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Discussion on Movement difference regarding stifle or hock issue
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Member:
Kiwi
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Posted on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 9:33 pm:
Dr.O
Is there a difference in the way a horse will move when their hocks or stifles are an issue? One source I read said a horse with stifle issues will drag his toes at the trot but track up. If its a hock issue, the horse will not track up from behind. Is there any way to tell the difference between the two just based on the way the horse moves?
Thanks
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 9:54 am:
Hello Sandy,
From both personal experience and relaying information from some of the best lameness folks in the the world the short answer is "no".
One problem with the question is that it treats these joints as a single entity, while in reality these are very complicated mixtures of joints, ligaments, tendons, and bone. It may be that specific diseases of these structures present with subtle differences and this question is under intense investigation using motion analysis and force plate analysis. However very experienced eyes, or at least those with a objective point of view, know that though they might think they see lameness that looks referable to a location it needs confirmation with localization techniques, for more see Equine Diseases » Lameness » The Diagnosis of Lameness in the Horse.
DrO
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Member:
Beasley
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Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 11:00 am:
Hi Sandy: I have had a young AQHA gelding for 2 yrs. that was diagnoised with a mild UFP on one side and sore hocks. He appeared sound, but was reluctant to pick up the left lead and "DrOpped out" occasionally. He was also particularly rough to ride. The vet and I decided to take a conservation approach and inject the hocks and (after an appropriate time) work the stifle on hills, etc. I was amazed at how much smoother and obviously more comfortable he has become. That was 1 1/2 yr. ago. As long as I keep in moderate work, he does fine now. This may or may not be helpful to you, but I could only tell something was wrong by riding him...not by just looking at movement. So much is just guess work...keep trying until something works. Good luck.
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Member:
Kiwi
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Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 3:19 pm:
Hi Jo
Thanks for your story. My guy is giving me headaches diagnosing the problem. He has locking stifles, both legs as well as DJD in left hock (mild/moderate) and right hock (mild). Comments from a recent dressage test is that he has "irregular steps" and "does not push from behind". When watching him from the side, he drags his left toe occasionally and is reluctant to track up. Lead changes from right to left are becoming an issue as well as mild back pain, especially to the right. Vet put him on a course of Legend, squared toes and wait for the best. Not much of a difference so I had his left hock injected, still not much of a difference. In fact, since I backed off of work, due to the downtime on the injection, his stifles started to lock as well as overall stiffness. That is why I was wondering if his stifles or hocks bother him or is it a combination of both? Last time I talked to my vet he said to continue exercise and see how he progresses. Oh the fun of a lame? not lame? horse.
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Member:
Suzeb
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Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 5:07 pm:
Hello Sandy,
I too have a horse that has hock issues. (Bone Spavin) Vets recommendation is to take him up and down those hills. Slow and steady is best for this. Couple of things that you might want to consider is:
What is his hoof conformation like?
What kind of footing are you riding on?
Does he wear shoes?
Have you had your saddle fit checked lately?
Are there any issues with the front feet?
Dr.O is right in his articles and localizing the pain with nerve blocking. At least you know where the pain is coming from. I do believe that stifle blocking can be a little tricky. I hear you about the lame horse. It is not fun. You are always wondering what is bothering them on a certain day. If anything keep trying until you come up with some answers, at least you will know what it is you are treating.
Hope this helps.
Susan B.
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Member:
Sunny66
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Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 5:22 pm:
Me too Sandy, I know exactly how you feel....Hey, I think we need a support group.
Oh wait, we already have one here!
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Member:
Aewheele
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Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 8:07 am:
Support group is right! I sometimes think my horse is the only one with hock/stifle/pastern issues. Yes, on top of sore hocks (which seem to be better after his injections), my horse has bone spurs in both front pasterns and another form of ringbone in the left hind. His right hind sustained a stifle injury last year, but that seems to be all better. In other words, he's got one good leg! He's also 16 years old and if left in the stall for too long comes out feeling like an ironing board... I love him to pieces, but every day is a challenge. When I saddle him up, I never know what I'm going to get. He is always willing and has a wonderful disposition. I never know whether he's really hurting or just stiff and needs to be warmed up. I tend to keep working him, but sometimes I feel guilty about pushing... Guilt... Are there any psychologists out there? 
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Member:
Sunny66
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Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 10:14 am:
My psychologist has four legs and a tail...so he won't help
Susan's a great one tho!!!
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Member:
Suzeb
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Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 11:09 am:
Geez Aileen...that's a big plate to step up to 
Feeling guilty about excercising my horse when he looks ouchy....you bet! If he works out of this stiffness wonderful, if not then we back off.
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