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Discussion on Narcolepsy???
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Member:
Jimc
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Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 2004 - 12:15 am:
On occasion, when my 12 year old thoroughbred gelding appears to be sleeping while standing, he suddenly looses his balance and almost falls over. He catches himself before falling and if I call his name while this occurs, he responds to his name and gains balance.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 2004 - 7:30 am:
Perhaps a mild case or maybe a heavy sleeper: have the horses stifles been cut so that he cannot lock them anymore?
DrO
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Member:
Jimc
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Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 2004 - 10:39 pm:
The horse used to race. He also has a capped elbow in the rear leg. How can I tell if the stifles were cut and is there any relationship between cut stifles and a capped elbow? If he has narcolepsy, can it be treated and should I be concerned that he could fall while in his stall?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Nov 12, 2004 - 8:50 am:
No I don't think there is a relation between the stifles and the elbow. Though fairly easily palpated, detecting medial patellar ligament desmotomy (cut stifles) will require your vet see, Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb » Diseases of the Stifle » Stifle Lock: Upward Fixation of the Patella. Cocnerning narcolepsy see, Equine Diseases » Nervous System » Seizures & Fainting » Narcolepsy, Cataplexy, and Fainting.
DrO
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Member:
Klhanson
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Posted on Monday, Nov 15, 2004 - 10:02 am:
I have seen Jim and Robin's horse falling, and I don't think it is related to cut stifles. He will fall asleep if you massage his ears, if you curry or otherwise groom him, and so forth. He also will fall with his legs stiff when sleeping, and seems to be falling to the side with his legs jutted out. He always seems to catch himself before he actually hits the ground, and he seems very startled when it happens. The first time I saw it, I thought he was seizing.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 - 6:27 am:
The deal with the stifles is the horse normally locks them so he can sleep standing up. If they are cut the horse is unable to do so. Do you know if they have been cut?
DrO
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Member:
Larissap
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 7, 2005 - 6:44 pm:
What purpose would cutting them serve? How do you tell?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 8, 2005 - 8:25 am:
Larissa, see the article referenced above on Upward Fixation of the Patella, it explains the problem and the surgery.
DrO
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