|
|
Discussion on Stifle sprain
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Caymie
|
Posted on Sunday, Nov 21, 2004 - 8:21 pm:
Dr. O.,
Is it possible to have a sprained stifle that involves the patellar ligaments? Or does a sprained stifle usually involve some of the other ligaments in the stifle? What do you usually recommend for treatment for a sprain?
Thanks,
Mary
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Monday, Nov 22, 2004 - 9:26 am:
Sure it is possible but I believe the cruciate ligaments and menisci are more often sprained (see the article for pictures of all these structures). The advantage about patellar strain is that, if moderate to severe, it is easily diagnosed with palpation or ultrasound. Rest and anti-inflammatories are the center of therapy for such problems no matter where they occur.
DrO
|
Member:
Caymie
|
Posted on Monday, Nov 22, 2004 - 10:07 am:
Dr. O.,
How long do you recommend that the anti-inflammatory continue? And at what dosage? Do you ever recommend injecting the stifle joint just to take care of any inflammation that might occur secondary to the strain?
Thanks,
Mary
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004 - 8:55 am:
It depends on the case Mary, but I treat for as long as I see signs of inflammation. I would inject for internal stifle disease in order to quiet down the concurrent arthritis. If it is only the patellar ligaments these lie outside the joint capsule.
DrO
|
Member:
Caymie
|
Posted on Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004 - 12:45 pm:
Dr. O.,
My horse has been diagnosed with a stifle sprain. We went ahead and injected it just to be on the safe side in terms of any secondary inflammation/arthritis. The vet is pretty sure it is the patellar ligamnets that are strained based on palpation of those ligaments. However, I have not had it ultrasounded due to the fact that he is going to have to rest no matter what, and I have not had good experineces/accurate diagnoses with stifle ultrasounds in the past. (At the local teaching hospital). I have him on bute for now, 2g once daily. How long do these types of injuries typically take to heal? Weeks, months? I realize that alot of that depends on what is strained and the severity. Do you agree that it would be premature to put him under general anesthesia to scope it without giving the stall rest a chance to see how he heals? In your experince, can a horse come back from an injury like this and resume a Dressage career?
Thanks,
Mary
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 - 9:19 am:
It all depends on the severity of the sprain Mary. Mild sprains may get better in several days, severe strains with disrupted fibers may never heal completely. If I had good evidence of a non-articular disease I would not put the horse under general.
DrO
|
Member:
Caymie
|
Posted on Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 - 10:18 am:
Dr. O.,
That's kind of how I feel too at this point. I am sort of taking a wait and see approach. What would be considered articular disease? If the cruciate ligaments or menisci were involved would that be considered articular? How about the collateral ligaments? What would be the best way to determine if this were an articular situation? Ultrasound and/or radiographs?
Thanks alot,
Mary
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Friday, Nov 26, 2004 - 6:45 am:
All the above ligaments are part of the intraarticulat structures. Diagnosis of stifle lameness is carefully outlined in the article Mary. As you read it keep in mind there are 2 steps: localization to the stifle then identifying the exact nature of the disease.
DrO
|
Member:
Caymie
|
Posted on Friday, Nov 26, 2004 - 11:10 am:
Dr. O.,
I have read the article. The vet will be out to recheck him on Monday. If he does not appear to be improving I will proceed with having him radiographed and ultrasounded.
Thanks,
Mary
|
|
|
