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  Discussion on Stifle Ligament/Tendon Tear
Author Message
New Member:
kkrajcik

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 - 9:25 pm:

I just had what is about the worst news I can have on my 18 year old TB/QH. He's been having severe lameness in his right hind when he has a rider on his back for about two weeks. After three vet visits and ruling out the obvious, my vet thinks it is a tear to a tendon/ligament that is deep in the stifle (I can't remember the name). If he is right, this means my boy has to retire. Right now I am waiting for the head of the vet practice to come out and do an ultrasound. In the meantime, does anyone know of any good supplements or therapies that can be used to heal this sort of injury? He is the best horse I've ever owned, and I can't bear the thought of not having him anymore. Right now I am an absolute wreck.
Member:
stevens

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 10:04 am:

Wow, stifle injuries are tough, so sorry to hear the news.

Both Platinum Performance and Smart Pak have tendon repair supplements. I cannot vouch for their effectiveness.

As far as therapies go, time is the best one I can think of.

Good luck.
New Member:
kkrajcik

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 10:44 am:

Chris - Thank you for this information. I looked in my veterinary book yesterday to find out what ligament my vet was referring to. He suspects it's a tear to the Cruciate Ligament. His best case scenario is that he might be trail sound. However, no more riding in the ring.

I looked up the SmartPak supplement and thought I'd give it a try. Another one that I heard good things about is Rapid Response. Does anyone have experience with this?

Also, how is it possible that a horse who has been doing nothing but flat ring work and trails can get such a severe injury?

I welcome any information at all that can be offered and am continuing to look into ways to make the best out of this situation.

Thanx for the information.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 6:13 pm:

Welcome Kathy,
You will find more information on diagnosis and treatment of stifle injury at Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb » Stifle Lameness » Overview of Stifle Lameness. Until we find out more information best is just to wait and stall rest the horse. If your nutrition program is good there are no feed supplements that have been shown to improve the prognosis of a torn ligament.
DrO
New Member:
kkrajcik

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 8:20 pm:

DrO,

After I initially posted my message, I looked up the tendon my vet is referring to...it's the Cruciate Ligament.

What scares me most is that everything I read about this has a bad outcome. Is there really a possibility he can come back from this? Also, I'm a bit dumbfounded as to how he could get such an injury when all he does is flat work in the ring and light trail riding.

Chance is my "once in a lifetime" horse, and he really means everything to me. I can't bear the thought of even retiring him because he isn't on my property, and retirement still puts him out of my life.

Please tell me there's hope!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 8:56 pm:

My understanding is that there is not a firm diagnosis yet Kathy. Let's get a diagnosis before we attempt go prognose the future.
DrO
New Member:
kkrajcik

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 9:17 pm:

I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself. It's very hard not to think the worst.

I will let you know when I get more information.

Thank you,

Kathy
Member:
stevens

Posted on Thursday, Jul 17, 2008 - 11:34 am:

Kathy, you aren't alone. There are several of us dealing with severe injuries to our "once in a lifetime" horses. Yes, it sucks, but life will go on.

My boy also severely injured himself "only" doing flatwork. I suspect it was in turnout but will never really know. He's now retired, although I ride him at the walk and ice his leg after every ride. Things don't always turn out the way we plan, but they turn out.

My horse's injury is a long way from his heart. I can't compete with him or trot or canter, but he's alive and has a good quality of life. Now if he would just stop bullying his new neighbor and banging up his face I'd be happy.

Hang in there.
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