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 Lameness question
Author Message
Member:
Christos

Posted on Thursday, Oct 28, 2004 - 6:04 pm:

DrO,
Is it logic to say that if a horse is lame/stiff in deep footing but much better on asphalt or gravel, we're dealing with a muscle or tendon problem and not a bone or joint problem ?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Oct 29, 2004 - 8:32 am:

Certainly such a lameness rules out all but the most unusual solar and heel lameness. Primary bone diseases, other than those associated with joints and fractures, are really pretty rare. So this gets down to can we seperate diseases of muscles and tendons from those of joints using such a test. I don't think you can make such a general statement. There are joints right down close to the ground and at the other end of the leg which will be effected differently by concussion. While a soft ground might destablize the horse somewhat, this instability is transmitted to the joints putting extra stress on them, particularly the collateral ligaments and joint capsule. I think there are general characteristics for each lameness but I don't think it will divide quite so cleanly among diseases of the muscles and tendons and diseases of the bone and joints.
DrO
Member:
Christos

Posted on Friday, Oct 29, 2004 - 3:09 pm:

Thanks for your response, Doctor.
I'm trying to figure out what was damaged in my colt's hind legs after he took a very bad spill, skidding on his belly for a few meters with his hind legs stretched out behind.
Thank God, it seems there was nothing more than the tensor muscle of lateral fascia of thigh that was badly stretched, may be along with some ligaments. He was very reluctant to step forward with either of his hind legs, and he lost some muscle there over a couple of weeks. No other findings. Well, none that I could find, anyway.
He improved steadily however, and now, after a month or so, he starts to extend his trot again and I can see his muscle building back.
Unfortunately there are no diagnostic tools around here, not even any vets I would trust with anesthetic blocks, so I'm kind of guessing my way around.
Thanks again for your help.

Christos
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Oct 29, 2004 - 7:19 pm:

Thats all I hope is wrong Christos. My experience with such injuries is that it frequently damages the cruciate ligaments of the stifle which leads to a life long arthritis of the joint. Is there a slight puffiness to the stifle joint pouches. Compare to your other horses. Rest, antiinflammatories, and a bit of luck will be needed for complete recovery. I'll raise a toast tonight for good fortune for your colt.
DrO
Member:
Christos

Posted on Saturday, Oct 30, 2004 - 5:35 pm:

There's no puffiness I can feel, Doctor. But mind you, the stifle joint has never troubled me before, so my hands are not familiar with it.
There's no instability in his stifles either (I think I'd see it had there been one).
Anyway, he's definitely improving every single day, so I think he'll come around to 100%.
Thanks a million for your support.

Christos
Member:
Suzeb

Posted on Saturday, Oct 30, 2004 - 7:28 pm:

Hello Christos,
A question about the deep footing. Is this something that your horses are working/playing in everyday or is it something that they have to stand in while they are in a stall or run in shelter?
All I can offer is that my own gelding has bone spavin (a form of arthritis), and deep sand footing for riding don't mix very well.
I know that you wouldn't be riding this little guy yet, but perhaps if you could keep him off the deep footing for awhile while he heals would be beneficial. It is good to hear that he is improving.

Susan B.
Member:
Christos

Posted on Sunday, Oct 31, 2004 - 1:25 am:

Hi, Susan,
The deep/slippery ground is where the horses are turned out, which is also where they're being worked.
It is not a problem under saddle as I can pick a safe area to work, and it is not a problem with the older ones that have learned to mind their step and speed.
The little one didn't know how slippery it can be, I didn't think of it, and here we are.
He learned his lesson, too well may be as he will now stay clear of mud and water by 20ft or so.
He's now on hand walking only, for an hour or so a day, and a very short, supervised turnout once a day in order to see his movement from a distance and may be clear his mind a bit.

Christos
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