This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Localizing Lameness in the Horse »
  Discussion on Hind Leg Hopping
Author Message
Member:
octavius

Posted on Monday, Jul 23, 2007 - 4:27 pm:

Hello Dr. O!

My 25 year old gelding returned to work in late May following abdominal surgery in January. After starting with long walks we proceeded to trotting in hand and he's turned out to be the best running partner I've ever had! In addition we've been walking under saddle for 30-45 minutes twice weekly and have just recently started trotting under saddle. Everything looks really good and he seems to be enjoying himself.

I have one concern. About 5 weeks ago he stumbled, could not catch himself, and went all the way down. When he got up he hopped on his left hind leg for about 3 strides and then walked out fine. I gave him 1 gram of bute and let him rest for 2 days just in case he was sore. Since then I've noticed him hop on the leg once when he appeared to take a bad step on uneven ground and another time when he got up from a good roll following his bath. Both times he would hop for about 3 strides and then walk or trot as if he were fine. I've been all over him from top to bottom and everything appears normal.

Do you think I have anything to be concerned about?

Many thanks!

Denise
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 24, 2007 - 7:15 am:

Hello Denise,
I cannot tell if there is a serious problem or not. If the only symptom is a few hops twice in the last 5 weeks, it would be hard to be worried. However mild persistent hindlimb lameness can be missed so you might consider having the horse examined. I would also consider these may be intermittent episodes of upward fixation of the patella, for a description see, Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb » Stifle Lameness » Stifle Lock: Upward Fixation of the Patella.
DrO
Member:
octavius

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 24, 2007 - 11:40 am:

As you suggested I read everything on upward fixation of the patella. It could be I'm seeing a slight weakness due to his 5 month layoff and being in a flat pasture as opposed to his normal hilly pasture. Also that particular leg has always been a problem child. Since I'm not seeing any other signs of lameness I'm going to sit tight and keep him in light work to improve his fitness and see what happens.

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. It is greatly appreciated.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC