, especially those with remarkably straight hind legs, are more susceptible to upward fixation or dislocation of the patella. This condition happens when the knee cap or patella gets dislodged, causing the stifle joint to “lock.” As a result, the horse’s leg extends straight out behind, dragging the toe as the horse moves. This dislocation can often be observed as a bulge on the exterior surface of the joint.
Unlocking and Resolution of the Condition
The dislocated patella often self-resolves, spontaneously unlocking with an audible click. Making the horse walk backward can help to free the knee cap and normalize the limb’s function. If this condition is diagnosed in older horses, a surgical procedure might be necessary—this involves cutting a small ligament to prevent future occurrences. However, it’s worth mentioning that most young horses will grow out of this issue as they age and their anatomy matures.
Hip Joint
The hip joint can be a significant area of concern in terms of health issues for a variety of animals, including horses. Problems can arise due to a range of conditions such as sprains, injuries, and arthritis, often manifesting as lameness—a condition similar to stifle lameness.
Causes: Sprain, Injury, and Arthritis
The hip joint may suffer from sprains and injuries, leading to lameness, a condition where the animal suffers from difficulty in moving. This form of lameness parallels the causes observed in stifle lameness. Additionally, lameness may stem from arthritis, a degenerative disease that affects the joints causing inflammation and progressive pain.
Symptoms of Hip Joint Issues
Noticeable symptoms in an animal experiencing hip joint issues include difficulty moving the leg which often appears shorter compared to its normal length. The leg might also swing outward, coupled with a dragging movement of the toe. These behaviors typically indicate pain and discomfort in the hip joint region.
Pain and Inflammation
Pain arising from hip related problems is usually severe, contributing significantly to the animal’s discomfort. The affected area exhibits considerable heat, a sign indicative of inflammation. The heightened sensitivity and tenderness in the hip joint region further point towards the severity of the issue.
Seriousness of Hip Joint Issues
Problems associated with the hip joint are consistently serious, rarely finding resolution even with ample periods of rest. These issues are often persistent and may require prolonged medical attention for the affected creature to recover fully.
